10 Best Sunglasses for Kids & Babies Reviewed in 2024
We know finding a pair of sunglasses for your little one isn’t always easy. Parents are going to want to make sure that they choose sunglasses for their little ones that are UVA- and UVB-protective as well as polarized. UVA rays are long-wave ultraviolet and UVB are short-waves ultraviolet – both of these can be harmful. This is why it’s important to make sure the sunglasses you buy for your children are protected. Cheaper sunglasses will of course help reduce the glare, but they won’t filter out the harmful light. Below we came up with our top ten list of the best sunglasses that have the highest rating for children. We’re sure you will find the perfect set for your child so they can soak up the sun.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Bendable, unbreakable, and flexible rubber frames
Scratch and impact resistant lenses
Promotes fine motor skill
Encourages strategic planning skills
Develops hand-eye coordination
10 Best Sunglasses for Kids & Babies Reviewed
1. Polarspex Super Comfortable Polarized
Rubberized velvet smooth frames
Polarized lenses and anti-glare lenses
Promote hand-eye coordination
Boost self-esteem/confidence
Encourage sensory developmental skills
Paint on darker colored frames chips easily
Lenses scratch easily
With 100% UV protection and polarized lenses, the Polarsplex Kids Shades are fashionable but also functional! This cute pair is available in 20 different styles and they come with their own protective cloth case. The frames have been designed to be softer on children’s faces as well, resulting in more comfort and less complaining when they’re wearing them out into the sun!
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The polarized lens are 45 millimeters in width and 35 millimeters in height, which allows them to shield your child’s entire eye from the sun. Designed with plastic hinges, you won’t have to worry about these glasses scratching or pinching your child’s skin.
Materials
The frames are made of rubber which provides a comfortable fit. They are also lead-free, so your child is completely safe if these end up in their mouth. The lens and frames are available in over fifteen different colors. Included with your purchase is a felt carrying case that will keep the glasses organized and secure in one place. The felt material will prevent the lens from being scratched by other objects in your bag. The strap on the case will allow you to attach it to the outside of your bag to make carrying the glasses even easier.
Durability
The trendy design of these unbreakable glasses and the price are on target for sunglasses for the little ones. When durability and budget meet it is always a good buy for the kids.
2. Duco Sports Style Polarized
Bendable, unbreakable, and flexible rubber frames
Scratch and impact resistant lenses
Promotes fine motor skill
Encourages strategic planning skills
Develops hand-eye coordination
Logo on the side of the frame easily rubs off
The flexibility of the frames make them fit looser
These UVC400 TAC lenses block 100% of harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Duco has made a sturdy product with polarized lenses, resulting in the ultimate formula for protection. These are lightweight, comfortable, flexible, and durable. They’re also easy to clean and provide clear, safe vision for kids!
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Wearing sunglasses is important for kids to protect their eyes and these sunglasses provide a super cool look as well. They provide protection from harmful sun rays while also promoting fine motor skills, encourages strategic planning skills, and develops hand-eye coordination. These glasses are a perfect fit for a cool kid looking to protect their eyes.
Materials
One great feature of these sunglasses is the unbreakable design of the frames. The design of these frames that have been constructed from flexible and bendable rubber make them virtually unbreakable. Another wonderful feature these glasses have are polarized lenses.
Durability
These sunglasses feature a quality frame that has been constructed from flexible rubber plus offer polarized lenses. The lenses provide protection from glare and also reduce eye fatigue. These features are all brought together in a lightweight and impact resistant pair of lenses.
3. ATTCL Hot TR90 Polarized
Super tough and ultra-light frames
Polarized lenses that offer ‘true color’ vision
Promotes motor skill development,
Protects the visual sensory system
Boosts their self-care skills
Smaller and tighter fitting frames
Lenses are not scratch resistant
ATTCL brings a set of durable sunglasses to the table that are designed to stay on a child’s head--or at least around their neck! How many good shades has your family lost to the beach or local pool? It’s easy for kids to lose anything that isn’t literally attached to them, so ATTCL has fixed that problem with a simple fastener at the back of each pair of sunglasses to keep them on your child and out of the wild. The composite lens is polarized and there are 8 different pairs available to browse.
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The ultra-light frame is constructed to be super tough and can protect not only the eyes from harmful sun rays but also against injuries to the eyes or face. Sunglasses should not only offer protection from the sun but also protect your eyes from the elements. Wind, rain, and dust are elements that can greatly affect the vision and wearing these sunglasses helps fight the battle against these elements. Sunglass not only protect the child’s eyes but also helps promote their motor skill development, protects their visual sensory system, and boosts their self-care skills.
