While summer 2024 hasn't exactly been the brightest summer on record, we're holding out hope that the kids' summer holidays might herald the start of warmer, sunnier weather. With that in mind, we're getting prepared and looking into the must-have items to keep our little ones safe in the sun. While most of us remember to protect our little ones with baby sunscreen, according to research, parents are forgetting to protect their children's eyes.
But with kids being more at risk for sun damage to their eyes, buying the best kids' sunglasses (or even baby sunglasses!) is crucial to keeping your little ones safe in the sun. We're spoken to the Association of Optometrists, and David Jameson, an Optometrist from Boots Opticians to get expert advice on protecting your child's eyes from the sun and what to think about when choosing the best kids sunglasses.
Optometrist and spokesperson for the Association of Optometrists, Roshni Kanabar explains, "It's estimated that 80 per cent of UV damage happens before we reach the age of 18 years old. Children are most at risk since their pupils are bigger. Their lenses let in 70 per cent more UV compared with adults."
"Children's activities such as being outdoors for longer and swimming, where light reflects off the water, can generally make exposure higher too. So, parents need to think about how to best protect their children's eyes."
But if you haven't bought your child a pair of sunglasses yet, you're not alone - research by the Association of Optometrists has shown that a third of parents admitted to not protecting their children's eyesight with sunglasses. Don't worry though, it's not too late - with summer sure to make an appearance soon, now's the time to check out the best children's sunglasses that will protect your kids' eyes from the sun!
Best kids' sunglasses at a glance
Best kid's sunglasses overall: Quechua Kids' Hiking Sunglasses - Buy now on Decathlon
Best Spiderman Sunglasses: Marks & Spencer's Spiderman sunglasses - Buy now on M&S
Best kids sunglasses for prescription lenses: Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses - Buy now on Ray-Ban
Best sunglasses for younger kids: My Little Coco Beach Bum Valle Shades - Buy now on Boots
What should I look for when buying kid's sunglasses?
Association of Optometrists spokesperson, Roshni Kanabar, explains, "Optometrists often see eye disease related to UV damage but protecting your eyes is easy and simple. Wear a good quality and well-fitting pair of sunglasses with a British Standard, CE, or UKCA mark." David Jameson, Boots Optometrist agrees, "Good quality sunglasses with UV protection are a must. It is important to look out for the British Standard (BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013), the CE or UKCA mark which indicates that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection." He goes on to note that "wearing sunglasses with a dark tint that don’t meet this standard can actually be more damaging for children as the dark tint will make their pupils dilate, letting in more of the harmful rays". Not only that, he notes that "a good fitting frame is also important. Frames that sit closer to the eyes and wrap around styles will offer greater protection. Opticians are well placed to help children select the best fitting frames."
How can I look after my child's eyes in the sun?
Boots Optometrist, David Jameson tells us, "Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation from the sun can have both short, and long term effects on our eyes and long term exposure can be a contributory factor to eye conditions such as cataract and macular degeneration. Children are more vulnerable to UV rays due to their larger pupils and clearer lenses." That's why it's so important to look after your child's eyes. As well as sun hats, visors or a wide-brimmed hat to shield their eyes, putting sunglasses on your child is the best course of action when protecting them from the sun.
You might also want to invest in a car sun shade to protect them while in the car. The Association of Optometrists offers their top tips for looking after their eyes and keeping them safe from sun damage.
Association of Optometrists' tips to look after eyes in the sun
• Always wear sunglasses which carry a British Standard, CE, or UKCA quality mark. Sunglasses will help protect the skin around eyes as well as the eye itself.
• Low quality tinted lenses without a UV filter can do more damage than not wearing sunglasses at all. This can cause the pupil to dilate, letting in more light. Invest in sunglasses that carry a British Standard, CE or UKCA quality mark.
• Choose sunglasses that sit closer to the eye and wraparound, blocking out more light.
• Wear a wide-brimmed sun hat for extra protection.
• Make sure children wear sunglasses as their pupils are bigger than adults, making the risk of sun damage much higher.
• Air conditioning may cause sore, dry, or watery eyes. However, eye drops and gels can help with any dryness in your eyes.
• If your child wears prescription lenses, make sure these include a UV filter.
