Have you noticed an explosion in the number of babies wearing sunglasses? How cute they look in their little shades! Something besides fashion is driving the growth in baby sunglasses. Eye doctors say that little ones’ eyes need protection just like mommies’ eyes do. And mothers need to know about the best baby sunglasses for safeguarding sight.
Scientists believe that exposing the eyes to a lot of sunlight increases the risk of developing cataracts in later life. Some believe that it could increase the risk of macular degeneration or other retinal diseases. Children’s eyes lack pigment in the lens of the eye, so more potentially damaging ultraviolet rays reach the back of the retina. Still, it’s unclear just how great the risk is.
If you can persuade your little one to wear sunglasses, by all means, do it. It may not be worth a pitched battle, though. If a child resists, it’s probably best to drop it and try again when the child is a little older. And, as with all baby products, you’ll want to select sunglasses with safety in mind.
Glasses that offer good protection are available at reasonable prices. The best sunglasses, however, are the ones that your child can’t break, the ones that stay on your child’s face and the ones that your child will actually wear. It may be worth it to pay a little more for sunglasses that meet these criteria.
Here’s a preview of the best baby sunglasses.
Our Top Picks
- UV Protection. Roshambo Baby Shades block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Three Kid Sizes. They are available for kids 0-2, 3-4 and 5+. Adult sizes are available, too, so that the entire family can look cool together.
- TAC Lenses. Made of triacetate cellulose, the lenses are available in standard, polarized, or mirrored versions.
- Bendable Frames. Roshambo frames are made of polypropylene and will bend without breaking. If they break within a year of purchase, the company will replace them.
- Strap Available. To secure baby's shades, Roshambo offers an adjustable strap that is made of food-grade silicone, so you'll have no worries if baby decides to chew on it.
- Lens Replacement. Standard lenses that are lost or damaged can be replaced free of charge. The customer pays shipping. Other lenses are available for a few dollars.
- Safety Compliant. Roshambo products are free of lead, BPA, latex and other problematic substances. Even the packaging material is non-toxic.
- Lightweight. Roshambo shades are so light that they float. That means less ear and nose fatigue caused by the weight of heavy glasses.
- Warranty. The sunglasses are guaranteed for one year against defects and breakage.
- Prescription Lens Option. Roshambo sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses.
- Supports Charity. The company supports the non-profit association, Surfers Healing.
- Affordable. Roshambo Baby Shades are moderate in to high in price, and adding extras and accessories can take the price quite high.
- Wraparound Style. Tuga kids' sunglasses are wraparound for complete eye protection.
- UV Protection. These sunglasses have UV400 lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Polycarbonate Lenses. Made of polycarbonate, the lenses are lightweight and shatterproof.
- Neoprene Straps. The two straps that are included with each pair of sunglasses are made of comfy neoprene.
- Case Included. A lightweight, unbreakable case is included with each purchase.
- Return Policy. If you change your mind about a purchase, you can return unused merchandise to Tuga within the first 60 days for a full refund. Defective products can also be returned in the first 60 days.
- Affordable. The sunglasses, straps and case are all included for one price that falls into the moderate range.
- UV Protection. Hello Kitty Toddler Sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Kid Friendly. Since these don't have a strap, toddlers can put them on by themselves.
- Carry Bag Included. Drawstring pouch is included.
- Budget Friendly. Leico sunglasses feature hot designs that are low in price.
- UV Protection. Roshambo Baby Shades block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Three Kid Sizes. They are available for kids 0-2, 3-4 and 5+. Adult sizes are available, too, so that the entire family can look cool together.
- TAC Lenses. Made of triacetate cellulose, the lenses are available in standard, polarized, or mirrored versions.
- Bendable Frames. Roshambo frames are made of polypropylene and will bend without breaking. If they break within a year of purchase, the company will replace them.
- Strap Available. To secure baby's shades, Roshambo offers an adjustable strap that is made of food-grade silicone, so you'll have no worries if baby decides to chew on it.
- Lens Replacement. Standard lenses that are lost or damaged can be replaced free of charge. The customer pays shipping. Other lenses are available for a few dollars.
- Safety Compliant. Roshambo products are free of lead, BPA, latex and other problematic substances. Even the packaging material is non-toxic.
- Lightweight. Roshambo shades are so light that they float. That means less ear and nose fatigue caused by the weight of heavy glasses.
- Warranty. The sunglasses are guaranteed for one year against defects and breakage.
