The UK isn't exactly renowned for sunny weather, but come summertime (and those occasional bright days), along with baby sunscreen and swimwear, your little one's eyes should always be a top priority - that's where the best baby sunglasses come in. Not only will a good pair of shades make your child look super cute, but they'll also protect them in the warmer weather and help them see more easily.
It's recommended that they start wearing sunglasses from six months old, as babies shouldn't be exposed to the sun before that age because their eyes are delicate and the skin doesn't produce much melanin (which protects our skin somewhat from the rays). "We protect kids' skin from UV, so we should take the same approach with their eyes." Says Richard Sprakes, Optometrist at Boots Opticians.
The best baby sunglasses at a glance:
Kids' sunglasses can be tricky to pick, especially if your little one has anything to say about them. There are plenty of options, including those with tinted lenses and adjustable arms, as well as detachable and built-in straps to keep them securely on their heads.
What to look for when choosing baby sunglasses
"Along with ensuring that the sunglasses meet the British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013, a good fit is essential in helping to provide the best level of UV protection." Says Richard.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that darker lenses offer better protection. It’s the UV protection that’s important. At Boots Opticians, we offer a great range of children’s sunglasses, from popular brands like Ray-Ban to our great value brand range in various styles to suit all needs. View our range here.
UVA/UVB protection: To protect your baby's eyes, pick glasses that filter at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
A strap or headband: "For young children, you may want to consider sunglasses with a stretchy band to help keep them in place." Richard advises. When it comes to newborns and young children, it can be a tough job to get them to keep their sunglasses on. Consider opting for wraparound sunglasses rather than ones that sit on their nose - not only will it stop light from entering through the sides, but it'll prevent them from slipping down their nose, or from pulling them off entirely. If you fall in love with an adorable pair that doesn't have one, don't worry, you can buy a strap separately.
Comfort: Choose your baby's sunglasses based on the material they're made from. If the design is based on a more flexible substance, this will almost guarantee comfort for your little one.
Lenses: Sunglasses lenses are available in many different tints, but don't worry too much about the darkness of the tint. UV blockage is more important. "Don’t be fooled into thinking that darker lenses offer better protection," Richard says. "It’s the UV protection that’s important." You may want to consider polarised lenses, which will reduce glare and increase your baby's visibility.
Want to check out the quality of lenses? Hold the sunglasses at arm's length and look through them at something with a straight line. If the straight edge sways when you move the lenses across a line, the optical quality is poor. If it stays straight, then you are good to go!
Strength: Pick out a pair of sturdy sunglasses: plastic or alternative tough materials that won't break easily if dropped. Polycarbonate lenses are recommended as they are durable and won't break or don't scratch easily.
Instead of searching far and wide for the best baby sunglasses, all you have to do is choose the cutest one for your tot. We've combed through the internet and selected the best baby sunglasses available, sure to please both parents, babies and older children too.
The best baby sunglasses 2025
Best baby sunglasses overall
Jojo Maman Bebewww.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Whether you're going on holiday or need a new pair because your child lost the old ones, these are the ones to get. These bestsellers are made with UV400 for your peace of mind, and they come with a removable and adjustable strap for added security as well as a wrap around design for added coverage. One mum loved this feature in particular, saying, "They wrap around a little, so good coverage. They have served us very well for three years."
Parents found these were particularly well designed for children who liked to remove their sunglasses themselves, as the strap and wrap-around design made it harder for them. The main downside was the lenses, as they scratch easily if dropped.
Pros
- Although they have a rigid frame, they have a secure fit for your toddler.
- They protect against UVA & UVB.
- If your child hates wearing sunglasses, there is a strap to match.
- They are made with UV400 protective lenses.
Cons
- Only available in navy.
| Age: | 1 - 2, 3 - 6 years |
Best affordable baby sunglasses
MOTHER&BABY/Sophie Knightwww.decathlon.co.uk
Recommended for hiking, these baby sunglasses from Decathlon are a must-have for any fun trips out. Whether you're popping into the local park, visiting a theme park, or going for a long walk around a nature reserve, you should never leave home without them.