The best kid's sunglasses
Best kid's sunglasses overall
www.decathlon.co.uk
These kid's sunglasses from Quechua come in two different designs, and feature a wraparound design and Category 4 lens to block out 100 per cent of UV rays. A robust frame is exactly what you need when it comes to kids, and as it's made from high-resistance plastic, you can trust that they're sturdy enough to withstand little hands! They're also lightweight at 20g so easy for kids to wear.
Pros
- Lightweight at 20g
- Category 4 and wraparound design for high UV Protection
- Made from high-resistance plastic
Cons
- Limited number of colours to choose from
| Age: | 2-6 years |
| Category: | 4 |
| Protection: | 100 per cent UVA |
Best sunglasses for younger kids
Bootswww.boots.com
These cool kid sunglasses from Boots are the perfect size for under 3's and are a Category 3 to offer 100% UV protection. They conform to BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013 safety standards and come with their own soft case which is perfect for keeping them scratch free and as a cleaning cloth. They're also available for over 4's so older siblings can look as cool as their little brother or sister too!
Pros
- Neutral colour makes them suitable for all outfits
- Offer 100% UV protection
- Lightweight
- Comes with a soft case that can double up as a cleaning cloth
Cons
- Don't have a wraparound design
| Age: | Under 3's |
| Category: | 3 |
| Protection: | 100% UV protection |
Best kid's flexible sunglasses
Best children's polarized sunglasses
Not only do these kids sunglasses look cool, with an incredible 13 colours and designs to choose from, but they also offer the maximum amount of UV protection. They're polarised, to keep out more of the sun's glare and come with their own strap to keep them secure while little ones are playing.
The flexible soft silicone material makes them less likely to break but tThere's a lifetime breakage and warranty for frames and lenses, though parents seemed to find these sunglasses pretty robust, with one dad saying "They survived my 4 year old 'Hulk/Thor/Mr.Demolition' bend it break it grandson for 2 weeks."
Pros
- Comes with a strap to keep them around your kids head
- Plenty of designs to choose from so there's bound to be one for your child
- 100 per cent UV protection for peace of mind
- Flexible silicone so less likely to break than a hard plastic frame
Cons
- Better for older children rather than toddlers
| Age: | 3-10 years |
| Category: | |
| Protection: | UVA/UVB 400 |
Best Spiderman Sunglasses
Marks & Spencwww.marksandspencer.com
These fun Spiderman sunglasses for kids feature a classic wayfarer style but with a fun print that's sure to win over any Spiderman fans. Buyers certainly think so, with one saying "Our almost 3 year old grandson, loves these Spider-Man sunglasses. Good quality."
They offer Sun Smart UV400 filter for maximum protection to protect your little one's eyes and there's a range of matching accessories like a cap and trainers so they can look the part when out and about in the sun.
Pros
- The fun Spiderman print will appeal to little ones
- Sun Smart UV400 filter offers maximum protection for the eyes
Cons
- Only available in a S/M for younger tots
| Age: | S/M for children up to the age of 6 and size M/L for ages 6+ |
| Category: | |
| Protection: | Sun Smart UV400 |
Best cheap kids sunglasses
John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
These John Lewis Wayfarer sunglasses were tried and tested by Commercial Content Writer, Myles Warwood who appreciated the colours and especially the sturdiness. "They withstand two-year-olds tugging at them and are easy to wipe greasy fingers off." They come with a soft case for scratch protection which reviewers thought was a bonus and offer Category 3 protection.
Parents also felt they were a good fit "Purchased these for my 6 year old and they fit really well and don't fall off his face when he's looking around and playing, which is great." They're only available in Navy and Frosted Green so the options are limited in comparison to other styles.
Pros
- Retro style design at a fraction of the cost
- Category 3 and 100 per cent UV protection
- Comes with a soft case for protection from scratches
Cons
- Only come in two colours
| Age: | 3-6 years approx |
| Category: | 3N |
| Protection: | 100 per cent UV protection |
Best children's sports sunglasses
www.decathlon.co.uk
For maximum UV protection, these category 4 sunglasses prevent glare and are the highest grade protection on our list. The wraparound frame means UV light can't enter from the sides or below and the adjustable strap means they can be made to fit most faces and heads. Cord and rubber temple tips stop them from slipping on the face, and the strap is easy to buckle. They're available in two different designs - pink and blue with cute animal design on the side - we only wish there were more to choose from.