- Prescription Lens Option. Roshambo sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses.
- Supports Charity. The company supports the non-profit association, Surfers Healing.
- Affordable. Roshambo Baby Shades are moderate in to high in price, and adding extras and accessories can take the price quite high.
- Wraparound Style. Tuga kids' sunglasses are wraparound for complete eye protection.
- UV Protection. These sunglasses have UV400 lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Polycarbonate Lenses. Made of polycarbonate, the lenses are lightweight and shatterproof.
- Neoprene Straps. The two straps that are included with each pair of sunglasses are made of comfy neoprene.
- Case Included. A lightweight, unbreakable case is included with each purchase.
- Return Policy. If you change your mind about a purchase, you can return unused merchandise to Tuga within the first 60 days for a full refund. Defective products can also be returned in the first 60 days.
- Affordable. The sunglasses, straps and case are all included for one price that falls into the moderate range.
- UV Protection. Hello Kitty Toddler Sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Kid Friendly. Since these don't have a strap, toddlers can put them on by themselves.
- Carry Bag Included. Drawstring pouch is included.
- Budget Friendly. Leico sunglasses feature hot designs that are low in price.
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
When Should Baby Sunglasses Be Introduced?
Infants under the age of six months seldom receive enough UV rays to harm their eyes. Very young infants just close their eyes when they are in the bright sun. And since most moms know that they need to protect their babies’ skin from the direct sun, they usually limit their time in the sun and use hats, sun shades and the like to cut down on exposure.
These strategies also reduce the amount of light going into the eyes. Still, if you take your baby to the beach, the pool or the ski slopes, where light is intense, you should try some eye protection.
When your baby reaches six months, it’s time to get serious about eye protection. Doctors say that if the sun is strong enough to require sunblock, you should try to get your child to wear sunglasses.
“Try” is the operative word, however. Some babies hate wearing them. Others readily adopt them. They may recognize them as something that other members of their family wear.
If your child is resistant, try again in a few weeks. Babies get serious about imitating others at about 8 or 9 months of age, so that’s a good time to try.
How to Encourage Your Child to Wear Sunglasses
You can encourage the use of eye protection through these strategies:
- Wear your own sunglasses, and encourage other family members to wear theirs.
- Put them on your baby outside rather than in the house. Inside the sudden darkness can be scary.
- Explain in simple words what you are doing: “Oh, the sun is so bright! You need your sunglasses to make your eyes feel better.”
- Most babies love seeing themselves wearing something new and different. Put on the shades, and let baby get a good look in the mirror, or take pictures with your phone.
How to Choose Your Baby’s Sunglasses
Choosing sunglasses for a baby isn’t that different from choosing ones for yourself, except that most adults don’t try to destroy their sunglasses, and your baby probably will.
A common misunderstanding about sunglasses is that the dark lenses are what block the UV rays. Actually, the tint is just for the reduction of glare. It’s the coating on the lenses that block the UV rays.
Here are some of the topics to consider when choosing baby sunglasses:
UV Protection
The first thing you’ll need to check is protection against ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light comes in two major varieties: UVA and UVB. You’ll want sunglasses that block both. If the percentage blocked is less than 95%, look for a different product. If you are doubtful about whether a particular pair of glasses blocks enough of the ultraviolet rays, ask your eye doctor about checking them.
Tint
Darker lenses do not keep out more UV rays. In fact, a darker lens may actually allow more light into the eye because the pupil will open up more. So the worst thing for you or your baby would be a pair of dark glasses with no coating to block out UV rays.
Color
Experts are divided about which color is best for sunglasses. One school favors amber or yellow, because that shade cuts out blue light. Another school favors gray lenses because the result is more true to life.
Material
The FDA requires that sunglasses have shatter-resistant lenses. Polycarbonate is the best material for kids’ sunglasses, because it is very resistant to breakage.
Polarization
Polarized lenses cut glare, but that’s probably less important for babies than for adults who may be driving cars, playing golf and engaging in other activities in which glare is a detriment. Still, if you are taking the baby to the beach or the slopes, polarized lenses aren’t a bad thing.
Frame Design
Light can leak in from the sides, too, so a wraparound design is optimal. Tough hinges and something to hold the sunglasses in place are major pluses.
Learn more about choosing children’s sunglasses from All About Vision.
