Sunny summer weather presents lots of opportunities for fun with your baby, but those bright rays can also be harsh.
Sun hats and baby sunglasses are great picks for keeping our little ones both comfortable and safe, but as any parent who’s ever tried to accessorize their baby knows, good pairs need to be break-resistant and able to stay in place – they’re no use to anyone if they’re on the floor.
We looked into 2021’s best baby sunglasses to see which pairs are ‘made in the shade’ and what features savvy parents should keep an eye out for while shopping.
In this article:
Are sunglasses actually important for my baby?
Let’s be honest – it’s fun buying cute stuff for our kids just because it looks cute, and a baby in adorable sunglasses is pretty hard to resist.
If you’re wondering if baby sunglasses offer legitimate protection, the answer is yes, with a caveat. As with your sunglasses, your baby’s sunglasses should be polarized and offer UVA/UVB protection. Wondering how these benefit your baby?
- Sunglasses with polarized lenses and UVA/UVB protection can help to protect against future occurrences of cataracts as well as macular disintegration, which is a type of disintegration of the retina
- They can also protect against occurrences of certain types of eye cancers, including skin cancer appearing on the eyelid, as well as corneal sunburn and corneal growths
What styles of sunglasses are available for babies?
From a stylistic perspective, there’s a near-endless amount of frame styles and lens colors available for baby sunglasses.
That said, not all picks offer realistic protection and safety, so shop carefully, as this is the time to go for form over fashion.
There’s a lot of cute picks that check all the boxes, though, so don’t be discouraged. Beyond frame styles, baby sunglasses are made in one of two styles.
- Without strap: These sunglasses slip on and off just like standard adult glasses or sunglasses, making them easy to put on and take off. This can be both a blessing and a curse for parents
- With strap: These sunglasses are a lot more secure, thanks to an adjustable strap, but take longer to put on than a standard pair
Some important features to look for in sunglasses for babies
As with adult sunglasses, those made for babies run the gamut in quality and style. There’s no shortage of stylistic variety, but while searching for a pair that will actually protect your baby, knowing the facts is what counts.
Wondering what to look for on baby-safe picks?
- Look for sunglasses that specifically indicate UVA/UVB protection, which is what keeps your baby’s eyes safe from the harmful elements of the sun’s rays
- Seek out polarized lenses which offer maximum glare protection, making it easier for your baby to see comfortably
- Choose flexible frames, especially for picks without a strap that baby will be able to remove easily — this will prevent safety hazards created by baby inadvertently breaking their sunglasses
Some tips for choosing a great pair of sunglasses for my baby
Once you’re sure your baby’s sunglasses have all the features necessary to keep their eyes protected, making sure they’re convenient and comfortable is the next order of business.
Our tips mix a bit of common sense with some actual parental experience.
- Seriously, don’t underestimate the convenience of a strap or you may quickly find yourself on the running end of an endless game of fetch
- Take note of your baby’s eye shape to ensure the lenses of their sunglasses are large enough to encompass their field of vision in most positions
- Look at age ranges and make sure you’re choosing a pick that’s for a baby, not a toddler, ensuring maximum safety and optimum fit
Our picks of the best sunglasses
Editors choice
Our opinion
Frame color: Black
Age range: Birth – 12 months
Strap: No
Comes with case: No
Flexible frames: Yes
Polarized lenses: No
Old-school cool wins the day with the Kushies Sunglasses (check price on Amazon). These super-flexible baby sunglasses are made of patented DuPont rubber, making them virtually indestructible.
The lenses are also hard, making their polycarbonate construction both scratch and impact resistant. Of course, the cherry on top is the 100% blockage of UVA and UVB rays, keeping your baby’s eyes safe.
Though not polarized, the lenses are dark enough to allow baby to see and rest comfortably. While a strap isn’t included, it’s possible to add one to this durable pair using a kit, making them an even more secure pick.
What we love
- They’re made of DuPont rubber with scratch and impact resistant polycarbonate lenses, so they’ll survive an apocalypse (or a baby)
- They offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, the most important feature for baby sunglasses
Watch for
- They come without a strap, though one can be added easily by using a kit
Upgrade choice
Our opinion
Frame color: Grey print
Age range: Birth – 24 months
Strap: Yes
Comes with case: No
Flexible frames: No
Polarized lenses: Yes
Eye protection isn’t the only protection that’s important for our infants. Babies also have very sensitive ears, and when they’re going to be around loud noises, ear protection is also essential.
