FAQ
Have Questions about our Signature Fabric, Products, Sun Safety, and Policies?
You can find all answers below!
Shady Baby Cover
What is the Shady Baby Cover?
The Shady Baby is an Aussie first baby carrier cover designed to protect your baby’s neck, arms and legs from the sun while babywearing.
Made from independently tested UPF50+ rated fabric, the Shady Baby blocks more than 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is designed by an Aussie mum for outdoor loving parents, so you can adventure with your joey without worrying about the sun.
Why will I love it?
So many reasons! But here are 5 quick ones for you busy parents:
- Easy to apply and remove and stays securely in place while you are on the move.
- Blocks up to 98% of harmful UV rays (UPF50+) and provides continuous sun protection without reapplication.
- The fabric is gentle on sensitive baby skin—breathable, hypoallergenic, and lightweight.
- There is a hidden pocket for storage of essential items on the go.
- Adds extra protection from wind, mozzies, and other outdoor irritants.
How do I use it?
We’ve kept things as simple as possible, because no parent needs extra faff.
- Slip the apron-style strap over your neck.
- Adjust the length so the structured neckline sits neatly at the top edge of your carrier.
- Clip the waist strap around your waist (between you and baby, or behind your back).
That’s it! Strap, clip, shade. To remove, just unclip, slip off, and pop it back into it’s convenient carry pouch.
Which baby carriers does the cover fit?
Designed to fit over all structured baby carriers (forward and inward facing).
What extra features does it have?
- Structured neckline → keeps airflow moving and your baby in view.
- Hidden zip with double pocket → one small pocket for keys,headphones or dummy, and a larger pocket that can stash a spare nappy, wipes, or a change of clothes. (Translation: ditch the bulky nappy bag for short trips.)
- Internal pouch → tuck bub’s arms and legs in when the breeze picks up, when mozzies are buzzing, or when the temperature drops.
- Convenient carry bag → can be attached to your carrier so you can easily store the Shady Baby cover for quick access when not in use.
Can I use the cover without a carrier?
While its primarily designed to be worn over your carrier, it does more than one job (because parents don’t need more single-use baby gear).
You can also use it to:
- Cover your babies legs in the pram.
- Cover up for sun-safe breastfeeds. The structured neckline means you can see your little one, while enjoying some privacy – how cool is that!?
What age range does it suit?
The Shady Baby is designed for newborns through to around 18 months. With three adjustable length settings, it grows with your little one from tiny squish to toddler explorer.
Does the cover stay secure while I’m moving?
Yes! Between the neck strap and waist clip, it stays securely in place when you’re walking, wrangling a toddler, juggling a coffee, or holding onto the dog lead (or, let’s be real, all four at once).
No slipping, no flapping - just reliable shade that moves with you.
Will my baby overheat under the Shady Baby?
The Shady Baby was designed with airflow and safety front of mind:
- The structured neckline keeps the cover lifted away from your baby’s face, allowing fresh air to circulate.
- The cover is designed to adequately cover baby’s arms and legs while remaining open on the sides and bottom for extra airflow.
- Our signature fabric is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, meaning it draws heat and moisture away from your little one’s skin rather than trapping it. You can read more about our signature fabric below.
That said, Australian summers can be fierce. We always recommend doing regular checks of your baby by feeling the back of your baby’s neck or chest and keeping an eye out for signs of overheating (flushed cheeks, damp skin, fussiness). If in doubt, take a break from the cover and cool things down.
Swaddle
What makes the Calm + Cosy Swaddle different from other swaddles?
This isn’t your average muslin. Our swaddle is crafted from Cosy Joey’s signature fabric, a luxe blend of TENCEL™ Lyocell + Smartcel™ Sensitive infused with zinc oxide. You can read more about our Signature Fabric below. In short, its super soft, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, breathable, and naturally sun-protective.
Can I use it outdoors?
Yes! The Calm + Cosy Swaddle doubles as a stroller companion, creating a breathable layer of UPF50+ sun protection. Secure with pram clips for shady park naps, beach walks, or backyard chill time.
What size is the swaddle?
Generously sized at 100 x 100 cm, it is big enough to wrap baby securely, but light enough to handle easily. The size also makes it super versatile: use it for swaddling, cuddling, pram cover, tummy time mat, or even as an emergency blanket.
Is it stretchy?
Yes! Just the right amount. The stretch gives a secure wrap without over-tightening, helping baby feel snug and settled (like a mini womb reboot). Bonus: the stretch makes it easier for parents to swaddle quickly without a wrestling match.
Will my baby overheat in it?
The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and thermoregulating, meaning it is designed for warm and cool weather. As always, do regular touch checks of baby’s temperature (neck or chest) to make sure baby is comfy and cool when using.
Is it safe for newborns and babies with sensitive skin?
The fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and soothing. It stays dry even in humid conditions, reducing irritation and keeping skin happy. It is also naturally soft, meaning there is no need for chemical softeners to be applied during production.
Our Signature Fabric
What material is your products made from?
