Summer weather is in full swing and that means days at the pool. Did you know that your baby needs more than sunscreen to be protected from the sun? Your child's eyes are still developing and require sunglasses to protect them from harmful UV rays and make it easier to see while having fun in the sun. That's not all, though. Sunglasses are a good idea in the winter, too, especially if there is plenty of snow to reflect the sun's rays. Check out this guide to finding the best baby sunglasses for your little one, and get a sneak peek at some other excellent accessories as well.
Babies need sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun. Their corneas and lenses are clearer, making it easier for the sun to damage their eyes.
Babies should begin wearing sunglasses by the time they are 6 months old. Look for lenses that offer an ultraviolet filter. Put them on your baby as soon as you are outside, but avoid putting them on indoors. The sudden darkness may confuse or scare your child.
Regular sunglasses may create a glare from glass, snow or water, which can make it hard for your baby to see. Investing in polarized sunglasses will reduce the glare and allow them to see more easily and comfortably.
The best way to keep sunglasses on your baby is to buy a pair of wraparound shades that have an adjustable neoprene or rubber strap. These fit more comfortably and are harder for him or her to pull off.
The lenses on baby sunglasses are polycarbonate or plastic and have a coating that absorbs UV rays. Depending on how well-made the sunglasses are, they can block as much as 99 percent of the radiation that reaches your baby's eyes via UV rays. Many pairs also include polarizing film. This film fights the glare that can reflect off water, glass, snow, ice or even sand. When the vibrating light waves from the sun strike a horizontal surface, they create a glare, but polarized sunglasses eliminate it.
The most important benefit of putting sunglasses on your baby is the protection for his or her eyes. Sunglasses can block harmful UV rays from reaching your baby's eyes. Without them, your child may be more likely to need corrective lenses or to suffer from cataracts later in life.
When it comes to protecting your baby from the sun, glasses are made to wrap around his or her head, which makes them harder to pull off. If you were to only use a sun hat, it would be easier for your baby to remove it and reduce sun protection.
Dressing your baby up in cute outfits can be a lot of fun, and the right sunglasses can be an excellent functional accessory. Use different colors and patterns on the frames and head straps to color-coordinate outfits.
Many brands sell affordable and functional sunglasses for babies. This is especially true when you weigh the cost of glasses against the cost of treating eye-related health issues in the future.
The most important portion of choosing sunglasses for your baby is the amount of UV protection the glasses provide. Choosing a pair with 100 percent blockage is ideal, but most brands market their products as 99 percent effective. Consider the coverage as well. Search for a pair that covers the entire eye, both above and on each side, such as a wraparound pair.
It is also a good idea to find a pair with polarized lenses that help to reflect glares and further protect your baby's eyesight. Outside of sun protection, look for several other features. If the sunglasses are too rigid, your baby will probably feel uncomfortable and be fussy or try to remove them. Rounded or curved designs that are made of rubber are more flexible and comfortable on your baby's face.
A pair that uses a headband will help to keep the sunglasses on his or her face as well. Search for glasses that don't use metal hinges, as they can be too easy for your child to snap the hinge in half. Finally, search for shatterproof and scratch-proof lenses since it is likely your baby will still manage to pull them off and toss them at least one. After all, almost nothing is truly babyproof.
Hipsterkid is a small brand that has become popular for selling a range of trendy products for your little ones. One of the company's most popular products is its baby sunglasses. It sells polarized sunglasses for baby in 10 different styles, including rose gold, tortoise shell and hot pink. The company also offers flexible UV glasses as well as several other functional fashion accessories. Not all products have reviews yet, but those that do have 4.5 or 5 stars.
Known for its swimsuits and beach accessories, Tuga offers a wide range of products for people of all ages. Its sunglasses for kids are especially popular. The frames and lenses are one size and available in six different colors. Each pair comes with two adjustable straps. The small strap is perfect for kids up to 2 years old, and the large strap works for children between 2 and 5 years old or who have a head circumference of 21 inches. They are lightweight, breathable and shatterproof, not to mention very affordable.
Available through Amazon, Tantino is popular for the sunglasses it sells on the website. Tantino's glasses are available for infants and young toddlers and make an excellent fashion accessory. They are available in five colors and come with a cloth carrying case.