The Baby Earmuffs with Sunglasses Set from Baby Banz (check price on Amazon) pulls double duty, offering both a durable pair of strapped baby sunglasses with polarized, 100% UVA/UVB blocking lenses and a pair of super-soft noise-reducing earmuffs with an industry-leading noise reduction rating.
Both the noise-reducers and the baby sunglasses are adjustable, making them ideal until age two.
What we love
- This set features both noise-reducing earmuffs and a pair of durable Baby Banz sunglasses
- The sunglasses feature polarized lenses, 100% UVA/UVB blocking, and an adjustable, comfortable Neoprene strap
Best budget buy
Our opinion
Frame color: Blue
Age range: Birth – 12 months
Strap: No
Comes with case: Yes
Flexible frames: Yes
Polarized lenses: Yes
Baby gear can get quickly pricey, so when we find something that delivers both quality and value, it becomes an automatic favorite.
The Bib-on Vintage Baby Sunglasses (check price on Amazon) showcase the vintage look indicated in their name, with a sweet 50’s look that adds style to your baby’s summer wardrobe.
We don’t overlook safety, and neither does this pick – 100% UVA/UVB protection, polarized lenses, and flexible frames all make this budget pair a standout.
They come with a soft storage case that offers protection during travel, though they lack a strap, which must be bought separately.
What we love
- The super-flexible rubberized plastic frames are virtually damage-proof, plus they come with a stylish vintage design
- The polarized lenses offer full UVA/UVB protection, so their eyes are effectively guarded
Watch for
- They come without a strap, which can be added easily using a kit
Best vintage style
Our opinion
Frame color: Black
Age range: Birth – 2 years
Strap: Yes
Comes with case: No
Flexible frames: Yes
Polarized lenses: Yes
The sleek look of cool, vintage, hipster shades meets the convenience and security of strapped sunglasses in this precious pick from Hipsterkid.
The Hipsterkid Polarized Sunglasses’ (check price on Amazon) durable and flexible frames keep these sunglasses safe during wear and play, and the shatterproof lenses mean they can stand up easily to diaper bag pocket storage or accidental drops.
They’re good for up to two years, with a removable strap that’s ideal for security while still needed. The 100% polarized lenses offer essential UVA/UVB protection, plus they’re a classic style-and-color combo that won’t clash with any of their outfits.
What we love
- Features a security strap, polarized, shatterproof lenses and flexible frames, so they're a secure pair of sunglasses that resist breakage at every turn
- Lenses are 100% polarized, protecting baby’s eyes from harmful UVA/UVB rays
Watch for
- They can run a little small, so toddlers at the far end of the 24-month age range may outgrow them sooner than expected
Best toddler sunglasses
Our opinion
Frame color: Black
Age range: Birth – 24 months
Strap: Yes
Comes with case: Yes
Flexible frames: Yes
Polarized lenses: Yes
There’s a lot to like about these classically-styled, extra-secure COCOSAND Baby Sunglasses (check price on Amazon).
Not only do they feature the polarization and UVA/UVB blocking that makes sunglasses beneficial for babies (while in a retro style that’s easy to love), they also feature an adjustable strap made of Neoprene, with moisture-wicking capabilities.
These glasses not only stay in place but also keep your baby extra comfortable while they grow into them. This pick also comes with a convenient carrying pouch to keep them clean and prevent damage.
What we love
- They feature polarized lenses and UVA/UVB blocking
- They have a secure, adjustable strap made of moisture-wicking Neoprene, adding comfort and making them a pair that grows with baby
Watch for
- The lenses are vulnerable to scratches, so it’s best to store them in their accompanying pouch when not being used
Best baby girl sunglasses
Our opinion
Frame color: Black
Age range: Birth – 24 months
Strap: Yes
Comes with case: Yes
Flexible frames: No
Polarized lenses: No
Really sturdy, easily-adjustable straps are a game-changer when it comes to baby sunglasses because it keeps them in place and takes the struggle out of wear.
The neoprene strap featured on the Tuga UV 400 Baby Sunglasses (check price on Amazon) keeps moisture away from their skin and feels soft and comfortable while being worn.
