There’s good news for avid “fashionistas” and “fashionista mothers” out there: it is totally recommended that we protect our eyes from the UV rays of the sun with none other than a pair of sunglasses. May it be something really hip, fancy, or just plain practical, it is now totally our responsibility to protect ourselves from the damaging UV Rays that come from direct exposure to sunlight.
Sunlight is part of our lives whether we like it or not but how we expose ourselves to it is our responsibility. Long exposure to it can cause a lot of diseases to our skin and yes, to our eyes, too. This is why we are all highly discouraged to look directly to the sun for a long period of time. And get this, even on a cloudy day, while you may think that you are protected from sunlight, you are still not protected from its harmful UV rays.
Now don’t think that this only apply to adults. Babies and toddlers are highly susceptible to these damages as well, and they need as much eye protection as adults do. Long exposure to direct sunlight with all its UV rays may damage a baby’s or a child’s developing eyesight.
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Why It Is Important to Protect Babies’ and Toddlers’ Eyes with Sunglasses
Okay, let’s admit it. Whenever we get a hold of a pair of sunglasses with our babies with us, it becomes super hard to not let them try the sunglasses on. We take a few of their photos, laugh at how funny they look, and adore all the cuteness that is in front of you. But the fact of the matter is, making them wear sunglasses should not just be for stylish nor for entertainment reasons only. Wearing sunglasses is actually essential to protect babies’ and toddlers’ sensitive eyes.
Biology dictates that babies and children have clearer and more pure eye fluids. The same with their eye lenses, they have clearer lenses and cornea, which basically means that sunlight and its harmful UV rays can easily penetrate through their eyes and yes, can cause a lot of damage to their eyesight. Just imagine direct sunlight going through any clear glass – any object behind it can easily be damaged. This, in turn, can cause a number of complications to a baby’s or child’s sensitive eyes namely, cataract, damaged retina, or worse, vision loss.
Sunglasses, as simple of a concept as it may seem, actually work in solving this dilemma for a lot of babies and toddlers. Apart, of course from keeping them shielded from the sun or keeping them indoors all day, which is impossible because children will always want to play outdoors time and again, wearing sunglasses prove to be very beneficial –especially if you choose the right kind of sunglasses for them. Nowadays, babies’ and toddlers’ sunglasses come in a variety of styles, colors, tints, function, and lenses. Which is perfect because it makes it a whole lot easier to protect their eyes from the sun and you could even choose the perfect pair for them according to their needs.
What Is the Right Age for Babies and Toddlers to Wear Sunglasses?
Truth be told, with the growing need to protect ourselves and our children from the harmful UV rays of the sun, there is now no age limit or requirement for one to wear sunglasses. And because of the many innovations in eyewear that have sprouted in the market, it has become incredibly easy to choose the right one for your little one. For example, for babies and toddlers, it may seem very hard to make them keep the sunglasses on especially when they’re outside playing under the sun. They will need something that will stay gently strapped around their head while they are being active. Most kids also need sunglasses with soft, bendable frames that will not just snap on their face and putting them at risk for cuts. Now, thanks to technology and innovation, parents can easily choose the right type of sunglasses for their babies and toddlers
Types of Sunglasses
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are now dependable types and makes of sunglasses that your babies and toddlers will definitely benefit from. Let’s start with the types of frames.
Hard Plastic Frames – Plastic frame sunglasses are ideal for babies’ and toddlers’ use mainly because of safety. Many find it a lot more dependable than metal because it doesn’t have any sharp parts that can poke your eye or your skin when it becomes defective, and because metal frames tend to be heavier, many opt for plastic frames for a more lightweight variant. Depending on the kind of plastic though, some frames are made from cheap plastic that can be easily broken or bent. Parents should consider double-checking these features to avoid accidents.
Soft Plastic Frames – The promise now of a lot baby eyewear companies is that your babies’ eyes will not only benefit from being protected from direct sunlight but they will also enjoy wearing their sunglasses because of the ease and comfort that sunglasses made of soft plastic frames can bring. Frames made of this type of material are said to be more durable and can withstand any abuse that they get from the little ones. Even when they fall down on the ground, parents won’t be scared of them breaking or getting deformed easily. Because they are made of soft plastic material, these sunglasses usually sit comfortably on the face.
Nylon Frames – A lot of parents prefer nylon frames for their babies and toddlers because this type of frames was purposely made for athletes. Naturally, they are more durable and can survive even the toughest use: they can bend and go back to their original shape without the worry of permanent damage, and the grip around the face is more comfortable than regular plastic frames.
Goggle-type Frames – This unique frame type offers a lot of benefit apart from just protecting your babies’ or toddlers’ eyes from the sun. They have built-in durable straps that go around your child’s head and securing its hold no matter what the activity your child is doing. It has adjustable straps that you can easily make tighter or looser depending on the preference of the child. They can also be lightweight, and most importantly, they can look like their favorite superhero while they are playing.
