Do Babies Need to Wear Sunglasses?

Are your child’s eyes safe from the sun? If you're a brand new parent, you likely have never considered whether or not babies need sunglasses to protect their vision.

With so much concern surrounding children and health, it pays to be informed on emerging topics like this. This blog post dives into the facts about baby and kids' eyewear—exploring why babies need sunglasses and when they should start wearing them.

Why Should Babies Wear Sunglasses?

When babies are outside, they need sunglasses for the same reason adults do⁠—to protect their eyes from the sun’s UV rays. The young eyes of infants and toddlers are particularly susceptible to long-term harm from the sun’s ultraviolet light.

Wearing protective eyewear is important to avoid these vision problems later in life:

Cataracts
Age-related eye diseases
Macular degeneration
Permanent vision loss

Sunglasses also help children avoid the discomfort of short-term eye irritation from UV rays. Plus, they provide better visibility in bright light.

Remember, the lens inside your baby’s eyes allows more solar radiation to reach the retina than the lens of an adult eye. So, choosing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection for your baby goes a long way in preventing eye damage.

When Should Babies Start Wearing Sunglasses?

Babies can start wearing sunglasses as soon as you take them outdoors. This should be part of your baby's everyday sun protection routine, even on cloudy days.

It's recommended that babies and toddlers wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Choose polarized lenses for added protection against glare, which causes future vision problems.

There are many styles and sizes to suit every taste. Most sunglasses come with adjustable headbands, wrap-around frames, or straps for a secure fit.

What are the Benefits of Baby Sunglasses?

You can significantly reduce the risk of eye damage or disease by shielding babies’ eyes from damaging ultraviolet rays. These are the many benefits of baby sunglasses:

UV protection
UVB protection
UVA protection
Protects eye health
Shatterproof
Reduces the risk of eye damage or disease
Stylish

Did you know that up to 25 percent of the harmful UV damage to our eyes happens before adulthood? Babies and children are particularly vulnerable, as their lenses are clearer and transmit 70 percent more UV rays than adults.

This exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye abnormalities. Fortunately, baby sunglasses are a simple way to protect your little ones.

How To Pick Baby Sunglasses?

Pick one that offers 100 percent UVA/UVB protection when choosing baby sunglasses. UVA rays can harm the skin and the eye, causing sunburn and penetrating deep into the skin.

UVB rays can damage the retina and front of the eye if not shielded properly. So, you can prioritize your baby's safety with sunglasses that provide comprehensive protection against UVA and UVB rays.

The best sunglasses also have lightweight polycarbonate lenses and a rubber frame. Polycarbonate lenses provide supreme comfort for your baby's precious head while offering unbeatable shatterproof protection.

Keep them secure with the adjustable strap for added peace of mind. Rest assured, as long as they aren't too tight, these sunglasses will never bother your baby.

The Best Baby Sunglasses Brands

With that said, here's a list of the best baby sunglasses brands in 2024. Everything we recommend has been tested and proven to provide 100% UVA/UVB protection.

Baby Banz

For 20 years, Baby Banz has been the go-to brand for parents seeking the ultimate protection for their baby's eyes, skin, and ears.

Their sunglasses offer:

100% UV protection. The lenses of Baby Banz sunglasses are UV400 lenses, category four. These shield your baby's eyes from the sun's full spectrum of harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
Durable materials. Polycarbonate materials make up Baby Banz frames and lenses. This makes their sunglasses shatterproof and almost indestructible.
Neoprene headbands. This stretchy, smooth, easy-to-clean rubber is incredibly comfortable, securely holding the sunglasses on your baby's head. Plus, Neoprene floats, ensuring you won't lose your baby’s sunglasses in water at the pool or beach.

$7.19 on Amazon

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Babiators

Babiators, founded in 2011, is dedicated to crafting sunglasses that allow kids to fully engage in their active lifestyles.

Their sunglasses are:

Highly durable
Virtually indestructible
UVA and UVB protected

Babiators is committed to providing high-quality, affordable, safe, and stylish sun protection for children. As a result, they've experienced rapid growth and are quickly emerging as a leading player in the children's retail industry.

In recognition of their service, Forbes magazine honored Babiators in 2014 as one of America's Most Promising Companies.

Check Price on Amazon

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Hipsterkid Sunglasses

Hipsterkid offers a range of practical and stylish children's accessories that are suitable for all genders. Their sunglasses draw inspiration from the vibrant colors, energy, and textures of Brooklyn, New York.

Designed to be both fun and fashion-forward, Hipsterkids sunglasses are:

100% protected from UVA and UVB rays
Shatter-resistant
Durable
Free from harmful substances, such as BPA, Phthalates, and PVC

If you're searching for retro, cateye, or aviator sunglasses for your baby boy or girl, explore their collection at Hipsterkid.

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Real Kids Shades

Real Kids sunglasses cater to all ages, including babies and toddlers. These glasses are stylish, comfortable, and offer unparalleled durability.

Made with high-quality materials, Real Shades eyewear provides children the ultimate protection and comfort to wear all day long. Their eyewear offers 100 percent UV protection, ensuring the long-term health of your baby's eyes.

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Roshambo Baby

Roshambo Baby sunglasses come in a classic wayfarer style. Depending on your baby's head size, these glasses fit from ages zero to two years.

Other standout features include:

Ultra-durable
Almost indestructible
Created from lightweight materials
BPA, lead and latex-free
Smart parts tested
Produced in Italy

The soft rubber frames can fit prescription glasses, too. You can also select the lens and frame shade to create the ideal polarized lenses for your baby.

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Other Tips to Protect Your Baby from the Sun

In addition to wearing sunglasses, you can do several other things to protect your baby from the sun:

Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially when your baby is in the water or often sweats.
When going outdoors, dress your baby in a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers their ears, eyes, and neck.
Limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the UV rays are strongest.
Give them a break by taking them inside during the hottest part of the day.
Dress toddlers and babies in lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs.
Seek shade whenever possible.
Keep your baby hydrated with plenty of fluids.
Keep windows covered with blinds or shades.

While sunglasses for babies and toddlers may pose a challenge to keep on, there are ways to make it work. Visit an optician for expert advice and sizing recommendations to keep those shades on your child.

Summary

Baby sunglasses are essential to your baby's sun protection routine. They provide ultimate protection from harmful UV rays and create a stylish look for your little one.

Also, choose glasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, shatterproof lenses, and adjustable straps or headbands for a secure fit. Finally, remember to use sunglasses with your baby from the beginning and on cloudy days.

Check out the different brands we have recommended and find the perfect sunglasses for your baby today!

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