Materials
The polarized lenses also offer a ‘true color’ when viewing through them. The design of the sunglasses is stylish and sleek making them good for playing sports or engaging in other outdoor activities. Each order comes with a pair of sunglasses, a case, a cleaning cloth, and a bag for storage.
Durability
These are a tough pair of sunglasses that are made with active kids in mind. The premium design and quality materials these sunglasses are made to work during tough activities.
4. Optix 55 Flexible Rubber
UV protection
Flexible
Various colors and styles to choose from
Unisex
Some customers had an issue with sizing, and they did not fit their child
Optix 55 has created a flexible pair of polarized shades in a classic design. You can buy these bad boys in 17 different styles. They’re made with a plastic frame and plastic lenses built to keep out harmful UV rays. They’re perfect for children ages 3-10 and come with a money back guarantee if you are for any reason unsatisfied with your purchase!
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We love this product because it has UV protection on them, and they are unisex. Parent’s don’t have to worry about whether or not their child's sunglasses are for boys or for girls with these styles. They are also the perfect gift for a birthday party favor or just to wear all summer long.
Materials
They do have UV ray protection on them so that they will protect your children from sun rays. They are made with high-quality materials to also make these sunglasses last long. They’ll protect your child from getting any type of sunlight into their eyes and they’ll look stylish while wearing them. There are several colors to choose from making it so your child can pick their favorite.
Durability
These sunglasses are also durable and long-lasting. They are made with high-quality material making sure that this pair will be extremely hard to break. These sunglasses are made from silicone making it so that they are a little bit harder to break. They are the perfect gift for any occasion and perfect to wear all summer long.
5. Sojos Clout Goggles Cat Eye
UVA protective
UVB protective
Durable frame and strong hinges
Adorable cat-eye design
Five different colors to choose from
Customers had trouble making returns to vendor
These SojoS Clout Goggle Cat Eye glasses are rated UV400, meaning they will filter out reflective, glaring sunlight, and save your eyes from long-term UV damage.
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These cute little cat-eye shades will protect your child’s eyes from retinal damage, filtering out harmful UVA and UVB rays. Not only are they effective at shielding little eyes, but they’re uniquely trendy, too. This vintage cat-eye design is reminiscent of glamorous old movie stars. Can you really look at them without Audrey Hepburn coming to mind? They’re available in black, white, pink, brown, and red. Constructed from high-quality plastic with reinforced metal hinges, this pair is sure to last a while, even under the duress of excitable little hands and rough active play. If you aren’t satisfied, contact SojoS to speak to a customer service representative. They offer both a lifetime breakage warranty and a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
Materials
They’re flashy and fun, while still being effective. Your little one will look like a movie star strutting the red carpet in these cute cat-eye frames, and the UV 400 protection means their sweet little eyes are safe when you venture outside. They’re available in black, white, pink, brown, and red.
Durability
Plus, they’re durable, so kids can run, jump, roll, spin, etc, all to their heart’s content without concern about delicate accessories. Constructed from high-quality plastic with reinforced metal hinges, this pair is sure to last a while, even under the duress of excitable little hands and rough active play. If you aren’t satisfied, contact SojoS to speak to a customer service representative. They offer both a lifetime breakage warranty and a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
6. Vatter TR90 Unbreakable Polarized
Premium quality composite 9-later lenses
Lightweight and unbreakable frames
Encourages self-care skills
Promotes hand-eye coordination
Protect the visual sensory system
Security strap is hard to get fastened
Frames are a smaller slimy fit
Lightweight and polarized lenses are the key features of this stylish pair of kids’ sunglasses. The frames are constructed from a safe and lightweight composite that is environmentally friendly.
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The lenses are a 9-layer polarized filter that protects from glares and harmful sun rays. They provide 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB sun rays. These premium lenses with durable frames make these sunglasses a great pick for active kids always on the go.
Materials
These sunglasses have lenses that provide protection, are lightweight, and made with premium quality materials. The trendy style and quality lenses come together to make a pair of sunglasses that are fun to wear while offering great protection.
Durability
These frames are also unbreakable and super tough to help protect their eyes and face from injury. Wearing sunglasses is important to not only protect kids from harmful sun rays but it also provides them with the encouragement to provide self-care skill, promotes hand-eye coordination, and protects the visual sensory system. Sunglasses not only look cool but provide kids with some pretty cool benefits as well.