The Shady Baby Cover and our swaddles are both made from a unique signature blend of TENCEL™ Lyocell and Smartcel™ Sensitive — two innovative fibres that combine comfort, science, and sustainability. Together, they create a fabric that’s silky-soft, breathable, sun-safe, and planet-friendly.
TENCEL™ Lyocell
- Plant-based fibre made from sustainably grown eucalyptus trees
- Silky soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and eco-friendly
- Naturally breathable to keep baby cool
- Hypoallergenic + gentle on sensitive skin
- Wicks away moisture
- Biodegradable in soil, water + marine environments
Smartcel™ Sensitive
- High-tech fibre infused with medical-grade zinc oxide
- Built-in UV protection, skin-soothing, and antimicrobial
- Embedded with zinc oxide for UVA + UVB protection.
- Calms and protects delicate skin (zinc oxide is the same hero mineral in nappy cream)
- Naturally antimicrobial, resists odours + bacteria
Does the fabric contain any chemical UV blockers?
Many UPF fabrics on the market rely on chemical UV coatings that can wash out over time (and aren’t great for little skin or the planet). Our UV protection comes naturally from zinc oxide infused into the fibres during production. That means the sun safety is built-in to last, not sprayed on as an afterthought.
Is the fabric safe for newborns and babies with sensitive skin?
It’s chemical free, naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Plus, the zinc oxide offers an added layer of protection for delicate skin that’s prone to rashes or irritation. Additionally, it is naturally soft with no added fabric softeners used in production.
Is the fabric eco-friendly?
TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from sustainably grown eucalyptus trees and processed in a closed-loop system that minimises waste. The fibres are fully biodegradable in soil, freshwater, and marine environments — unlike synthetic fabrics that can release microplastics. You can find out more about this fabric here.
How do I care for the fabric?
- Cold Machine Wash: Wash it gently on a cold cycle to protect the fabric’s unique properties. Bonus points if you can separate it from other items in a laundry bag to prevent snags and pulls.
- Hand Dry or Cool Tumble Dry: We recommend air drying, but it can also be tumble dried using a cool setting.
- Avoid Bleach: Keep it natural – no bleach, no harsh chemicals. Natural detergents are best.
- No Soaking: A quick wash is all it needs – no long soaks (who has time for that anyway!?).
- Cool Iron or light steam: If you need to work out any wrinkles, keep it cool and light – our fabric loves a gentle touch.
Sun Safety
What is UV radiation and why does it matter for babies?
Think of UV rays as sneaky little ninjas from the sun. You can’t see them, but they can still cause big trouble, like burning skin, long-term damage, and skin cancer. Babies have thinner, more delicate skin (and less natural pigment) which makes them particularly vulnerable to UV. Translation: they need all the protection they can get.
What is the UV Index and how does it affect your baby?
The UV Index is a rating of UV severity:
· 1 = low - your good to go!
- 11+ = very high - hide indoors with your iced latte
In Australia, the UV Index sits at “very high” for most of the year, particularly between the hours of 10am and 3pm. The rating remains high in winter for the northern states and still sits between 3 and 5 for the southerners battling the icy weather. If the Index is 3 or higher, it is recommended your little joey needs protection. You can find information on the daily UV rating on your preferred weather app
Good to know! I can just use sunscreen for protection, right?
Not quite. Sunscreen isn’t recommended for widespread us in babies under 6 months of age. This is because newborn skin is soft, sensitive, and easily irritated and sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed too quickly and cause reactions. To keep babies safe from the sun, the Australian Cancer Council recommends you skip the lotion, stick to shade, use light protective clothing, and avoid the midday sun.
How do your products protect my baby from the sun?
Cosy Joey’s signature fabric has been independently lab tested by our manufacturer and by ARPANSA here in Australia, achieving a UV protection rating of UPF 50+ - the highest UPF rating available.
What is UPF and why is it important?
Think of UPF like sunscreen for your fabric. The higher the UPF rating, the better the protection.
· UPF 15–24 → Good protection (blocks 93–95% of UV rays)
· UPF 25–39 → Very good protection (blocks 96–97% of UV rays)
· UPF 40–50+ → Excellent protection (blocks 98% or more of UV rays)
A rating of UPF50+ is the gold standard. It means only 2% of UV rays can pass through the fabric — giving your baby the best available protection while you’re out and about.
Should I be doing anything else to protect my baby’s skin from UV while babywearing?
The Shady Baby only protects the areas of skin it is designed to cover – primarily baby’s neck, arms and legs. For optimal sun protection, the Shady Baby should be used in combination with other sun safety strategies:
- Use a UPF50+ rated hat: For baby’s face and head (just make sure their face always stays visible for safety and airway protection).
- Seek the shade: Trees, verandas, wide-brimmed hats – you get the gist.
- Time it smart: Minimise exposure during the 10am – 3pm scorch zone if you can.
- Keep an eye out: Check skin, adjust layers, and keep baby cool.
More Info
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