Best Baby Sunglasses | Guide

When my second baby was born, the first thing I noticed about her was her beautiful red hair. I was thrilled, but my husband—another red head—knew that it meant we’d have to be extra cautious about keeping her protected from the sun. Now that she’s two, she knows that sun safety is just par for the course, including sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses. And while I think her sun-safe getup is adorable (of course), baby sunglasses aren’t just cute—they’re also important for safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunglasses with UV protection for babies over 6 months old, toddlers, and children. However, finding the best sunglasses for infants can be difficult. Everything that makes babies adorable, from their curious nature to their squishy rolls, also makes it hard to get sunglasses to stay in place. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best sunglasses for infants so that your baby can be safe and chic this summer, along with the information you need to know about picking the right pair of baby sunglasses for your little one. (Summer style not included.) Jump to:

What are baby sunglasses?
Do babies really need sunglasses?
What to look for in baby sunglasses
Julbo Eyewear Juniors Loop
Baby BANZ Sunglasses
Kushies Baby Sunglasses
Babiators Flower Child Sunglasses
Babiators Sweetheart Baby Sunglasses
Polarized WeeFarers
GlamBaby Dillon Sunglasses
Glambaby Serena Sunglasses
My Little Sunnies Round Retro Sunglasses

What are Baby Sunglasses?

Baby sunglasses are miniature versions of regular sunglasses that are specifically designed in smaller sizes for babies’ faces and features. Like adult sunglasses, they offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. They also offer more baby-friendly features, like shatterproof lenses, wraparound styles, and adorable styles. Babies eyes can be more prone to damage from the sun, because the skin on their eyelids is more delicate, which offers less natural protection. Thus, baby sunglasses are a really great idea if you can find a pair that works for your baby. You will most likely find baby sunglasses in two styles:

Wrap-around baby glasses. Complete with an adjustable strap that wraps around your baby’s head, this style of baby sunglasses looks more like traditional swim goggles. They’re meant to help the glasses stay in place since we all know babies are infamous for ripping everything off of their heads that we as parents try to place there. Please see: the bows I bought for my daughter that will forever RIP.
Sit-in-place baby sunglasses. These are your traditional glasses that you just plop on your nose and affix over the ear. (And then say a prayer they stay on!)

How to Choose Baby Sunglasses

There are a few key features you'll want to look for when choosing baby sunglasses, such as:

100% UVA + UVB protection

The best sunglasses for babies should offer protection from 100% of UVA and UVB rays. That means that your child will be protected from common forms of UVA rays, which penetrate the body, as well as UVB rays, which can cause surface damage like sunburn.

Non-polarized shades

While many adults like polarized sunglasses because they reduce glare, your baby probably doesn’t mind too much whether her glasses are polarized or not.

Customizable fit

Polarization aside, what is important for baby sunglasses is fit. If your baby likes to move around and pull at his glasses, opt for glasses with a head strap, which will help keep glasses in place.

Shatterproof lenses

Many baby sunglasses are also shatterproof so that your baby won’t hurt herself should they break.

Do Babies Really Need Sunglasses?

Ideally, you will want to keep your baby in the shade as much as possible during the warm-weather months, especially if your baby is under six months old. (The FDA recommends that you avoid using sunscreen on babies under six months and instead opt for shade or full UV protective clothing.) But if your baby will be out in the full sun, sunglasses really can protect their eyes. Another bonus is that if they are playing in the water, whether that’s at the beach or in a pool, the glasses will protect their eyes from salt water or just discomfort. And you could look at it this way: even if they end up ripping the glasses off, some kind of protection is better than nothing, right? So bring on the baby sunglasses! Oh, and pssttt: if your baby absolutely refuses to wear one, the right sun hat can make a big difference too.

Truly Mama’s Picks for Best Baby Sunglasses

Julbo Eyewear Juniors Loop M (1-3 Years)

If your baby has a rounded head and doesn’t like being squished into sunglasses, the Julbo Eyewear Juniors Kids Looking 1 Sunglasses are a great option. The Julbo glasses have no hinges and the frame curves out around the temple, giving even big noggins plenty of space. The glasses are “reversible” — there’s no top or bottom — so fewer things can go wrong when you’re putting them on. The downside is that the glasses don’t fold up, so they can be a bit bulky to store.