Sunglasses Safety Standards
Sunglasses are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All children’s sunglasses sold in the United States should be FDA approved. Inexpensive sunglasses can be sold as toys or party favors, however, and do not require FDA approval.
If you find a pair of kid-sized glasses with dark lenses, they could be toy sunglasses instead of the real thing. Always look for tags demonstrating UV protection. Toy sunglasses are worse than no sunglasses, because the dark tint won’t block UV rays but could make your child’s pupil open wider, letting in more light instead of less.
Other certifications that you may see on sunglasses include CPSIA, which stands for the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. That legislation set standards for children’s products, including that they be free of lead, phthalates and BPA. You may see a separate certification, CE, which means that the product has been certified safe and can be sold in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Choosing a Seller of Sunglasses
When evaluating a product, it’s often wise to look at the company that is selling it. When looking for sunglasses, most moms prefer using companies that specialize in eyewear or in children’s products rather than companies that sell a random selection of products.
It’s also surprising how many companies selling baby sunglasses were started by parents. Many moms enjoy supporting family-owned businesses.
At the same time, price is a consideration for many families, and sometimes parents have to opt for a cheaper product over a premium one. There are sunglasses on the market offering full UV protection for a bargain price.
Parents who opt for cheaper models should remember that most optometrists will check the UV rating of sunglasses for free. They use a machine called a spectrometer and run a test that takes only a couple of seconds. There is also a way to test sunglasses at home using a UV flashlight.
A Word About Sizing
The majority of kids’ sunglasses are manufactured in a larger size, usually for ages 3-10. The sunglasses we chose to review all come in smaller sizes, so you don’t have to wait until your child is 3 to provide eye protection.
A large number of negative reviews for baby sunglasses are related to size. “Didn’t fit my child” is a common refrain. Sometimes buyers don’t read the sizing information carefully. Also, babies come in all shapes, and there’s seldom a single model of anything that fits everyone.
Often manufacturers have detailed information about sizing on their websites. And while you are visiting the website, check the return policy in case you don’t get a good fit for your child.
One More Thing
Have we said yet that baby sunglasses on a kid are about the cutest thing around? Several of the companies we’ll be talking about give customers the option to upload pictures of their babies wearing sunglasses. If you’re ever feeling down, take a look at those pictures. They are guaranteed to make you smile. Better yet, upload a picture of your little cutie so others can enjoy it.
With all of this information in mind, let’s go shopping for baby sunglasses.
Best Baby Sunglasses
Real Kids Shades Explorers
All that and some of the cutest styles in the kid-verse mean that a lot of little ones are going to be wearing Real Kids.
Real Kids Shades has three lines for babies: Adventure, Explorers and My First Shades. The Explorers line features a wraparound frame and a slightly bigger lens than the other two, so it’s perfect for little ones.
Also, the lenses in the Explorers line are available in a polarized version. RKS baby shades are sized to fit ages 0+, 2+ and 4+. There are six product lines for toddlers, and other models come in sizes to fit all members of the family, including adults.
Available in cute and funky color combinations like cherry pink and lime green, or navy and orange, as well as in solid colors, Real Kids Explorers will give your kid’s outfit a finishing touch as well as protecting little eyes.
There’s an adjustable strap to keep the glasses firmly in place. The strap can be removed, and the earpieces have enough of a curve to keep the glasses in place if your child is cooperative. If your little one needs prescription lenses, those can be fitted into the Real Kids frame, too.
