When should my baby start wearing sunglasses?

Any baby that is in direct or reflected sunlight for sustained periods of time can benefit from wearing sunglasses. “A baby should start wearing sunglasses as soon as possible, since lifelong protection from UV is important and most UV exposure is in the first two decades of life,” Dr. Hertle tells Verywell Family. Note that it is recommended for babies under the age of 6 months old to be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Dr. Chan recommends little ones wear sunglasses beginning around 6 months old. “Protecting your child’s eyes is important, since children are often outside between school recess, sports, and playtime,” she says. “This increased exposure to the sunlight increases the risk of eye damage from ultraviolet (UV) light. Children’s eyes are still developing and cannot filter out the harmful UV rays.” For children who don’t like to wear sunglasses, consider other alternatives, like the stroller canopy, umbrella, or large floppy hats, Dr. Chan suggests, adding that it depends on the situation and “acceptance of the child.”

Does a newborn baby need sunglasses?

A newborn baby should not be in direct sunlight, so they should not need sunglasses. Instead, you can opt for something different, like a hat. “A newborn baby does not need sunglasses,” says Dr. Hertle. “A hat or stroller cover are fine.” However, if you want to buy them, you can certainly get them a pair—but these products are usually intended for older babies. It’s important to keep in mind though, that children under 10 years old have sensitive eyes that are still developing, Dr. Chan says. They are unable to filter out the sun’s ultraviolet rays like adults, leading to “greater amounts of visible blue and harmful ultraviolet rays” getting in their eyes. If this happens, they become “more susceptible to damaged retinas and other vision issues,” Dr. Chan explains. “Additionally, a baby’s eyelids and the skin around their eyes is very delicate. Even if a baby closes their eyes to protect them from the sun, their thin eyelids can burn,” she says. “And since the skin is so transparent, some sunlight can still reach the retina. Babies need sunglasses to protect their delicate eyes and the skin around their eyes.”

How do I make sure my baby's sunglasses fit?

You want the fit to be comfortable and sized to their head so that the sunglasses stay in place even when their head moves. If you find yourself still having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to an optician. “Parents and caregivers should get help from an optician to make sure their baby’s sunglasses fit,” Dr. Hertle recommends. “They are the experts in fitting and dispensing eyewear.” Dr. Chan also recommends seeing an eye doctor for any assistance. “With a doctor’s recommendation, they will be able to factor considerations for your child’s lifestyle to provide a treatment option suitable for their needs, including sunglasses or corrective glasses,” she says.

The 8 Best Baby Sunglasses of 2022

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Protecting your little one from the sun is so important. Alongside baby sunscreen and UV-resistant swimsuits, baby sunglasses should be part of that package as UV rays can damage a baby's eyes, which Selena Chan, OD, at Pacific Rims Optometry in San Francisco, says can be irreversible. “Even relatively short periods in the sun can cause damage, which can result in a variety of eye diseases as you age, including macular degeneration, dulling of colors, cataracts, or other issues,” Dr. Chan says.

Reviewed & Approved

We love the Babiators Original Baby, Toddler, & Kids Navigators because they're stylish, durable, and come in various sizes for toddlers and older kids. If you're shopping on a budget, try the BIB-ON Top Flyer Infant's First Sunglasses.

The best baby sunglasses are durable and comfortable, have a high percentage of UVR protection, and offer an option for polarized lenses. Not all baby sunglasses are the same, however, so you'll want to consider a few important safety features beyond their UV rating.

Richard Hertle, MD, FAAO, FACS, FAAP, chief of pediatric ophthalmology and director of the Vision Center at Akron Children’s Hospital also suggests looking for "child-proof" glasses for babies, which means flexible, nontoxic frames and plastic lenses they won't be able to break easily. Then you can look for other features like polarized lenses or a strap to ensure they stay on your baby's head. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these helpful features in mind.