7. Babiators True Blue 3-5 Years
BPA and Phthalate free
The soft rubber provides a lightweight and comfortable fit
The company sends a replacement if glasses are lost or broken
Lens and frame are highly durable
Some parents find these glasses to be expensive
Children’s sunglasses don’t get much more stylish than the Babiators. Staying true to the classic design of aviator sunglasses these are geared towards children between the ages of 3 and 5.
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You can also purchase a smaller pair for children between the ages of 0 and two. The wide polarized lens will provide full protection to your child’s eyes while they are playing outdoors. However, if you’re feeling fancy we recommend purchasing one of the pairs that will appeal to your child’s creative side like the omg orange, popstar pink, or even the game day pair which is decorated in footballs.
Materials
The rubber material is soft and lightweight, thus providing a comfortable fit for your child. You won’t have to worry about these glasses pinching their ears or nose. Since the glasses are not clunky, your child can easily increase their independence by putting the glasses on themselves. The rubber frames are BPA and Phthalate free, thus your child’s skin, eyes, and mouth are safe from toxic chemicals. These glasses are available in common colors like black and blue.
Durability
The rubber frames are highly durable and the frames are practically indestructible. However, if your child loses or breaks their glasses within the first year, Babiators will send you a replacement for free!
8. BIB-ON Vintage 100% UV Protection
Rubber frames can withstand bending and twisting
Encourages responsibility as your child will learn how to care for their glasses
The lens eliminates glares and provide your child with clear vision
Carrying pouch makes it easy for your child to tote and store these glasses.
Nose piece does not offer a secure fit
Arms of the sunglasses are longer on younger kids fit
The My First Sunglasses is a great introductory pair of glasses for children. The polarized lens provides complete protection from the sun’s rays while the retro design keeps your child looking stylish.
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Not only do the polarized lens protect your child’s eyes from the sun, but they also provide your child with clear vision by eliminating glares. You can boost your child’s confidence as you pick out a pair that fits their style. Stimulate their ability to express themselves by choosing one in their favorite color or design.
Materials
If your child ends up twisting and bending the frames, it’s perfectly fine as they are composed of rubberized plastic and will not break. When purchasing, you can use the size chart to pick out the perfect size of sunglasses for your child’s face.
Durability
The rubberized plastic frames provide these glasses with the durability they need to withstand countless outdoor adventures on your child.The material will help teach your child how to wear and care for their first pair of sunglasses. As your child grows older and learns how to not play rough in their glasses they can switch to a non-flexible pair. Included with your purchase is a microfiber carrying case. Your child will learn responsibility as they put their glasses in the case after each use.
9. Baby Banz Adventure
Category 3 UV protection
Elastic strap keeps them attached to kid’s head
Polycarbonate frame
Moisture-wicking, adjustable elastic strap
Carefully tested for safety and functionality
Can be hard to get on wiggly young children
Baby Banz were originally conceptualized and created in Australia, one of the world’s toughest climates when it comes to UV ray protection. These sturdy little shades held up under the most stringent testing, and now they’re being sold worldwide.
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They’re guaranteed to block UVA and UVB rays year-round. They’ll stay put due to the elastic strap, which is adjustable and moisture-wicking, so if it gets wet via water or sweat, it will dry quickly. It’s Category 3 UV protection against UVA and UVB rays and highly rated even under difficult testing practices.
Materials
The lenses are shatter-resistant, with a polycarbonate frame and adjustable neoprene elastic strap. The wrap-around style makes sure that these stay put on bobbing and weaving little heads, even as they toss and tumble through the day. The strap is moisture-wicking as well and comes with a one-year replacement guarantee (as do the frames).
Durability
Highly durable and free of any toxic chemicals, these glasses are great for children ages 3 and up, and come in 21 different patterns. If you have an especially active little one, these are your best bet.
10. Polarized MiniShades
These Polarized Minishades come in six different colors and a truly classic style. The shape is reminiscent of vintage shades and they come in sizes that will fit children roughly between the ages of 0 and 7. The company has been designing and distributing polarized sunglasses since 1995, putting them ahead of the curb on the protection front. They advertise their sunglasses as “safe, strong, and super cute” and we’d say that’s an apt description!
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Need a sunglasses lingo refresher? We know there are a lot of words that get tossed around when it comes to buying proper shades. The optimal amount of protection would be sunglasses that are UVA and UVB resistant as well as being polarized. These Minishades aren’t meant for long and grueling wear, as they aren’t equipped to handle a ton of UVA and UVB rays, but they are polarized to help children see with greater clarity. The glare of the sun can distort our vision, even when it’s just reflected off of surfaces like water, glass, and snow. Polarized lenses help to minimize this so children can see in vivid color and with distinction.