They allow the sunglasses to grow with your baby, making them a great pick up until age two. They also come with a convenient hard-shelled carrying case, preventing damage while on the go.
Most importantly, despite a lack of polarized lenses, they filter out 100% of dangerous UVA and UVB rays, keeping your baby safe.
What we love
- The neoprene strap is simple to adjust, with moisture-wicking capabilities that keep baby dry and comfortable during wear
- They offer 100% blocking of UVA/UBB rays, fully protecting baby’s eyes
Watch for
- Frames are not flexible, but sturdy, so unlikely to break
Best baby sunglasses with strap
Our opinion
Frame color: Blue
Age range: Birth – 24 months
Strap: Yes
Comes with case: No
Flexible frames: No
Polarized lenses: Yes
The fun bright blue design of the Baby BANZ Ultimate Polarized Sunglasses (check price on eBay) makes them easy to spot, a feature that can be helpful when it comes to small baby gear that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle.
The neoprene strap is comfortable against the baby’s delicate skin, with added moisture-wicking capabilities to prevent irritation while swimming or sweating.
Baby’s eyes are protected by glare-free polarized lenses, which offer 100% UVA/UVB blockage for maximum benefit. The frames are not flexible but are still as tough as nails, and shatterproof lenses complete this all-around durable pick.
What we love
- Neoprene strap is soft, comfortable, easy to adjust and resists moisture
- Lenses are shatterproof, polarized and feature 100% UVA/UVB protection
Watch for
- They come without a carrying case, so parents may want to purchase one in order to prevent scratching
Best bendable baby sunglasses
Our opinion
Frame color: White
Age range: Birth – 36 months
Strap: No
Comes with case: No
Flexible frames: Yes
Polarized lenses: No
Love your aviators? Meet Babiators (check price on Buy on Bed Bath & Beyond), the adorable sunglasses that match up the fun, lens-and-frame shape that’s perpetually on-trend, with the flexible durability your baby gear requires.
While this pick isn’t polarized, the dark lenses still offer 100% UVA/UVB protection while minimizing glare, making the outdoors more comfortable for babies.
The frames are extra-bendable while the lenses are both impact and shatter-resistant, meaning these glasses can take a serious beating. While they come without a strap it’s easy to add one, making these sturdy glasses even more secure.
What we love
- They feature an adorable aviator frame-and-lens shape that’s fun and trendy
- They feature 100% UVA/UVB blocking to protect baby’s eyes
Watch for
- They come without a strap, though one can be added easily using a kit
FAQs
Is it dangerous to forego sunglasses for my baby?
While you may not immediately see the results of not using sunglasses for your baby, the threat of potential sun-related health hazards down the line makes forgoing sunglasses for babies an unwise choice.
They offer preventative shielding against a number of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Macular degeneration, a condition which causes the retina to break down
- Corneal sunburn and corneal growths
- Certain types of cancer, including skin cancer presenting on the eyelid
- Why are UVA and UVB protection important for babies?
UVA and UVB protection aren’t just important for babies, they’re important for all human beings. They’re the harmful part of the sun’s rays, and can lead to the presentation of skin cancer, ocular issues (including the aforementioned macular degeneration) and corneal problems.
Babies are especially vulnerable to the sun, especially in regards to their fragile, still-developing eyes, which makes sun-protective eyewear an especially important part of their outdoor safety.
What are some other important sun safety tips for outdoor time with baby?
- We know you’ve heard it a million times, but never shun sunscreen for yourself or your baby —
reapply after time spent in the water, and stick to brands that favor natural ingredients - Intersperse time in the sun with time in the shade, allowing both their skin and eyes relief
- Stay hydrated on hot days, and make sure baby drinks plenty of water and is dressed to prevent overheating
And our winner is…
Items that are small and frequently used on the go, such as baby sunglasses, for instance, need to be durable to be truly great.
Kushies Sunglasses (check price on Amazon) takes the gold here, offering frames made of ultra-flexible DuPont rubber and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses (which can’t be shattered!)
The only thing we’d add to this pick is a strap, which, fortunately, is a simple process.
These glasses are indispensable when it comes to all-around protection and sturdiness, plus they offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, making them both a well-rounded pick and our Editor’s Choice.
