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 6 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).
Kids' sunglasses can be tricky to pick, especially if your little one has anything to say about it. There are plenty of options to choose from, including those with tinted lenses and adjustable arms, as well as detachable and built-in straps to keep them securely on their head.
The best baby sunglasses at a glance:
•Best affordable baby sunglasses: Baby's Category 4 Sunglasses - Buy now from Decathlon
•Best for UV protection: Baby Banz Retro Banz - Buy now from Amazon
•Best adjustable baby sunglasses: Mausito® Baby Sunglasses - Buy now from Amazon
•Best cute baby sunglasses: Flower Sustainable Sunglasses - Buy now from Kidly
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 2023
Best for simplicity
www.next.co.uk
Description
We can't get over how good these baby and kids' sunglasses are. Not only are these available in
Pros
- Although they have a rigid frame, it means they have a secure fit for your tot
- If your child hates wearing sunnies, there is a sunglasses strap to match
Cons
- Limited colour options
Best for security
www.next.co.uk
Description
The detachable strap of these sunglasses are also adjustable, ensuring a snug fit for your
Pros
- Includes detachable, adjustable strap
- The maximum UV protection
Cons
- Can be quite tight
Best for stability
www.next.co.uk
Description
Next, we have the ultimate eyewear accessory - the sunglasses strap. This little accessory will
Pros
- Technically not sunglasses, but this strap is good for keeping their sunglasses on
- It has a Velcro fastening which is easy to use
Cons
- Velcro could get stuck to their hair, so take care
Best affordable baby sunglasses
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
Recommended for hiking, these baby sunglasses from Decathlon are a must-have for any fun trips
Pros
- They're made from non-allergenic plastic
- Ideal for sunny weather because of the category four lens and 100 per cent UV filter
Cons
- Could be more durable
Best newborn baby sunglasses
Description
Your baby can chew and bend these shades to their heart's content, as according to Roshambo,
Pros
- Lightweight frames mean these glasses weigh just 28g
- 100 per cent UVA, UVB and UVC protected
- The flexible, lightweight arms bend gently inward to help keep the shades on your baby's head
Cons
- Arms may be too long
Best plastic baby sunglasses
Description
Made from a flexible rubber that is claimed to be indestructible - these Babiators won't break if
Pros
- UV400 lenses that offer 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection
- Free drawstring bag included to keep the glasses safe and sound
- If you lose or break your Babiators in the first year, Babiators will replace them for free (all you pay is shipping)
Cons
- Some report that the packaging needs improvement
Best for UV protection
Description
Choosing the right sunglasses for children is difficult. Picking the right sunglasses for newborns
Pros
- These sunnies are designed with category three shatterproof lenses
- Not only does the band keep the sunglasses secure, it'll also ensure kids don't lose them
- These glasses provide the full benefit of UVA and UVB sun protection
Cons
- May grow out of them quickly
Best travel sunglasses
Description
Providing total practicality, these Baby Banz Adventure Sunglasses feature a slimline design and a
Pros
- These wraparound sunglasses feature different colours that your little bubba is sure to love
- A comfortable band keeps the glasses secure to make sure light is blocked out efficiently
- They offer 100 per cent UV protection
Cons
- Depends on their head shape as to how well they fit
Best adjustable baby sunglasses
Description
Did you know that according to optometrists, wraparound sunglasses are the most effective design
Pros
- Frames are 100 per cent BPA-free
- The comfortable band is adjustable to your child
- 100 per cent UV400 protection with a category three lens
Cons
- Strap is quite thick
Best colourful baby sunglasses
babymori.com
Description
Available in yellow, blue, pink black and white, these IZIPIZI Sun Kids Sunglasses will protect
Pros
- As well as polarised lenses, they also offer UV3 protection
- Straight temple allows babies to grow into their glasses
- Comes with a storage pouch
Cons
- Only a few sizes available
Best cute baby sunglasses
www.kidly.co.uk
Description
Stylish, sustainable and safe, there's a lot to love about these fabulously fun-looking flower
Pros
- Category three UV400 protection
- Scratch and impact-resistant
- Made from recycled materials
Cons
- Not as strong as others
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 them used to them but to keep their eyes safe too.
What to look for when choosing the baby sunglasses
UVA/UVB protection: Pick glasses that filter at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your baby's eyes.
A strap or headband: 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. You may want to consider polarised lenses, it 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 in 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, won't break or don't scratch easily.
How to protect your baby's eyes from the sun
•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 sun hat, baseball cap or other wide-brimmed hat that will cast a shadow over their eye area.
•Remember that snow and water reflect the light, so make sure that their 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 cause damage to their eyes.
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.