Bebe Trek wins National Award for Innovative Baby Sun Safety Product

Bebe Trek's Multifunctional Magnetic Sun Cover has been named Editor's Choice Winner in the Baby & Kids Accessories category at the prestigious 2024 She-com Product Awards.

To make the recognition even more special, our UV Protective Sunsuit was also selected as a finalist in the Baby Clothing category, following recent finalist recognition in the AusMumpreneur Awards.

As a small family business that launched less than seven months before receiving these awards, this recognition means the world to us.

From a Road Trip Problem to an Award-Winning Solution

The idea for Bebe Trek was born during a month-long road trip around Queensland when our founder, Anna-Lise Brink, was travelling with her youngest daughter, who was just 2.5 months old.

Like many parents, Anna-Lise faced a common challenge. Her baby was too young for sunscreen, the Queensland heat made long clothing impractical, and exposed arms and legs in the baby carrier left her vulnerable to the harsh Australian sun.

"I did what I'd always done, and what many parents do. I used a muslin swaddle from my nappy bag as a sun shield," Anna-Lise explains.

However, she quickly discovered how difficult it was to keep the muslin securely attached to a carrier. As she searched for alternatives, she uncovered something surprising.

The Hidden Problem with Muslin Covers

Many parents assume that draping a muslin swaddle over a pram or carrier provides adequate sun protection. However, most muslin fabrics are not designed to be sun protective.

To be considered sun protective, fabric requires a minimum Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 15, while organisations such as the Cancer Council recommend UPF 50+ for the highest level of protection. Studies have shown that some muslin fabrics can have UPF ratings as low as 5 to 6, allowing significant amounts of UV radiation to pass through.

"It was a real lightbulb moment," says Anna-Lise. "I realised that most parents, just like me, would have no idea that the muslin blankets they were using could still allow harmful UV rays through."

Designing Something Better

Determined to create a better solution, Anna-Lise spent approximately 15 months designing, prototyping and testing products from her dining room table.

After countless design iterations, fabric testing, manufacturer samples and real-world trials, Bebe Trek officially launched with two innovative products designed specifically for families who love spending time outdoors.

The award-winning Multifunctional Magnetic Sun Cover features UPF 50+ fabric and four integrated magnetic corners, allowing it to be securely attached and configured in multiple ways across prams, baby carriers, car windows, shopping trolleys and more.

While sun covers themselves are not new, the unique magnetic design offers a level of versatility and convenience that simply wasn't available before.

Encouraging Outdoor Adventures with Babies

At Bebe Trek, our mission extends beyond sun protection.

We believe that spending time outdoors offers enormous developmental benefits for babies and young children. Fresh air, natural environments and outdoor exploration help support physical, cognitive and emotional development.

However, parents often face practical challenges that can make outdoor adventures feel overwhelming.

Our goal is simple: create products that solve real parenting problems, reduce stress and make it easier for families to confidently get outside and enjoy adventures together.

Thank You

We're incredibly grateful to every family who has supported Bebe Trek since launch. Every order, review, photo and message has helped us grow and continue our mission of making outdoor adventures safer and easier for babies and toddlers.

Receiving national recognition is an amazing milestone, but the greatest reward is hearing from parents who tell us our products have helped them spend more time outdoors with their little ones.

Thank you for being part of the Bebe Trek journey.