The sun's harmful rays do not discriminate by age, with eye specialists the world over recommending sunglasses with UVA/UVB lenses for babies from as young as six months old. What's more, good eye protection from an early age will lower the risk of eye problems later in life.
In this article, we rank the 10 best specialist sunglasses for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years in the UK. From flexible frames to adjustable neoprene straps, read on for our tips and product reviews!
Quick List - Top Sunglasses for Babies
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As with almost all kids' products, the first thing you need to do is to make sure the sunglasses are suitable for your baby's age. Manufacturers understand the importance of including an age bracket, of course, and in this case, you will find most sunglasses for babies are recommended for children aged 0-3 years.
However, some will be even more specific and some a little more broad. Usually, these differentiating ranges will come down to their unique design features, which we'll get into further in this article. Regardless, it's always best to check so you know that you're purchasing a suitable and safe pair of sunglasses for your little bub.
The driving force behind any pair of sunglasses is their UV protection. Sure, looking the part and good durability are important, but without a proper set of protective lenses, they are more ornamental than anything else.
It's well documented that by the time a child is 18, their internal eye will have absorbed 50% of the entire amount of ultraviolet light it will take on in a lifetime. This is why it's essential to scope out sunglasses for babies with 99-100% UV protection. That includes both UVA and UVB rays which are equally as damaging.
Sunglasses that are labelled as UV400 can be trusted as their UV protection is of the highest standing. Looking out for the UV400 rating will allow you to buy with confidence and ensure your children's eye are protected when in the direct line of sunlight. Another affirmable lens option is polarised lenses, which will minimise glare.
Protect your baby's delicate skin from harmful rays with a broad spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen
Most baby sunglasses are instantly recognisable from their wrap-around frames. These frames are designed to give a snug fit across a baby's face without the bridge of a nose to rest on. Of course, babies have noses, but they are so cute and button-like that it's practically impossible for sunglasses to rest on them.
The frames of are typically constructed from either plastic, rubber or silicone, with rubber and silicone being seen as the safest materials for the youngest of babies. Their formable designs allow for an increase in safety and comfort while babies are getting used to the idea of wearing sunglasses.
Plastic sunglasses are available, however, they are more suitable when your baby has grown out of the teeny tiny bracket and is knocking on the toddler's door as they are slightly less comfortable.
Polycarbonate is seen as the premier lens material used for babies' sunglasses. This is due to it being an ultra-durable and impact-resistant plastic that is readily used in safety glasses for builders. Impressively, it also has zero risk of shattering on impact.
If a pair of baby sunglasses doesn't have polycarbonate lenses, there's a good chance they'll just be regular plastic lenses. Unfortunately, for the most part, plastic lenses are known to be ten times less impact-resistant than polycarbonates.
While this is obviously not as reassuring breakage-wise, there's no right or wrong when it comes to lens material – it's just another factor that contributes to their durability.
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Fortunately, plenty of brands cleverly compensate for a baby's still-developing facial features by including a thick and adjustable headband on their sunglasses. Better yet, it ensures their new pair won't fly off in the heat of a tantrum.
These headbands typically form the entire arms of the sunglasses and wrap themselves carefully around the back of the head. The material that excels when coming up against a baby's soft and impressionable skin is the formable yet incredibly strong rubber known as neoprene.
This is the same stuff that surfers squeeze themselves into to keep warm in the harshest of ocean climates. It is an extremely comfortable and durable rubber that your child won't even notice they're wearing. If there are standard arms, they'll more than likely have a basic strap that connects the two arms around the head.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ActiveSol Baby Sunglasses | ![]() | Protective Baby Sunglasses With Polarised UV400 Lenses | |
2 | Pikacool Baby Sunglasses | ![]() | Ray-Ban Style Sunnies With Detachable Strap | |
3 | Kiddus Baby Sunglasses | ![]() | Shatterproof Pair of Kids Sunglasses With Neoprene Headband | |
4 | Kiddus Polarised Baby Sunglasses | ![]() | Durable Wayfarers for Babies 8 Months and Older | |
5 | Hifot Baby Sunglasses | ![]() | Practically Indestructible Baby Sunglasses With All-In-One Thermoplastic Frame | |
6 | Baby Banz Wrap Sunglasses | ![]() | Retro-Style Adjustable Baby Sunglasses With Silicone Pads for Comfort | |
7 | Idol Eyes Baby Wrapz Sunglasses | ![]() | Excellent Quality 100% UV Lenses From an Australian Brand | |
8 | Fourchen Polarised Baby Sunglasses | ![]() | Polarised Sunglasses for Toddlers in Multiple Colours and Designs | |
9 | Foster Grant Goggle Tiger Sunglasses | ![]() | Adjustable Sunglasses That Grow With Your Baby up to 3 Years Old | |
10 | EyeLevel Baby Girl Sunglasses | ![]() | Cute Plastic Wrap-Arounds for One and Two Year Olds |
ActiveSol have really gone all out with this delightfully designed pair of sunglasses, aimed at wrapping around the heads of babies under two. The polarised, polycarbonate UV400 lenses are a shining remark on quality and construction, as is the fact they're made of indestructible, flexible HYTREL® rubber.