Pros
- Wraparound frame to stop light entering from below, above or the sides
- Adjustable strap allows them to fit most faces
- Made from high-resistance plastic for a long-lasting design
Cons
- Limited design choices
| Age: | 4-6 years |
| Category: | 4 |
| Protection: | 100 per cent UV protection |
Best children's polarized sunglasses
www.siroko.com
This funky pair of sunglasses comes with its own case that features a fun astronaut design. And if they're not that big on space? There are unicorns, dinosaurs and more. With their fun designs these brightly coloured specs will have your kids obsessed but they're not all about style over function - these children's sunglasses offer superb protection. With UV400 protection and polarized lenses, they'll filter out the sun's rays, while looking good.
Pros
- Fun designs with a wide range to choose from
- UV400 polarized lenses
Cons
- More expensive than others on our list
| Age: | Check the size chart |
| Category: | |
| Protection: | UV400 Polarized |
Best children's wrap around sunglasses
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
From JoJo Maman Bébé, these flexible wraparound sunglasses are made from TPEE rubber for maximum comfort. Able to twist and bend without breaking, these sturdy sunglasses are also shatterproof and anti-scratch, making them perfect for toddlers and children. They're also a Category 3, meaning they offer UV400 protection.
Reviewers though these were ideal, including one who said "These are perfect. My 2-year-old daughter has to have frequent eye exams with drops that dilate the pupils and these really help her block out any light. She was LBW and has remained small for her age, so 0-2 fit her great."
Pros
- Wraparound style to offer greater protection
- Features adjustable strap to fit a range of ages and grow with your little one
- Offer 100 per cent UV protection for peace of mind
Cons
- Lenses could be bigger
| Age | 0-6 years |
| Filter category: | 3 |
| Type of protection: | UV400 |
Best kid's sunglasses in a set
For a set of sunglasses with so many combinations of designs to choose from, these kid's sunglasses from Fourchen have you covered. With UV400 sun protection and polarized, scratch-resistant lenses, they're ideal for a trip down to the beach on a sunny day. The TPEE flexible frame means it's more resistant to breaking and parents found them to be pretty sturdy, saying "Having flexible frames with kids is essential! Our little one has bent them in all possible ways and they held up and the lenses have not popped out once."
They're available as a set of two sunglasses or in single pairs so there's an option for you, and they come with a carrying pouch and microfibre cleaning cloth included. Some reviewers felt they came up quite large and mentioned there was no way to tighten them or keep them on. In this case you might want to consider others on our list that feature straps.
Pros
- High UV Protection and polarised lenses to keep out the glare
- Flexible frames for a more robust design
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Have the option to buy one or two pairs as a set
Cons
- Some reviewers felt they were a little large
| Age: | 3-10 years |
| Category: | |
| Protection: | Polarized UV400 |
Best baby and child sunglasses
babymori.com
These lightweight, silicone sunglasses from IZIPIZI are suitable from birth to 9 months, 9 months - 3 years and 3-5 years, and feature straight temples that allow them to grow with your little one. They come in a range of different colours and are soft and flexible for maximum comfort. This also means that they're durable and can withstand some of the rough and tumble of toddler life. They have polarized lenses and UV3 protection, which isn't as high as others on our list but should be sufficient for sunny days in the UK.
Pros
- Come in a wide range of cute colours
- Adjustable strap allows them to grow with your child
- Flexible so more resistant to breaking
Cons
- Don't offer wraparound protection
| Age: | 0-5 years |
| Category: | 3 |
| Protection: | UV3 |
Best strong kids sunglasses
Bling2obling2o.co.uk
These funky sunglasses were a firm favourite with Mother and Baby's Digital Writer, Rebecca's daughter when she tested them. They're made from a thermoplastic material, making them flexible, lightweight and long-lasting and Rebecca found this to be the case, saying "You can tell these sunglasses are good quality from the moment you take them out of the box - the frames feel strong but still lightweight and my daughter's loved wearing them."
They have a high UV400 protection to keep kids' eyes safe in the sun and the mirrored lenses boosts this protection. As Rebecca noted, where these sunglasses really excel is in the design - "they're such a fun idea - the sprinkles move around in the arms and frame which made my cupcake-loving daughter even more keen to wear them."
While the lenses may scratch over time, they come with a soft case to protect them as much as possible. There's a fantastic range of fun designs available which are all guaranteed to make your child stand out in a crowd while offering high levels of protection to their eyes.