Baby BANZ offers several types of products to make your baby safer and happier in the sun, not least of which is the company's sunglasses. Lightweight, yet durable, the glasses are available in a range of bright colors and are flexible and protective of your baby's eyes. The company also sells sunhats, earmuffs and a range of other baby-safe products.
A true baby fashion house, Carter's offers everything from clothing and shoes to accessories and blankets. Some of the company's most popular items are sunglasses. From the truly functional to simply fashionable, you'll find a variety of styles and colors when you shop for baby sunglasses at Carter's.
Baby Opticals by Hipsterkid are shatter-resistant, polarized sunglasses that keep your baby's eyes safe while he or she explores the world. Available in a variety of colors, these sunglasses are perfect for stylish babies on the go.
* Purchase must be less than a year old and registered on the website
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As fashionable as they are functional, Tunga Baby Toddler UV 400 Sunglasses are FDA-approved for blocking the UV rays that can harm your baby's eyes. These lenses protect your baby's eyesight during summer days at the beach or winter days on the slopes.
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The perfect fashion frame, Leico Fashion Toddler Baby Infant Polarized Aviator Sunglasses offer a full metal frame in two different color combinations to match your baby's best outfits. These frames are adorable and affordable, making them the perfect alternative to the more expensive Babiators. Choose the classic color choice to match everything or opt for the unique combination for a special outfit.
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Created with quality and durability in mind, Baby BANZ: Ultimate BANZ Polarized offer 100 percent protection against the sun's rays for your baby. The award-winning design of these glasses is as fashionable as it is innovative, and the company takes pride in designing products that do not use toxic chemicals.
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Vintage- Toddler's First Sunglasses for Ages 2-4 Years offer a classic take on baby sunglasses. Durable materials and 100% UVA/UVB protection ensure a high-quality product. Multiple color options mean you can color-coordinate every outfit.
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The polarized baby sunglasses by Hipsterkid are the favorite on this list by far. These glasses have a classic style that promises to remain on trend for quite a while, meaning your baby can wear them for years to come, or you can pass them on to a younger sibling when the time comes.
With a dozen different color options, it's easy to find a pair that matches your baby's outfit no matter what type of event you're attending or what time of year it is, and the stay-on strap promises to keep the protective lenses firmly in place. Of course, the protection they offer are hard to beat, too. Hipsterkid's glasses provide 100 percent UVB and UVA protection, and the polarized lenses prevent the glare of snow or water from hurting your child's eyes.
Shatter-resistant yet flexible, your baby can play with these all he or she wants and isn't likely to break them. These sunglasses are PVC-, BPA- and phthalate-free and conform to standards set forth by the CE, CPSIA and FDA. A microfiber bag is even included for easy storage.
When it comes to choosing the best products for your kids, I look to my own to see what I'd choose for them. I consider which products I've used that we all loved and which ones fell short. I want the things I buy for my kids to be the full package, and that goes for baby sunglasses as well.
Of course, safety is most important to me, but I also consider whether the glasses are fashionable and will look cute with my kids' outfits and whether they can be shared among siblings. Like most, my babies can be a handful, so I also make sure to choose items that have excellent reviews in terms of ease of use and price.
I want something that won't take an hour to put on, but I also want something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, just in case they do manage to break something. I read reviews, research every product and then choose what I think is best for my kids, and I do the same for yours.
Of course, your baby's scalp and face needs as much protection from the sun as his or her eyes do. The i play. Flap Sun Protection Sun Hat is a machine-washable hat with a UPF rating of 50+.
The baseball cap-like brim and long neck flap keeps your baby perfectly covered, and the tie closure under the chin makes it easier to keep the hat in place. This hat is available in 11 different colors and sizes ranging from newborn to 4T, making it the perfect option for your day at the beach.
Hats and sunglasses go a long way toward protecting your little ones from the sun, but sunscreen is not optional. Thinkbaby offers an SPF 50+ sunscreen that works for the entire family.
The no-tears formula isn't greasy, won't stain most fabrics, and is safe for babies and children who have eczema. Purchase it as an individual bottle or in packs of two or three.
While I do have my favorite, all the sunglasses on my list are excellent choices. Choose yours based on your needs. If you plan to spend plenty of time at the beach or the park, go for function. If you need something cute for your little one to wear while you head into the grocery store, you can focus more on color, shape or style. Either way, you're going to want something with a head strap and flexible frames. After all, we all know just how curious and involuntarily destructive little hands can be.
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