Sunglasses are essential sun protection for everyone, but they’re especially vital for babies and kids. With so many options available, how can you feel confident you’re buying a quality pair of children’s sunglasses (preferably ones that won’t break after the first wear)?
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children’s eyes are more transparent than adult eyes and therefore more susceptible to damage from the sun. That’s why the AOA advises parents to purchase sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation (UVA and UVB) for their kids.
Best Sunglasses for Babies and Kids
All of the sunglasses recommended below meet the AOA’s requirements for safe children’s eyewear, making them the best sunglasses for babies and kids.
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1. Roshambo Baby
Kids inevitably destroy sunglasses—unless those sunglasses are Roshambo Baby sunglasses. These stylish sunglasses are so unbreakable that the company claims you can run them over with a car and they’ll remain intact. (I don’t recommend trying this.) The lightweight and flexible shades are also polarized with 100 percent UVA and UVB for ultimate protection from the sun. Roshambo makes sunglasses for babies and kids as well as adults.
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2. Baby Banz
Looking for kids’ sunglasses with a strap? Designed for infants up to age two, Baby Banz sunglasses provide complete UVA and UVB protection with a connected strap to secure the glasses in place. They come in seven different colors. Baby Banz is also well known for its earmuffs and headphones for kids.
3. WeeFarers
Have a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses? Your little one can match you with the pint-sized version, WeeFarers. These stylish sunglasses provide 100 percent UV protection. Bonus: If your child damages or loses their WeeFarers, the company guarantees replacements for a full year.
4. Kushies
Parents and babies love Kushies because they’re super soft yet easily secure to the face. Available in newborn and toddler sizes, Kushies block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, and meet all of the AOA’s specifications for safe non-prescription sunglasses.
5. Babiators
Babiatorsis known for its adorable aviators for kids, but the beloved brand also makes heart and keyhole sunglasses, as well as navigator-style sunglasses. Sunglasses are available for ages zero to two, three to five, and six and up. There’s also a new line of sunglasses, Runaway, designed for kids aged 10 and up.
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Available in polarized and non-polarized versions, all Babiators sunglasses provide total protection from the sun and shatter-resistant lenses. In the event your child breaks or loses the sunglasses, Babiators will provide a new pair for up to a year.
6. Hipsterkid
Hipsterkid makes trendy, affordable sunglasses for kids, including wayfarers and aviators in polarized and non-polarized styles. Hipsterkid shades block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
7. GlamBaby
I can’t get enough of GlamBaby, whose line of sunglasses includes these retro Roxy Sunglasses and the over-the-top-glamorous Bella Sunglasses (which were surely inspired by Elton John). The sunglasses are as stylish as they are functional, with 100 percent UVA/UVB protection. They’re available in sizes for kids aged zero to two, two to six, and six and up. GlamBaby also makes blue-light protective glasses.
8. Tuga Sunglasses
These sturdy sunglasses come with a matching case and two adjustable Velcro straps—a small strap for kids aged zero to two, and a large strap for two- to five-year-olds, meaning they can grow with your child. Tuga sunglasses block 100 percent of harmful radiation from the sun.
9. BIB-ON
For affordable, stylish, and protective sunglasses for babies and kids, you can’t go wrong with BIB-ON. The brand offers a variety of children’s sunglasses, including options with straps. It also sells multi-packs so you can keep a pair of these beach essentials in the car and beach bag.
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10. Rivbos
Designed for kids ages three to 10, Rivbos are especially ideal for active kids. Not only do they provide total protection from the sun, but they’re also made to be unbreakable—perfect for everything from boogie boarding to soccer games. Their ergonomic design means nobody will complain about the sunglasses being uncomfortable, and an attached strap ensures they can’t be misplaced.