These are the best baby sunglasses on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for All Ages:

Babiators Original Navigators at Amazon

Best Overall for Babies:

Baby BANZ Sunglasses Infant Sun Protection at Amazon

Best Budget:

BIB-ON Top Flyer at Amazon

Best With Strap:

Real Kids Shades Explorer Sunglasses at Amazon

Best Polarized:

HIPSTERKID Polarized Baby Sunglasses at Amazon

Best Stylish:

WeeFarers Tortoiseshell Glasses at Amazon

Best Patterned:

COCOSAND Baby Sunglasses with Strap at Amazon

Best Indestructible:

Roshambo Baby Flexible Polarized Baby Shades at Amazon

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Babiators Original Baby, Toddler & Kids Navigators

Courtesy of Amazon

Babiators Original Navigators are our top pick for their overall value. Made of 100% BPA-free rubberized plastic, these cleverly named glasses are strong and durable—drop them, bend them, twist them, and they promise to withstand tough treatment. If they still manage to break, they're backed by the brand's no-sweat warranty, meaning you don’t have to sweat it if they somehow do manage to get broken or if you lose them. For the entire first year, you can get them replaced for free.

They come in an array of fun colors, styles, and sizes for toddlers and older kids, too. If you need help finding the right size, the brand has a size chart online to help. The Original Navigators are non-polarized and come with a UV400 rating, offering 100% UVA/UVB protection. However, the brand does offer polarized lenses in this style for a few dollars more. They also come with a hard-shelled carrying case that has a carabiner, making it easy to attach to your stroller or add as a diaper bag necessity.

Recommended Age: 0-2 years old and 3-5 years old | Frame Type: Rubber | UV Protection: 100 percent | Lens Type: Non-Polarized

When it comes to protecting baby's eyes, it’s hard to beat these sunglasses from BanZ. From Australia, they're well designed with an adjustable head strap and rubber frames that make them comfortable to wear and stay in place. They provide 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays, and each pair also comes with a carrying bag/cleaning cloth to keep them in good shape.

Designed for babies ages zero to two, they’re shatter-proof, and if they break within the first year, the company will give you a brand new pair. They come in an array of bright colors and are as cute as can be, too.

Recommended Age: 0-2 years old | Frame Type: Shatter-Proof Polycarbonate and Neoprene | UV Protection: 100 percent | Lens Type: Polarized

Amazon

These sunglasses from Bib-On boast all the sun protection and quality of others, but at a fraction of the price. This pack even comes with two pairs, so you have a backup should one be lost or broken. The lenses, which offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, have a matte finish so little fingerprints don’t show, and they come with two microfiber pouches that can be used to clean and carry them. The frames are soft and flexible, too.

Recommended Age: 0-12 months old | Frame Type: Plastic | UV Protection: 100 percent | Lens Type: Non-Polarized

Keeping sunglasses on babies can be a challenge, but a strap that keeps them snug on their heads can help. These from Real Shades are a winner with parents who say they're nearly indestructible, and they fit well. The wrap-around design comes in a variety of colors and in sizes for babies as well as toddlers and older kids.

The strap is soft and adjustable, so you can get a good fit, and no matter how you bend or twist these glasses, they won’t break. They offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, and the wrap-around style makes sure harmful rays don’t peek in from the sides either.

Recommended Age: 0-4 years old | Frame Type: Shatter-Proof Polycarbonate | UV Protection: 100 percent | Lens Type: Non-Polarized and Polarized

Amazon

These frames feature polarized lenses and are as hip as can be with their classic frames and a strap to keep them in place. They’re free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC, which is reassuring, since the chance of them ending up in your baby’s mouth from time to time is likely. They also come with a one-year warranty. The company will send you a new pair if they break or if you lose them. Just make sure to register them on the company’s website so you’re covered.

Recommended Age: 0-2 years old and 3-6 years old | Frame Type: Plastic | UV Protection: 100 percent | Lens Type: Polarized

Courtesy of Maisonette

Yes, sunglasses should be about safety first and foremost, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun and fashionable, too, like these from WeeFarers. The modern frames feature a super stylish tortoiseshell pattern that will make the grown-ups want a pair of their own. Beyond adorable, the polarized lenses also feature 100 percent UV protection, so their little eyes are protected too.

Recommended Age: 0-12 months old, 2-4 years old, 4-6 years old, 6-12 years old | Frame Type: Phthalates-free and BPA-free | UV Protection: 100 percent | Lens Type: Polarized

Amazon

A pair with a fun pattern might spark your baby's interest. This pair from Cocosand features UV protection and helps keep the glare out of your little one's eyes. What we love about these is that they have an adjustable head strap which keeps them in place—plus, your baby can bend them and they won't break.

They are available in a variety of fun colors and patterns and are sized to fit until kids up to 2 years old. They also come with a microfiber pouch and a soft cloth for cleaning the lenses.

