Top 5 Baby Sunglasses

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.

Hint: I found the Baby Banz baby sunglasses with a Velcro strap to be the best baby sunglasses for our daughter!

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Best Baby Sunglasses

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).

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 little peepers 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 on each of these considerations 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 last but a few seconds before they end up broken, snapped, or torn - and the same goes for rigidly constructed sunglasses. If you don't want the new baby aviator sunglasses just bought, and that your baby looks so adorable in, 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 tot gets older and becomes more active and strong! That's why it's better to invest in a strong pair of sunglasses right at the outset 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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