Cons: They researched infant eye protection and discovered a need for better shades for tots. The couple now has two children of their own and a growing business with the motto, “Little People Deserve Big People Shades.” The Roshambo business model has a lot of perks that moms will love. You can get a free replacement for a scratched lens by paying shipping and handling. The frames will accommodate prescription lenses, and you can have a prescription filled right on the website. Also, every sale supports non-profits that benefit the cause of autism. The name Roshambo is derived from the childhood game of Rock, Paper, Scissors and the syllables some players call out as they play the game. Founders Scott and Julia explain that some children with autism are calmed by playing the game with a caring adult. You can learn more about how the company supports autism charities on the website, which is also a fun, quirky and helpful place to visit. As for the sunglasses themselves, they come in a classic Wayfarer style, and customers can choose the exact type of lenses they want. They are described as unbreakable, and a strap to hold them on can be purchased separately. The glasses themselves are made in Italy and come in a variety of colors. The colors, by the way, are named after 80s icons like Punky Brewster and Zack Morris. Great sunglasses, and a sense of humor, too! Cons: She shared her interest in baby sunglasses with her husband, a pilot, who came up with the name Babiators, and the two developed a business plan and involved the other couple. Today Babiators come in the original Aviator style and in a Wayfarer look that the company calls Navigators. Some models are available with polarized or mirrored lenses. They are made in China. Cons: Tuga offers baby sunglasses in a single style, which is more like sun goggles than sun glasses. The glasses don’t have earpieces at all but instead are held to the head with a soft neoprene strap. Every pair of sunglasses comes with a case and two straps. The smaller strap is for children aged 0-2, and the larger one will fit children up to 5 years old or with a head circumference up to 21 inches. The shades are available in five vibrant shades plus black. Cons: Today the company markets “See No Glare” sunglasses, “Hear No Blare” earmuffs and “Feel No Flare” sun hats, along with a few other items. The Aussie company gained some prime publicity when Prince George of England was photographed at an air show wearing a pair of Baby Banz earmuffs. Baby Banz features three lines of sunglasses for babies: Bubzee, Retro and Adventure. The Retro line is like the Bubzee line, the original design for Baby Banz sunglasses, but features a larger lens for better range of vision. All three lines are sun goggle style, with eyepieces that are held to the head with a neoprene strap. The Retro sunglasses come in two sizes, for ages 0-2 and ages 3-5. Cons: The Kushies company line can be traced back to 1953, when it began as an Ontario-based cottage industry specializing in doll clothing. When the founder’s daughter and her husband acquired the company in 1988, they took it in new directions. Today Kushies produces a range of innovative products, including warm wraps to keep babies cozy in car seats and strollers. The company is still based in Ontario and makes many of its products there. Cons: Leico is a company that unabashedly approaches sunglasses from a fashion perspective. The company aims to compete with designer sunglasses that cost a lot more. Cons: Julbo is a venerable French company that has been making eyewear since 1888. It made its first sunglasses in the early 1900s for the crystal hunters of Chamonix. Mountain climbers, trail runners and other sports enthusiasts often choose Julbo sunglasses and goggles. Recently it has branched out into prescription eyewear for sporting types. It has been making sunglasses for babies since the 1990s. Julbo’s Looping 1 Sunglasses fit children aged from 0-1. Looping 2 fits toddlers from 1-2 years old. Looping 3 is designed for children from 2-4 years old. Julbo products have a limited lifetime warranty. Many fans of the brand send their sunglasses or goggles back to Julbo for repair when they fail. Cons: My First Sunglasses are sold as singles and in twin-packs for increased savings. They are available in a variety of colors. They are offered by Bib-On, a small family-owned business that got its start selling cover-ups for kids. Cons: RuffleButts Sunglasses are more than a cute accessory. They feature polycarbonate lenses set in soft, rubbery frames and give full protection from UV rays. Available in white, black, blue and pink, they also feature the logo on the earpiece. Cons: The good news is that there are tons of cool baby sunglasses out there. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a model that you like. In fact, you may want to buy all of them! Our nod for the best of the best goes to Roshambo baby shades. They are manufactured in Italy from flexible, ultra-durable, lightweight material that is safe and soft for your baby to chew on! Moreover, they are BPA free and come in many different and vibrant colors to choose from. You can bend the sunglass arms to fit your child’s head as necessary. The lenses that screen out 100% of UV rays mean the ultimate in protection for your baby. And isn’t that the whole point? We like that the lenses have prescription options. Roshambo claims that their sunglasses are so light that they can float. Also, Roshambo won our heart with its quirky and clever website and its devotion to the cause of autism. Additionally, you can purchase polarized replacement lenses on their website. They also sell extra lenses without the logo. We were impressed by several others too. The Julbo Looping Sunglasses are hard to beat for those who are willing to pay a premium price. Who wouldn’t want to share a name brand with world-class adventurers? Kushies, on the other hand, offers a lot of value for a rock-bottom price tag. Still, we keep coming back to Roshambo shades. You might say that this model puts the others in the shade!
Roshambo Baby Shades
Babiators Aviators
Tuga Baby/Toddler Sunglasses
Baby Banz Retro Sunglasses
Kushies Kid-Sized Sunglasses
Hello Kitty Toddler Sunglasses by Leico
Julbo Looping Sunglasses
My First Sunglasses Sporty Shades by Bib-On
RuffleButts Infant / Toddler Sunglasses
And the Winner Is!