They're of a wrap-around style, which gives plenty of protection for baby's eyes. They don't fix around the head, but the material is sturdy and flexible, giving bendy resistance which will keep them fitted to your little one's head; one mum reviewer loved how well they stayed on her baby's face, commenting: "They stay on her face and don't drop down, she doesn't take them off, and I'm finally able to have the pram hood down so she can look around without wincing at the sun constantly."
Lightweight and bendable, they have the maximum category 4 eye protection, giving us parents peace of mind when out and about, with anti-UV, polarised lenses. However, unlike some, we've tested, they don't come with a carry case or bag; one mum tester, Sophie, said: "They're small and handy to have on days out, but I would like to have a bag to put them in, so they aren't at risk of being scratched inside my changing bag."
These baby sunglasses are available in pink or blue; we'd like more colours to be available.
Pros
- They're made from non-allergenic plastic
- They feature category four lenses and a 100 per cent UV filter.
- These sunglasses are lightweight at 17g
- They have polarised lenses which improve contrast and clarity
Cons
- There is a limited choice of colours, with only 2 being available
| Age: | 6 - 24 months |
3.
Babiators Original Navigator Sunglasses
Best durable baby sunglasses
Natural Baby ShowerMade from flexible rubber that is claimed to be indestructible, these Babiators won't break if your toddler bends or twists them. The lenses are impact—and shatter-resistant, offering 100 per cent UV protection from the sun.
With a handy drawstring bag included for protection and storage, parents also loved that Babiators would replace these glasses if lost or damaged in the first year. One parent said, " It's great to know the guarantee covers a new pair if we have any mishaps!" They're also available in various shades depending on what your child likes best.
Read our full Babiators sunglasses review.
Pros
- They are made with UV400 lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.
- A free drawstring bag is included to keep the glasses safe and sound.
- The lenses are designed to withstand impact and shattering.
- These sunglasses are made of flexible rubber, which ensures they are durable and resistant to bending or twisting.
- If you lose or break your Babiators in the first year, Babiators will replace them for free (all you pay is shipping).
Cons
- The price of these sunglasses is higher than other alternatives.
| Age: | Newborn to 5 years |
Best for UV protection
MOTHER&BABY/Sophie KnightChoosing the right sunglasses for children is difficult. Picking the right sunglasses for newborns is almost impossible. Luckily, here at Mother&Baby, we found these incredible glasses from Banz. They have a headband to ensure they stay on, so you'll never misplace your baby's eyewear again. They come with a cleaning cloth and a handy little pouch to keep them safe. They're listed as suitable for ages newborn to two years, although they might be too small to last that long.
Available in three different colours and two different sizes, parents loved how well these glasses fit their baby. One parent said, " They fit her head perfectly, no sun is getting in, and they offer round-the-eye protection. They are dark, so my super sensitive-to-sun child doesn't cry at all."
Parents found these were easy for children to put on and take off themselves with ease, which was great for sunny days at play school or nursery; M&B tester and Contributor Sophie Knight said: "The Velcro strap is sturdy but soft, and keeps these sunglasses on my daughter's head safety and easily. She keeps them on happily and seems comfy; I've tried other baby sunglasses that just get pulled off straight away. I'm happy my baby's eyes are protected wearing these. It's a shame they don't come in more colours, as white, pink, and blue aren't the most exciting selection."
Pros
- These sunglasses are designed with category 3 shatterproof lenses
- Not only does the adjustable band keep the sunglasses secure, but it'll also ensure kids don't lose them
- These glasses provide the full benefit of UVA and UVB sun protection
- They come with a soft lens cleaner and carry a pouch
Cons
- Some have reported that the frames snapped after some wear and tear
| Age: | Newborn to 2 years |
Best travel sunglasses
Providing total practicality, these Baby Banz Adventure Sunglasses feature a slimline design and a comfortable strap that secures them to protect their little eyes. We know what it's like when your little one won't stop taking their sunglasses off, only to misplace them. Thankfully, the design of these glasses may help to prevent this from happening.
Parents found them "easy to strap on baby" and useful for protecting babies' eyes from sand on the beach. Although they're designed to fit comfortably on babies' brows and noses, you may want to try some different sizes to find the best fit for your baby.
Pros
- These wrap-around sunglasses feature different colours that your little bubba will love.
- A comfortable adjustable band keeps the glasses secure to ensure light is blocked out efficiently.
- They offer 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection.