Pros
- Strong and sturdy frame
- Fun sprinkle design - sure to be a favourite
- Colourful lenses make these standout even more
- The mirrored lenses adds more protection to the U400
Cons
- Have a higher price tag than others but should last longer than cheaper options
| Age: | 3-14 years |
| Category: | |
| Protection: | UV400 |
Best kids sunglasses for prescription lenses
Ray-Banwww.ray-ban.com
Of course, how could we forget Ray-Ban? Renowned for being premium and stylish, Ray-Ban Wayfarer glasses also offer 100 per cent UV protection and come in 9 colours so there's bound to be a style to suit even the fussiest of kids. To make them even more unique, there's the option to personalise every part and add custom engraving.
While they might be on the more expensive side, you get what you pay for with this famous high-quality brand. They're also ideal for kids who wear glasses, offering the potential to add prescription lenses.
Pros
- Premium look for trend-conscious kids
- Offers the potential to use prescription lenses
- Great quality so should last well and justify the price
- Nine colours to choose from
Cons
- More expensive than other brands
| Age:: | 7-13 years |
| Category: | |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB PROTECTION |
Our verdict
In our opinion, the best sunglasses for kids as chosen from our list are the Decathlon Child's Category 4 Sunglasses. This is because not only do they have a wraparound feature as recommended by optometrists, but they also have anti-UV lenses that block 100 per cent of harmful rays.
While we wish that there were more designs and a large age range, these sunglasses are the best for sun protection in our opinion. Featuring a design to secure against their eyes with an adjustable strap, it means these sunglasses block out any UV rays from reaching their eyes.
FAQs
What are the different categories of sunglasses?
When browsing our list of the best kid's sunglasses, you may have been left wondering what the different categories of sunglasses are. When buying for children, you should really aim for Category 3 or 4 for maximum UV protection.
Category 1: Lenses are tinted but should only be used for cosmetic use. They contain no UV protection and therefore should not be used as sunglasses.
Category 2: Lenses are the most common you will find in sunglasses. They provide good protection from UV rays but don’t have as dark a tint as the category 3 and 4 lenses.
Category 3: Lenses provide extra protection from UV light and will block out the majority of visible light to protect your eyes.
Category 4: They are not suitable for use as everyday sunglasses but will protect you from strong UV light, best for using at high altitudes
What damage can the sun do to our eyes?
UV damage increases the risk of developing conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and even eye cancers later in life. That's why it's so important to protect our eyes from the sun so that we lower our chances of developing conditions that threaten our vision. David Jameson also notes that sunglasses can be equally important when it's cloudy, saying "Even on cloudy and overcast days, UV rays are present, so it’s important to protect children’s eyes all year round."
Can your eyes heal from sun damage?
Optometrist and Clinical Adviser for the Association of Optometrists, Farah Topia gave some insight into whether the eyes can heal from sun damage.
For photokeratitis, also known as sunburn to the eye, the front surface of the cornea is affected. However, this regenerates over time. The eye recovers from the damage and this can be helped by the use of artificial tears and ointments.
"However, other types of sun damage such as cataract and macular degeneration is caused by cumulative exposure to UV light throughout life. This type of damage cannot be reversed so prevention is key."
At what age should kids wear sunglasses?
David Jameson notes, "The effects of UV on the eye are cumulative so it’s really important for children of all ages to protect their eyes from UV light. It’s never too early to start! Adding a hat with a wide brim or a sun visor is also an excellent way to add further protection."
About the experts
David Jameson BOptom(Hons) MA MCOptom, qualified as an Optometrist in 2004 and worked in community practice for 15 years, looking after all sorts of patients from young children through to older patients wearing contact lenses. He currently works in the Professional Capability team for Boots Opticians, and has been involved in Optometrist education since 2012, co-designing and delivering much of Boots Opticians’ Pre-registration Programme. He has worked at the University of Hertfordshire, where he taught clinical skills and contact lenses to undergraduates, and is a creator of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for qualified Optometrists. He is a member of the College of Optometrists, and was elected Council Member for London.
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Roshni Kanabar works as a Clinical & Regulatory Adviser for the Association of Optometrists and at The Stoneygate Eye Hospital in Leicester. She also teaches at City University. The Association of Optometrists is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK, supporting over 82% of practising optometrists.