Types of Sunglass Lenses
Before, not much thought were given to lenses for sunglasses. They were just simply tinted, and were made of see-through plastic material, and voila – you have sunglasses. Now, because of all the innovations that the 21st century has brought, eyewear technology has upped their game and is now offering different kinds of lenses and tints that any parent can enjoy choosing from for their babies and toddlers.
Glass Lenses – There are still plenty of glass lenses for sunglasses available out there but is not always the first choice for parents as they can easily break when dropped by little, clumsy hands. They are said to have clearer payoff than plastic lenses and usually offer scratch-resistant surface, but they also tend to be heavier in terms of weight – not ideal if your priorities for your child is comfort and long wear.
Polycarbonate Lenses – are the usual choice for sunglasses nowadays as they are the most lightweight and are virtually strong that they can do not shatter or break on impact. Most importantly, they have a built in protection from UV rays, which makes them perfect for protection and active wear for babies and toddlers. These types of lenses, however, are a bit susceptible to scratches, so a little more care is needed when your little one is using this.
Polarized Lenses – Aside from effective UV protection, polarized lenses or sunglasses provide a shield for glare – the one that you are exposed to when you are outdoors especially when at the beach or snow. It deters the light that is reflecting from any surface, whether water, snow, or your windshield, while allowing other non-glaring lights to come in, and will give your little ones better protection.
Photochromic Lenses – One of the latest technology in eyewear, photochromic lenses are the most user-friendly lenses out there because it automatically adjusts to the light that it is exposed to. If the UV rays are stronger, then photochromic lenses go darker, providing even more protection for your babies’ and toddlers’ eyes. They automatically adjust, too, when the light becomes dimmer, the lenses provide a brighter payoff.
Mirrored Lenses – These type of lenses are usually used for fashion statements because they can give your child a very hip look. But actually, they provide more than just aesthetics, they can give additional protection from direct sunlight because they have an additional coating on their outer surface, which in turn effectively deflects the sunlight away from the eyes.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Your Babies
Now that we’ve identified the different types of sunglasses with their frames, makes, and lenses, it is now time to determine which kind of sunglasses would best fit your babies’ or toddler’s needs – the hardest job to accomplish, mind you. But truth of the matter is, being the parent gives you the most authority in choosing what is the best option for your child. Because you know your baby or toddler well, it would be easy to determine which sunglasses give your baby comfort or discomfort. You would be able to gauge well if your baby can keep them on for the whole duration that they are exposed to the sun. Are they mostly active and rowdy when they play outdoors? Do they easily get irritated with accessories on their face fast? Do they enjoy wearing accessories as part of their playtime or dress up? These are the questions to ask yourselves when choosing for the right sunglasses for them. If they are very active, then you might want to opt for goggle-type frame sunglasses as they provide secured grip and won’t be easily taken off. If they enjoy wearing sunglasses, then a pair of polycarbonate sunglasses may already do the trick for sun protection.
But no matter what style or frame you choose, never forget to opt for the sunglasses that would provide maximum protection. Here’s a short guide for you:
- Ensure that you choose lenses that block 99% sun’s harmful rays: UV, UVA and UVB rays.
- Better to opt for plastic lenses to avoid breaking and shattering especially when they are very active outdoors.
- Be consumer smart. Choose the sunglasses with lenses that have innovative coatings on them for scratch resistance. Chances are, you will have to buy a lot and often as your playful little one cannot take care of their sunglasses on their own.
- Choose sunglasses not only based on trends or fashion. Make sure you choose the one that has wide coverage and can protect a wide area of your baby’s or toddler’s face.
- Make sure you choose sunglasses for their comfort, too. Some sunglasses can be rigid and may cause discomfort for your babies. Choose the ones that are curved and rounded so it doesn’t poke them in their skin or their nose bridge.
Top 16 Sunglasses for Babies and Toddlers
1. Tuga Baby/Toddler UV 400 Sunglasses with Two Adjustable Straps and Case
These goggle-type glasses are perfect for active and playful babies and toddlers. Because of its built-in straps, they do not come off easily plus it provides wide coverage to ensure protection and light blockage from the sun. The straps are made of neoprene, which makes them highly stretchable and comfortable for children.
2. Baby BANZ Ultimate Polarized Sunglasses
Design and function blend perfectly well in these top of the line sunglasses. They offer a hundred percent blockage from UVA and UVB rays, which are the main important things to look for in sunglasses. This product is made of high quality materials that make up for the price range.
3. Hipsterkid BPA Free, Warranty Protected, Polarized Sunglasses for Babies
These sunglasses will make your child look hip while protecting him from UV rays and glare of the sun as they are polarized. Polarized lenses are recommended especially when playing outdoors, in the beach or in the snow. They also offer warranty in case it gets broken easily which is a plus for parents.
