The best baby sunglasses are durable and comfortable, have a high percentage of UVR protection, and offer an option for polarized lenses. Not all baby sunglasses are the same, however, so you’ll want to consider a few important safety features beyond their UV rating. Richard Hertle, MD, FAAO, FACS, FAAP, chief of pediatric ophthalmology and director of the Vision Center at Akron Children’s Hospital also suggests looking for “child-proof” glasses for babies, which means flexible, nontoxic frames and plastic lenses they won’t be able to break easily. Then you can look for other features like polarized lenses or a strap to ensure they stay on your baby’s head. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these helpful features in mind. These are the best baby sunglasses on the market today. Babiators Original Navigators are our top pick for their overall value. Made of 100% BPA-free rubberized plastic, these cleverly named glasses are strong and durable—drop them, bend them, twist them, and they promise to withstand tough treatment. If they still manage to break, they’re backed by the brand’s no-sweat warranty, meaning you don’t have to sweat it if they somehow do manage to get broken or if you lose them. For the entire first year, you can get them replaced for free. They come in an array of fun colors, styles, and sizes for toddlers and older kids, too. If you need help finding the right size, the brand has a size chart online to help. The Original Navigators are non-polarized and come with a UV400 rating, offering 100% UVA/UVB protection. However, the brand does offer polarized lenses in this style for a few dollars more. They also come with a hard-shelled carrying case that has a carabiner, making it easy to attach to your stroller or add as a diaper bag necessity. Price at time of publish: $26 Designed for babies ages zero to two, they’re shatter-proof, and if they break within the first year, the company will give you a brand new pair. They come in an array of bright colors and are as cute as can be, too. Price at time of publish: $17 Price at time of publish: $13 The strap is soft and adjustable, so you can get a good fit, and no matter how you bend or twist these glasses, they won’t break. They offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, and the wrap-around style makes sure harmful rays don’t peek in from the sides either. Price at time of publish: $18 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $35 They are available in a variety of fun colors and patterns and are sized to fit until kids up to 2 years old. They also come with a microfiber pouch and a soft cloth for cleaning the lenses. Price at time of publish: $30 Thankfully, this pair of sunglasses from Roshambo is made with your baby and toddler in mind. Not only do they protect their eyes from harmful rays, but they can also bend pretty much any which way. The lenses are shatterproof, and they are flexible enough for teething babies. For those who need prescription glasses for their kids, these sunglasses are also prescription friendly, so no need for expensive frames! Price at time of publish: $24
What to Look for in Baby Sunglasses
Protection
It is important that the glasses are actually protecting your baby’s eyes from the sun and not just acting as a stylish accessory. If glasses aren’t clearly labeled with the percentage of UVR protection they provide, skip them and choose a pair that does. “Sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays, preferably prescribed by your eye doctor, would be the best option for parents to select for their child’s eye care health,” Dr. Chan says. “Often, there is a tag that indicates the percentage of UV protection a pair of sunglasses will provide, so double check that fine print.” Moreover, the lenses should cover as much of their eye area as possible. “Making sure that the glasses fit well and cover the baby’s sensitive eyes and skin properly is the primary focus,” Dr. Chan explains. “Some like to use lanyards to help keep the sunglasses in place, but they can be a choking hazard if they get wrapped around the baby’s neck, so I generally don’t recommend them.”
Polarization
You will notice that some lenses are polarized while others are non-polarized. While both offer protection, there is a difference. Non-polarized lenses protect the eyes from sunlight but not from the glares that might bounce off of water or snow. Polarized lenses reduce the overall glare from both direct sunlight as well as the shimmers that bounce off of reflective surfaces. Either way, it is a personal choice. Both options protect your child’s eyes, but polarized glasses may be more helpful for trips to the beach or if you spend a lot of time in the snow. “Polycarbonate lenses are usually durable enough to survive kids and some lenses have scratch resistant coatings. Lens color is more of an individual choice, just be aware that darker isn’t always better unless you plan to be in really bright light,” says Dr. Chan. “Additionally polarized lenses aren’t always necessary. Polarized lenses can help reduce glare if you’re near areas of glare such as on the water or around snow.”
Comfort
If the sunglasses are not comfortable, your little one will not keep them on. “The features parents and caregivers should look for include a good (comfortable) fit, a strapped temple (earpiece), and at least a 70 percent absorption gray tint lens,” Dr. Hertle says. When you have doubts about your baby’s comfort level, Dr. Chan recommends watching their behavior. “Remember to observe your baby’s behavior to see if they are experiencing discomfort while wearing sunglasses to ensure the fit is correct,” she says. Look for baby sunglasses made of rubber, as they are more flexible, lightweight, and tend to sit better on their heads. A rounder, wider lens that covers the eye will also be more comfortable. Also, if your child will be wearing their glasses while playing outdoors, choosing a pair that has a strap to keep them on their head could be helpful as well.
Durability
You can guarantee that baby sunglasses will be bent, gnawed on, and thrown. If you want them to last, look for additional features that add to longevity. “Make sure the frames are baby resistant. Yes, nothing is really baby proof, but plastic frames that can be ‘baby-handled’ and not snap are a good choice,” recommends Dr. Chan. A flexible frame, scratch- and shatter-resistant lenses, and a strap to ensure they stay on your baby’s head will all add to the mileage you will get from a pair of sunglasses.
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Dr. Chan recommends little ones wear sunglasses beginning around 6 months old. “Protecting your child’s eyes is important, since children are often outside between school recess, sports, and playtime,” she says. “This increased exposure to the sunlight increases the risk of eye damage from ultraviolet (UV) light. Children’s eyes are still developing and cannot filter out the harmful UV rays.” For children who don’t like to wear sunglasses, consider other alternatives, like the stroller canopy, umbrella, or large floppy hats, Dr. Chan suggests, adding that it depends on the situation and “acceptance of the child.” It’s important to keep in mind though, that children under 10 years old have sensitive eyes that are still developing, Dr. Chan says. They are unable to filter out the sun’s ultraviolet rays like adults, leading to “greater amounts of visible blue and harmful ultraviolet rays” getting in their eyes. If this happens, they become “more susceptible to damaged retinas and other vision issues,” Dr. Chan explains. “Additionally, a baby’s eyelids and the skin around their eyes is very delicate. Even if a baby closes their eyes to protect them from the sun, their thin eyelids can burn,” she says. “And since the skin is so transparent, some sunlight can still reach the retina. Babies need sunglasses to protect their delicate eyes and the skin around their eyes.” Dr. Chan also recommends seeing an eye doctor for any assistance. “With a doctor’s recommendation, they will be able to factor considerations for your child’s lifestyle to provide a treatment option suitable for their needs, including sunglasses or corrective glasses,” she says.