Durability
Cheap sunglasses break easily. But expensive sunglasses often get lost easily. It seems there’s rarely a middle ground, but these shades manage to solve both problems. The Polarized Minishades come with a hide and seek warranty: the company will replace pairs lost by kids within a certain timeframe. Simply register them and apply with a claim to get a new pair at a reduced price.
Materials
These sunglasses aren’t made from the usual cheap plastic. They’re malleable to be able to withstand rough play and the constant hassle of throwing shades in the beach bag and then digging them out once you’re lounging in the sand or have finally parked the car. You can twist and tug on them and they won’t snap! Kids love the softer feel behind their ears and across their little noses as well. They’re available in six bright, fun colors: Black Satin, Little Lilac, Electric Blue, Hot Pink, Jet Black, and Red Hot.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Protection
When purchasing sunglasses for kids it is very important for them to have a few key features. These features are not only important to fit of the glasses but are ideal to make sure that they offer the best level of protection. Securely fit: The sunglasses should fit the child securely, but also not too tightly. If they fit right it not only makes them feel good but it also makes sure that they are given the best protection that is possible. The center of the glasses should line up with the center of their face without any gaps on the sides.
Materials
The idea of having the kids wear sunglasses is to protect their eyes. So, you want to double check and make sure that the lenses protect from at least 99 percent of the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Otherwise, the sunglasses are just a fashion accessory and are not protecting at all.
Durability
It is very important for babies and toddlers to wear sunglasses when they are outside because it protects their eyes from the damage that they can be exposed to over the course of their lifetimes. It is said that we are exposed to more sun in the first 18 years of our lives, so that means the first year of life starts the year pf protecting their little eyes. These sunglasses should be long-lasting and durable to survive little kids.
Reflective surfaces like sand, snow, and water reflect the rays even more making them even stronger so not only is it important to wear sunglasses on a daily basis, but it is super-important to wear them when you are at the beach, pool, lake, or playing the in snow and whether the clouds are covering the sun or not. They all offer the same damaging sun rays exposure.
The main difference between sunglasses for toddlers, babies, and kids are the size of the lenses and frames. This means that you don’t want glasses that are too big or too small. The fit of the glasses is just as important as the protective lenses. If they do not fit well, they will not protect well. Smaller glasses with straps are available for babies and toddlers where smaller framed glasses that typically look just like the glasses adults wear are for kids. It is just important that no matter the make or style that they fit well and offer the best level of protective lenses.
The shape of sunglasses are important: There are many different styles of sunglasses on the market. The most important thing to keep in mind here is the shape of the sunglasses should work well with their face shape. They should protect while also looking good as well.
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
Our eyes are at as much risk as our skin when we are outside. It is suggested that you protect your eyes and skin from the sun at all times. Wearing sunglasses is as important as wearing sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What are UV rays and why are they harmful?
UV rays are ultraviolet rays that come from the sun and are just past the violent/harmful mark on the visible light spectrum. There are three different types of rays; UVB, UVA, and UVC. They each have a wavelength and cause different types of damage to the eye.
q: How do you prevent UV rays from damaging your eyes?
The only and best way to protect eyes from harmful rays is to simply wear sunglasses. Make sure the sunglasses protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
q: What are the different types of lenses that sunglasses have?
There are many types of lenses on the market that can be placed in sunglasses. Each of the different types of lenses protect in different ways. It is important to check with an optician on what is the best for the type of eyes that you are trying to protect.
q: Are colored-lens sunglasses okay to wear?
The color of the lenses in the sunglasses is a personal choice. Different colored lenses don’t protect eyes differently. It is only important to make sure that they are blocking 99 to 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays. The rest is up to the person wearing them.
q: Do babies need sunglasses?
Yes, babies should always wear sunglasses to protect their eyes. The more exposure that we have to the harmful UV rays the more chances that there could be damage. The exposure is over the lifetime of your eyes so it is important to start protecting the eyes as soon as possible.
q: Where can I buy the sunglasses that are listed on the Best Sunglasses for Kids guide?
All of the sunglasses listed on our site have a link below the product picture. This link takes you directly to Amazon where you can purchase the sunglasses. These sunglasses can be delivered to your home or a destination of your choice.
Sources
- Should My Children Wear Sunglasses?, Blog Article ,
- Do Babies Need Sunglasses?, FAQ Article ,
- How to Pick Good Sunglasses, Web MD ,
- Why You Should Wear Sunglasses on Cloudy Days, Online News Article ,
- Wear sunglasses even when's it's cloudy': We reveal the ultimate do's and don'ts when it comes to protecting your eyes , Daily Mail Article ,