4. Babiators Kid’s Aviator Uv Sunglasses
This offers one hundred percent protection for your babies’ and toddlers eyes from the dangerous rays of the sun. They are also highly durable because of its hi-tech rubber frames, which only means that they can withstand even the roughest playtime of your little one without them breaking off easily.
5. COCOSAND Gift Set Navigator Toddler Baby Sunglasses
These sunglasses offer BPA-free frames, and have built-in straps, too, so that they stay in place when needed. BPA is a type of chemical that when penetrates your food or your skin, may cause some serous damage. This pair is not only perfect for toddlers who like to play actively under the sun, but consciously protecting your little ones from harmful chemicals, too.
6. i play. Flexible Sunglasses
Here is another frame that is made of synthetic rubber, which makes it highly flexible and durable. And apart from it being suitable for playful babies and toddlers, they also bring comfort to the fit around the eye area as it is softer than regular plastic. Recommended for your child’s comfort and safety.
7. Julbo Looping I Baby Sunglasses, Spectron 4 Baby Lens
Probably one of the coolest designs for baby’s sunglasses out there, this pair can fit infants and toddlers from 0-18 months old. It also has a wrap-around shape so it comfortably protects your babies’ and toddlers’ eyesight while providing a good and gentle grip around your little one’s eye area.
8. Baby BANZ Sunglasses Infant Sun Protection
These sporty-looking sunglasses have it all, they have a sleek design but guarantees comfort for your babies’ and toddlers’ wear. They are virtually hingeless, too, so they have minimal risk for breaking. The nose rest is also made up of silicone to ensure softness around the nose bridge and provide additional comfort for your little one.
9. COCOSAND Gift Set Navigator Toddler Baby Sunglasses with Straps BPA free 0-24months
This particular brand of sunglasses for babies and toddlers offer products that are not only made of skin-friendly materials for babies’ sensitive skin, but they also use environmental-friendly materials, too. They are BPA-free and are made up of high-end polycarbonate materials, this pair is great for playful babies and toddlers use.
10.Carter’s Baby Sunglasses
This trusted brand for babies has created sunglasses for infants and toddlers with ages 0-18 months old. They offer unique and cute designs that parents will love accessorizing their babies with. With the playful style of this particular product, babies and toddlers will look irresistible in them as they enjoy their time under the sun.
11. OshKosh B’Gosh Girls Sunglasses
If you cannot get your baby or toddler to wear sunglasses, maybe entice them with a playful style and design like this one that will surely make it an enjoyable experience for them. This way, you get them to have fun and you get them protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun, too.
12. RIVBOS Rubber Kids Polarized Sunglasses With Strap Glasses Shades for Boys Girls Baby and Children
Because of this brand’s smart technology in kid’s eyewear, they were able to create a product that is made of silicone material therefore making it very durable and comfortable for babies’ and toddlers’ use. Their unique technology allows the sunglasses to comfortably sit on top of the child’s nose as they are not heavy or hard, too.
13. Baby Solo Babyfarer Baby Toddler Sunglasses/Infant Newborn Sunglasses
This very cute pair of sunglasses for babies proves to be very effective in protecting your little one’s eyes from the damaging UV rays of the sun. It comes with goggle-like straps to ensure that it stays put well. They have anti-scratch coating and are guaranteed to protect against UVA and UVB a hundred percent.
14. JAN & JUL Baby Toddler Kids UV-400 Polarized Sun-glasses
Your little one will surely be the talk of the town once they see him wearing this pair of sunglasses. They are BPA-free and PVC-free, so in terms of materials, they are safe to touch the skin of your baby. They offer as much UV protection as they look good.
15. CGID Soft Rubber Kids Cute Heart Polarized Sunglasses UV400 for Children
When choosing sunglasses for your little ones, try to consider the amount of space in your child’s eye area that the sunglasses cover. This polarized pair of glasses is a cute option to have your child protected from the sun because they offer wide and high coverage for maximum protection.
16. Little Llama Infant Sunglasses (0 to 2 Years) with Adjustable Strap and Case
This type of sunglasses comes in two colors that are fun and are sure attention-catchers. They provide comfort, style, and function all in one high-tech design. Made of high quality materials to make sure that your little ones will can fully use them and use them for a long period of time.
The Moment of Truth
When it comes to eye protection, only less than thirty percent of parents actually make their babies wear sunglasses. Fact is, if you have to wear sunglasses as an adult, then children should also wear them, too, as they have bigger pupils and clearer lenses and eye fluids, which make them even more susceptible to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Start them young so they can practice the healthy habit of protecting their eyes from direct and long exposure to the sun.
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