While my toddler doesn’t always like to keep sunglasses on, I still think they are worth packing! A wide-brim sun hat goes a long way, but I find that a good pair of toddler sunglasses are a must for those super sunny beach days!
As a mom who has tons of experience being in the outdoors with a toddler (including beach time, hiking and travel in general), I can tell you that a comfortable pair of sunglasses is a must for your toddler. Here I’ll share my recommendations for the best toddler sunglasses.
We all know that our eyes need protection from the sun and this includes our toddlers! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least 99% UV protection and the sunglasses should be child-sized to fit your toddler. In my list of the best sunglasses for your toddler, I also outline the other features to look for when picking out a pair.
The 5 Best Toddler Sunglasses
I’ve compiled a list of the best toddler sunglasses that cover everything from minimalist styles to funky ones, mellow to vibrant colors, and budget-friendly frames to extravagant frames.
Whatever you choose, the style, comfort, and safety they provide are guaranteed to be a hit with both you and your toddler! Just toss them in your backpack diaper bag and have them whenever you need them!
Here are the toddler sunglasses I recommend for your next beach holiday or even city sightseeing!
Flexible frames, UV400 lenses, and a famous replacement policy make Babiators a reliable pick for toddlers. Great for travel days, beach time, and everyday play when you want durable, comfortable polarized sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.
- Flexible rubberized frames
- Shatter resistant lenses
- UV400 protection for UVA and UVB
- Free replacement if lost or broken
- Higher price than budget options
Designed for active toddlers, Roshambo’s polarized UV400 lenses reduce glare at the beach and on snow, while the adjustable silicone strap and flexible BPA-free frames help them stay on during travel days and playground time.
- Included adjustable strap and ear sliders
- Flexible “unbreakable” frames
- Polarized UV400 lenses
- Lightweight and BPA free
- Strap can collect sand if not rinsed
WeeFarers offers multiple kid sizes so you can match fit to your toddler’s face, with UV400 protection and durable frames that travel well from stroller naps to beach days. Popular with parents searching for polarized toddler sunglasses that actually stay on.
- Multiple sizes for better fit
- UV400 protection
- Polarized lenses available
- Non-polarized variants exist so check listing
Polarized, shatter-resistant lenses and flexible frames meet a stay-on strap, so your toddler keeps them on through flights, naps, and park time. A good pick when style matters but you still want 100 percent UVA/UVB protection.
- Polarized and shatter resistant
- Strap included for active use
- BPA, Phthalate and PVC free
- Limited sizing options
- Harder to find certain colors
A wallet-friendly polarized option with flexible TPEE frames and UV400 lenses. Good backup pair to toss in your diaper bag for travel days or to keep as a spare in the stroller basket.
- Polarized UV400 lenses
- Flexible TPEE frame
- Very low price
- Multiple colors available
- Brand support and warranty limited
Along with these other toddler beach essentials, I find the proper sun protection just helps everyone have a better day at the beach! So, if you are like me and love a good beach holiday with your toddler, I recommend making sure your toddler has a good sun hat, toddler sunglasses and follow these other sun safety tips for toddlers.
What to Look for in Toddler Sunglasses
For me, toddler sunglasses should be tough enough to withstand a toddler constantly removing them and throwing them. These are the top features I look for in toddler sunglasses:
Frame Flexibility
If you have a toddler, you know that leaving them unsupervised for even a single moment can lead to absolute destruction. The struggle is real! That’s why frame flexibility is at the top of this list when it comes to buying a sturdy pair of toddler sunglasses.
When shopping for the best toddler sunglasses, look for ones that are made of soft silicone and TPE. These materials are able to withstand great strain and are nearly impossible to break, even by tiny, determined hands!
Hingeless frames are another crucial but frequently overlooked feature that provides exceptional stability.
UV Protection
UV-protective sunglasses are a must-have beach accessory. The latest UV technology makes it easy for you to protect your child’s eyes from corneal damage.
The UV400 technology helps to block nearly 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation while retaining good vision.
If you believe it’s pointless to buy a pair of sunglasses for a single family vacation, you’ll be amazed at how frequently your toddler will want to wear them when going outside in the sun!
Read More
As you can see, sunglasses are only part of the story for toddler sun safety. Be sure to find a great sun hat for toddlers to go with their sunglasses.
Band
Everything seems to disappear in the hands of a child, which then leads to hours-long quests to locate the lost items. Buying your child sunglasses with a band can make your life so much easier.
Purchasing a pair with a removable band is ideal since you can choose whether or not to keep it on depending on how much activity your child is up to. When at the beach or a playground, the band will keep the sunglasses secure and prevent them from falling off, reducing the chances of breakage.
Not to mention that sunglasses with a band almost always sit better on children’s noses, providing them with ultimate comfort.
If the sunglasses you pick do not come with a band, we recommend purchasing one separately as it is both practical and inexpensive to do so.
BPA-free Frame Material / Shatter-Proof
Toddlers have delicate skin that can be easily affected by some sunglasses that contain toxins such as BPA and phthalates. Choose frames that are free from these harmful substances to provide the most protection for your toddler.
All the best sunglasses for toddlers featured above are composed of soft silicone or plastic and are completely BPA-free, ensuring your child has a comfortable experience wearing them.
“Shatterproof,” “shatter-resistant,” and “impact-resistant” are all terms you want to keep an eye out for when looking for a pair of toddler sunglasses.
Keep an eye out for polycarbonate lenses that are resistant to shattering even when dropped from considerable heights by your little mischief-mongers.
Age Suitability
There’s no denying that shopping for products online has many benefits, but choosing the right one and making sure that it fits is a skill in itself!
When shopping for sunglasses for your child, make sure to verify the measurements of the lenses and frames against the measurements of your child’s face.
You’ll save yourself both time and money! Remember to account for how quickly your toddler grows and buy a pair of sunglasses that will last you a while to make most of your investment.
My Toddler Coloring Book
I’ve created a coloring book to help your toddler become a happy little traveler! My First Flight Coloring Book features 32 fun, easy-to-color illustrations, introducing young children to every step of a travel day—so they know what to expect before they even board the plane. A toddler who understands flying is much more likely to be calm, confident, and cooperative in the air. Get your copy on Amazon today!
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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.