Sunglasses are one of those things you don’t think about as a new parent, until you see your baby fussing in the bright sunlight. After seeing my baby squirming in the bright sun, it didn’t take me long to go shopping for a pair of baby sunglasses.
Based on the recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, we should be looking for sunglasses with 100% UV protection. I have spent a lot of time outdoors with my baby on the beach or hiking, and my daughter has gone through a fair number baby sunglasses. Based on my experiences, I’ll share with you what to look for when buying sunglasses for your baby.
Baby Sunglasses I REcommend
Whether we are out hiking with our baby, or spending a day at the beach with our baby, one thing’s for sure, we always pack our daughters sunglasses along with all her other sun protection.
Protecting your baby’s eyes from the sun is very important for their health. My list of baby sunglasses includes options which have all the safety and design features you need on baby sunglasses (for more information, see my list of things to consider below).
If you are looking for a pair of glasses that won't have you worrying about them breaking, this pair of stylish baby sunglasses from Cocosand is a great choice. 100% UVA and UVB protective and shatterproof, they are made out of a super flexible material called thermoplastic elastomer which allows them to survive being stepped on, twisted, getting dropped, and more.
- 100% UVA and UVB protective and shatterproof
- Made of flexible material called thermoplastic elastomer
- Glare-free and comes with a detachable and adjustable elastic strap
- Chew and bite-resistant
Flexible, UV400 baby sunglasses sized for 0-2 with optional polarized lenses and Babiators’ Lost & Broken Guarantee. Great everyday choice for parks, beach, and travel.
- UV400, 100 percent UVA/UVB
- Soft, bendable frame for comfort
- Optional polarized models
- Lost & Broken Guarantee
- No included head strap
- Premium price vs generics
These sunglasses by Roshambo are one of the most indestructible sunglasses that you’ll come across. Drop, fold, or twist them all you want, they'll handle it all. Extremely lightweight and safe, they come in a range of stylish colors and offer total UVA/B/C protection.
- Comes in stylish colors
- Offers total UVA protections
- With ear adjuster and head strap
- Durable and lightweight
The Baby Banz Wrap Around glasses are a great choice if you’re looking for stylish sunglasses for a small baby. The large lenses make the design of the glasses look both retro and futuristic at the same time, which is a nice touch!
- Soft, adjustable neoprene headband
- 100 percent UVA/UVB protection
- Shatter-resistant lenses and frame
- Side coverage reduces light leak
- Dark for low-light use
Hey, we’re all for a snazzy print, or in the Baby Solo Baby Sunglass' case, 16 snazzy prints! Choose between hearts, stripes, or even dinos and let your baby's personality shine through.
- with 100% UV protection and anti-scratch lenses
- With adjustable elastic strap attached to secure the frame on baby's head
- Polarized baby sunglasses
- Made of flexible rubber plastic
6 Things to Look for in Baby Sunglasses
Whether you are planning a trip to Fiji with your baby or just heading to your neighborhood park, protecting those your baby’s eyes is crucial.
When choosing the best pair of baby sunglasses you want to look for a flexible frame, UV protection, and a band or adjustable strap to help keep them on.
Here is more to consider before narrowing down your choice and picking up a pair of baby sunglasses:
1. Flexibility
We know that when it comes to children, plastic products tend to end up broken, snapped, or torn – and the same goes for rigidly constructed sunglasses. If you don’t want your new baby sunglasses to be broken under two wears, we suggest you buy a pair that is flexible.
Sunglasses made from silicone or TPE are capable of withstanding rough handling without breaking even when thrown around or bent with little hands.
Choosing a durable material becomes even more of a non-negotiable as your baby gets older and becomes more active and strong! That’s why it’s better to invest in a strong pair of sunglasses so you can toss them in your diaper bag backpack and not have to worry about replacing them every few months.
2. UV Protection
If you’re outdoors with your little one, you need to make sure that their eyes are protected from the blazing sunlight; more specifically, from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The best baby sunglasses prevent damage to your baby’s corneas by offering protection from both UVA and UVB rays. In fact, choosing a pair of sunglasses that offers 95%-100% protection is one of the most important sun-safety tips for babies on a vacation!
3. Polarization
The first thing to understand about polarization is that it’s not the same as UV protection. Polarized lenses are treated with a chemical to filter out part of the light, thereby reducing glare and making objects appear sharper and clearer.
While it is certainly a great feature to have, it isn’t a necessity that your baby’s sunglasses be polarized. It is usually only a personal choice depending on what feels more comfortable to your baby.
They make the most sense to use when your baby is looking at highly-reflective surfaces under excessively bright conditions, like when staring at the sea when at the beach or the snow when skiing in the mountains.
4. Band or Adjustable Strap
If babies had their way they would probably wriggle out of anything we put them in! But when it comes to something as essential as protective sunglasses on a hot summer’s day, it’s important for us to find a way to keep them on, and there’s nothing better for the job than a head strap or attached band.
Bands on baby sunglasses are usually made out of an elastic material that is both comfortable and adjustable. This not only keeps them from slipping off but also makes it possible for your baby’s sunglasses to grow with them.
Some babies are likely to hate the band, so we’ve included some in the list that don’t have a band or adjustable strap.
5. BPA-Free Frame Material / Shatter-Proof
Frame
To ensure maximum safety, select materials that are gentle and soft on a baby’s skin. You will know if the sunglasses are safe and free of toxins if they are labeled BPA-free and phthalates-free
Lens
“Shatterproof,” “shatter-resistant,” and “impact-resistant” are all terms you want to keep an eye out for when on the hunt for a pair of baby sunglasses. These lenses are usually made out of durable polycarbonate material and engineered to withstand the daily wear and tear that comes with being handled by a baby.
6. Age Suitability
Always check the age range suitability of the sunglasses before buying them in order to avoid the possibility of them ending up being too big or small for your baby’s face. Most manufacturers mention the length of the frame in millimeters, so check the size of the sunglasses and if required measure your baby’s face before selecting one.
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.