- The frame is flexible, shatter-resistant and is breathable.
- It features a soft silicone nose and brow piece to protect your child's eyes.
Cons
- It depends on their head shape and how well these sunglasses fit.
| Age: | Newborn - 12 years |
Best adjustable baby sunglasses
MOTHER&BABY/Sophie KnightWraparound sunglasses are arguably the best design for babies as they block out most of the light while protecting little eyes from harmful rays. These baby sunglasses from Mausito are lightweight and easy to put on to wriggly heads. The strap is lightweight and soft and fixes with Velcro on both sides of the head, so they're really adjustable; parents found these "easy to put on" their little ones, and they found them comfortable thanks to the soft nose bridge with adjustable headband.
Available in a wide variety of stylish colours - from blue, pink, and cream to black and grey - these have a very high UVA protection rating for your peace of mind. The main downside parents found was that the thicker strap was a little uncomfortable for some children, while other parents thought the sturdy strap made them more hardwearing - so it's really down to personal preference.
The sunglasses come with a brightly coloured protective bag, which is useful for popping them into when you're on the beach.
Pros
- Frames are 100 per cent BPA-free
- The band is adjustable to your child's head, providing a snug fit
- These sunglasses are made with 100 per cent UV400 protection with category three lens
- Available in a variety of colours
Cons
- The strap is quite thick, and some babies find it uncomfortable
| Age: | Newborn to 1.5 years |
Best colourful baby sunglasses
babymori.com
We love these adorable kids' sunglasses. They come with a handy silicone strap, meaning your little one won't be able to lose them easily. Parents found the silicone "really soft and comfortable" for delicate skin despite the limited sizes available.
Available in a variety of cute colours, these will look great on any baby and the polarised lenses will keep their eyes protected. We also love that they come with a handy storage pouch to keep them safe when out and about.
Pros
- As well as polarised lenses, they also offer UV3 protection.
- They offer a straight temple feature which allows babies to grow with their glasses.
- The sunglasses have a storage pouch and silicone adjustable strap to keep them safe.
- IZIPIZI offers a variety of different colours.
- They are BPA-free and hypoallergenic.
Cons
- There are only a few sizes available.
| Age: | Newborn - 5 years |
Best baby sunglasses FAQs
Do babies need to wear sunglasses?
They certainly do. Sure, the sunnies may be adorable, but sunglasses aren't just a stylish accessory - along with baby swimwear, they offer your baby real protection against the sun. They should wear them as soon as possible to not only get used to them but to keep their eyes safe too.
"Children’s eyes are more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) rays as they have larger pupils and clearer lenses than adult eyes, which allows more UV light to enter the eye." Says expert Optometrist Richard. "Children also often spend more time outdoors than adults, increasing their exposure to UV, so it is important to protect them from harmful UV rays."
Ways to protect your baby's eyes from the sun
According to Richard, "Young babies should be kept out of the sun as much as possible, particularly in the summer months and between late morning and mid-afternoon when the sun is at its strongest.
"For older babies and children, wearing good quality, well-fitting sunglasses that offer both UVA and UVB protection is a must. We also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed sunhat," Richard advises.
- UV light is the strongest at midday and in the early afternoon, so make sure they wear sunglasses, and you take precautions at these times.
- Never let your little one look directly into the sun, as this can be very dangerous and can damage their retinas, particularly for long periods of time.
- On particularly sunny days, they should wear a baby sun hat, baseball cap or other wide-brimmed hat that will cast a shadow over their eye area.
- Remember that snow and water reflect light, so make sure that your children's eyes are covered when they're playing outdoors on these occasions.
What UV protection should baby sunglasses have?
Ideally, the sunglasses should offer 100 per cent UVA protection (which is a category 4). Check that they conform to European safety standards and block most of the UVA and UVB rays that could potentially damage their eyes.
"Look for sunglasses with the “CE” mark or British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013." Advises Richard. "This will ensure that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection. The level of UV protection provided by sunglasses can vary from pair to pair, but you can rest assured that all of our kids and adult sunglasses at Boots Opticians meet these standards."
About the expert
Richard Sprakes is an Optometrist at Boots Opticians where they offer a great range of children’s sunglasses from popular brands like Ray-Ban to a great value own brand range in a variety of styles to suit all needs.
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