The frame is constructed from one single piece of this rubber to give your baby a super-plush fit with no chance of marking or digging into their little head. They also come with a strap that clips into both arms and there are eight colours to choose from. A definite winner!
Pikacool have nailed the esteemed wayfarer style with these pale pink sunnies for children aged 0-2 years. But they don't just look cool, as the thermoplastic frame will give your baby plenty of bending power without the chance of snapping.
The lenses also score highly on the durometer reading, being polycarbonate in construction and 100% UVA and UVB protective. Including a clip-on strap and the ability to choose from three unique colours makes Pikacool the top dogs where both style and safety are concerned.
Kudos for Kiddus for making it onto this list three times with three unique designs that each deserve their place near the top. This pair boasts a neoprene headband, which should mean your baby can play in the sunshine to their heart's content with their glasses firmly strapped to their head.
The lenses are again UV400 polycarbonate, ensuring your child's eyes will remain safe from both the sun's rays and any potential smashed lenses. With more colours than you could poke a sunnies' arm at, the most trouble you'll have will be deciding on which one to pick!
Another offering from the acclaimed Kiddus range, this loud and proud pair of polarised glasses are designed for babies aged eight months and over. You can choose from seven unique colours and patterns to suit your child's style as they grow into themselves and decide on this week's favourite colour.
Ticking all the right boxes on durability and safety with polycarbonate UV400 lenses and a bendable plastic frame only adds to the supreme nature of these striking baby sunnies. There's one slight hiccup – they've forgotten to include a strap!
Hifot have set out to impress by creating these market-leading sunnies! This is their infant offering, which is designed for babies as young as zero all the way up to 2 years.
The all-in-one thermoplastic frame ensures there are no weak points to these sunglasses, as well as providing a very stretchy and formable frame. The lenses are, of course, UV400 and polycarbonate, with an adjustable strap to boot and four colourways to choose from. Smiles all round!
Baby Banz have created an adorably styled pair of sunnies with a flair for the styles of old with this all-white, retro affair. Recommended for babies aged 0-2 years, this practical pair should have no problems finding their way onto your child's head and remaining there.
The neoprene headband will give your baby a bespoke fit of pure comfort, and there are even silicone nose and brow pieces to minimise any digging in. To top it off, the lenses are made from safety-orientated polycarbonate plastic, giving you and your little one confidence if things go slightly pear shaped.
Idol Eyes are a brand from Australia who pride themselves on producing kids' sunglasses with an emphasis on high-quality lenses for an unrivalled amount of eye protection.
The included neoprene headband spans the entire back part of the sunglasses for a snug, comfortable fit, while the soft rubber frame also nods to their comfort. With five different colours to choose from, all with 100% UV protection, this is as good a pair of sunnies as you're likely to find for under £10.
With a clear leap in quality, these polarised sunglasses from Fourchen are styled nicely and made well. The rubberised plastic frame will safeguard your baby's head through being both soft and durable.
Recommended for kids aged 0-3 years, these sunnies come with a basic strap to keep them where they should be. Hitting the 100% UV protection mark is another notable win, however, again the lens material has not been divulged, making you think it's probably another case of regular plastic.
Branded as being goggle sunglasses, this tiger-themed pair will certainly have a hard time getting lost if they're accidentally flung out of the pram! Plus, the desirable UV400 rating means you'll know for certain that your baby's eyes are well shaded.
The armless design gives rise to the entire back piece being a Velcro strap, allowing you to fasten them to your little one's head for a firm yet soft fit. Unfortunately, the material of the lenses hasn't been stated, which leads you to believe it could quite easily be regular – and potentially less durable – plastic.
This inexpensive pair of sunglasses is designed for babies in the 1-2 year age range specifically. The hard plastic frame is sturdy but also has the potential of causing irritation to children when pressed against their face.
With 100% UV protection, at least you'll know your baby's eyes will be adequately protected and that's what counts the most. The flower power design gives them a strong sense of 60's style, suiting any upcoming summer beach holidays swimmingly.
No. 1: ActiveSol|Baby Sunglasses
No. 2: Pikacool|Baby Sunglasses
No. 3: Kiddus|Baby Sunglasses
No. 4: Kiddus|Polarised Baby Sunglasses
No. 5: Hifot|Baby Sunglasses
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