Recommended Age: 0-24 months | Frame Type: Thermoplastic Elastomer | UV Protection: 100 percent | Lens Type: Anti-Ultraviolet

The words "baby" and "sunglasses" don't seem like they should go together. Babies seem to put everything in their mouth and as they get older, the idea of sunglasses holding up to boisterous toddlers seems impossible.

Thankfully, this pair of sunglasses from Roshambo is made with your baby and toddler in mind. Not only do they protect their eyes from harmful rays, but they can also bend pretty much any which way. The lenses are shatterproof, and they are flexible enough for teething babies.

For those who need prescription glasses for their kids, these sunglasses are also prescription friendly, so no need for expensive frames!

Recommended Age: 0-2 years old | Frame Type: Plastic | UV Protection: 100 percent | Lens Type: Polarized

Final Verdict

You will not have to compromise style for sun safety when shopping for sunglasses for your baby. There are lots of options on the market that fit the bill for cuteness, durability, and protection. If you are worried about breaks, we suggest opting for the Roshambo shades (view at Amazon) as the company advertises them as virtually unbreakable.

But ultimately, you can’t go wrong with the classic Babiators (view on Amazon). We like the UV rating, the fun color offerings, and the fact that they can withstand the wear and tear that is bound to happen!

How We Selected the Best Baby Sunglasses

We chose the best baby sunglasses by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 30 products on the market. We considered price, design, features, ease of cleaning, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Richard Hertle, MD, FAAO, FACS, FAAP, chief of pediatric ophthalmology and director of the Vision Center at Akron Children’s Hospital, and Selena Chan, OD at Pacific Rims Optometry, for any considerations and additional information.

What to Look for in Baby Sunglasses

Protection

It is important that the glasses are actually protecting your baby's eyes from the sun and not just acting as a stylish accessory. If glasses aren't clearly labeled with the percentage of UVR protection they provide, skip them and choose a pair that does.

“Sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays, preferably prescribed by your eye doctor, would be the best option for parents to select for their child’s eye care health,” Dr. Chan says. “Often, there is a tag that indicates the percentage of UV protection a pair of sunglasses will provide, so double check that fine print.”

Moreover, the lenses should cover as much of their eye area as possible. “Making sure that the glasses fit well and cover the baby’s sensitive eyes and skin properly is the primary focus,” Dr. Chan explains. “Some like to use lanyards to help keep the sunglasses in place, but they can be a choking hazard if they get wrapped around the baby’s neck, so I generally don’t recommend them.”

Polarization

You will notice that some lenses are polarized while others are non-polarized. While both offer protection, there is a difference. Non-polarized lenses protect the eyes from sunlight but not from the glares that might bounce off of water or snow.

Polarized lenses reduce the overall glare from both direct sunlight as well as the shimmers that bounce off of reflective surfaces. Either way, it is a personal choice. Both options protect your child's eyes, but polarized glasses may be more helpful for trips to the beach or if you spend a lot of time in the snow.

“Polycarbonate lenses are usually durable enough to survive kids and some lenses have scratch resistant coatings. Lens color is more of an individual choice, just be aware that darker isn’t always better unless you plan to be in really bright light,” says Dr. Chan. “Additionally polarized lenses aren’t always necessary. Polarized lenses can help reduce glare if you’re near areas of glare such as on the water or around snow.”

Comfort

If the sunglasses are not comfortable, your little one will not keep them on. “The features parents and caregivers should look for include a good (comfortable) fit, a strapped temple (earpiece), and at least a 70 percent absorption gray tint lens,” Dr. Hertle says.

When you have doubts about your baby’s comfort level, Dr. Chan recommends watching their behavior. “Remember to observe your baby’s behavior to see if they are experiencing discomfort while wearing sunglasses to ensure the fit is correct,” she says.

Look for baby sunglasses made of rubber, as they are more flexible, lightweight, and tend to sit better on their heads. A rounder, wider lens that covers the eye will also be more comfortable. Also, if your child will be wearing their glasses while playing outdoors, choosing a pair that has a strap to keep them on their head could be helpful as well.

Durability

You can guarantee that baby sunglasses will be bent, gnawed on, and thrown. If you want them to last, look for additional features that add to longevity. “Make sure the frames are baby resistant. Yes, nothing is really baby proof, but plastic frames that can be 'baby-handled' and not snap are a good choice,” recommends Dr. Chan.

A flexible frame, scratch- and shatter-resistant lenses, and a strap to ensure they stay on your baby's head will all add to the mileage you will get from a pair of sunglasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my baby start wearing sunglasses?

Any baby that is in direct or reflected sunlight for sustained periods of time can benefit from wearing sunglasses. “A baby should start wearing sunglasses as soon as possible, since lifelong protection from UV is important and most UV exposure is in the first two decades of life,” Dr. Hertle tells Verywell Family. Note that it is recommended for babies under the age of 6 months old to be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Dr. Chan recommends little ones wear sunglasses beginning around 6 months old. “Protecting your child’s eyes is important, since children are often outside between school recess, sports, and playtime,” she says. “This increased exposure to the sunlight increases the risk of eye damage from ultraviolet (UV) light. Children’s eyes are still developing and cannot filter out the harmful UV rays.”
For children who don’t like to wear sunglasses, consider other alternatives, like the stroller canopy, umbrella, or large floppy hats, Dr. Chan suggests, adding that it depends on the situation and “acceptance of the child.”
Does a newborn baby need sunglasses?

A newborn baby should not be in direct sunlight, so they should not need sunglasses. Instead, you can opt for something different, like a hat. “A newborn baby does not need sunglasses,” says Dr. Hertle. “A hat or stroller cover are fine.” However, if you want to buy them, you can certainly get them a pair—but these products are usually intended for older babies.
It’s important to keep in mind though, that children under 10 years old have sensitive eyes that are still developing, Dr. Chan says. They are unable to filter out the sun’s ultraviolet rays like adults, leading to “greater amounts of visible blue and harmful ultraviolet rays” getting in their eyes. If this happens, they become “more susceptible to damaged retinas and other vision issues,” Dr. Chan explains.
“Additionally, a baby’s eyelids and the skin around their eyes is very delicate. Even if a baby closes their eyes to protect them from the sun, their thin eyelids can burn,” she says. “And since the skin is so transparent, some sunlight can still reach the retina. Babies need sunglasses to protect their delicate eyes and the skin around their eyes.”
How do I make sure my baby's sunglasses fit?

You want the fit to be comfortable and sized to their head so that the sunglasses stay in place even when their head moves. If you find yourself still having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to an optician. “Parents and caregivers should get help from an optician to make sure their baby’s sunglasses fit,” Dr. Hertle recommends. “They are the experts in fitting and dispensing eyewear.”
Dr. Chan also recommends seeing an eye doctor for any assistance. “With a doctor’s recommendation, they will be able to factor considerations for your child’s lifestyle to provide a treatment option suitable for their needs, including sunglasses or corrective glasses,” she says.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself and bought the COCOSAND Baby Sunglasses with Strap (view on Amazon) to shield her toddler's eyes from the sun's rays. She loves the pair's UV protection and adjustable head strap to keep the glasses in place.

Best Overall for All Ages: Babiators Original Baby, Toddler & Kids Navigators

Best Overall for Babies: Baby BANZ Sunglasses Infant Sun Protection

Best Budget: BIB-ON Top Flyer Infant's First Sunglasses

Best With Strap: Real Kids Shades Explorer Sunglasses

Best Polarized: HIPSTERKID Polarized Baby Sunglasses with Strap

Best Stylish: WeeFarers Tortoiseshell Glasses

Best Patterned: COCOSAND Baby Sunglasses with Strap

Best Indestructible: Roshambo Baby Flexible Polarized Baby Shades

The Best Baby Sunglasses to Shield Those Brand-New Peepers

Babiators are durable, stylish, and protect vision for years to come

Reviewed & Approved

Best Overall for All Ages: Babiators Original Baby, Toddler & Kids Navigators

Best Overall for Babies: Baby BANZ Sunglasses Infant Sun Protection

Best Budget: BIB-ON Top Flyer Infant's First Sunglasses

Best With Strap: Real Kids Shades Explorer Sunglasses

Best Polarized: HIPSTERKID Polarized Baby Sunglasses with Strap

Best Stylish: WeeFarers Tortoiseshell Glasses

Best Patterned: COCOSAND Baby Sunglasses with Strap

Best Indestructible: Roshambo Baby Flexible Polarized Baby Shades

Final Verdict

How We Selected the Best Baby Sunglasses

What to Look for in Baby Sunglasses

Protection

Polarization

Comfort

Durability

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Family