These wraparound-style baby sunglasses are definitely designed for comfort. I love that the strap is detachable if you need to remove it quickly or need to adjust the fit. It combines both an elastic and fabric strap for a truly custom fit. Plus, I love that it includes hypoallergenic and paint-free materials.

Eye Size: 40 mm
Weight: 0.5 oz

Worth mentioning: a few reviewers found this particular style to be on the smaller size for toddlers, so be sure to check the fit for your baby's head because you'll want a good fit for comfort.

Baby BANZ Sunglasses

The Banz Bubzee Wrap Around glasses are an excellent choice if you’re looking for polarized glasses for a small baby. The lenses are infant-sized, but effective at filtering light. There’s even an option for prescription lenses for little ones who wear glasses. Best of all, the soft neoprene strap keeps glasses firmly in place and the addition of Velcro on the strap allows you to adjust the glasses to the perfect size for your infant.

Baby Banz offers full UVA and UVB protection with this pair of glasses, meant for babies up to two years old. They definitely offer parent-friendly features like a silicone nose and brow (much more comfortable!) and a hook-and-loop closure that you'll come to appreciate by the end of a long day in the sun. Another great bonus with Baby Banz is a 1-year replacement guarantee (you'll have to register the glasses on the BanZ website to qualify) that will get you a free replacement pair should anything happen with your baby's glasses. Not a bad deal. Details:

Lens Width: 45mm
Lens Height: 26mm
Bridge Width: 13mm
Minimum Head Circumference: 15 IN / 38 CM
Maximum Head Circumference: 18.5 IN / 45.5 CM

Kushies Baby Sunglasses

For this bargain price, you won’t mind if your baby refuses to wear her glasses or loses them at the beach. Although the price is great, you’re not compromising on quality as these Kushies sunglasses are made from rubber. They’re flexible and have scratch-resistant lenses, so even the most determined babies can’t break them. The only downside is that Kushies don’t have a back strap to help keep them in place.

Kushies come in two different sizes: newborn and toddler. The newborn sizes fit 0-12 months, while the toddler sizes will fit 12 months and up. We're big fans of the bright and bold colors of these glasses, along with the fat that they meet the AOA (American Optometric Association) specifications for non-prescription sunglasses. They also get bonus points for durability that can last among even the most rough-and-tumble of toddlers, thanks to Dupont rubber arms and polycarbonate impact & scratch resistant lenses.

Babiators Flower Child Sunglasses

Babiators are a bit more pricey than other baby sunglasses, but that’s because they’re guaranteed to last you for at least a year. Even if you lose them, Babiators will send you a free replacement pair if you pay shipping. What frazzled parent wouldn’t love that? In addition to being practical, Babiators are adorable, with heart-shaped, key-hole, and aviator-style glasses for the under-2 crowd. Their glasses are available in polarized and unpolarized options.

Channel your baby's inner flower power with these cheerful frames. You'll get polarized lenses with UV400 that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. Plus, they're impact and shatter-resistant and flexible rubber frames ensure they won't break, no matter how much your baby tries. Choose from sizes 0 all the way to up to age 10 for flower power for the whole fam.

Babiators Sweetheart Baby Sunglasses

Along with sweet flower shapes, Babiators is bringing all of the "awwwww's" out with this pair of sweetheart baby sunglasses. I want to buy 100 pairs for my daughter, so the marketing is working. Plus, this pair of glasses literally has everything you'd want in a toddler pair: an included detachable silicone strap to keep them in place, 100% UVA/UVB protection, durable frames, scratch-resistant lenses, and sizes up to 10 years old. Sold.

These glasses are spot-clean only, but do come with an included case to help protect them when you're on-the-go. They also boast UV400 lenses for ultimate protection and rubber frames that absolutely will not break, even through the toughest toddler hands.

Polarized WeeFarers

Sorry, but how stylish are these? Wayfarers got a wee makeover with these tortoise shell baby sunglasses made to protect the youngest fashionistas. You'll get 100% UVA and UVB protection with impact-resistant UV400 polarized lenses. Plus, the frames are totally durable and completely bendable. Safety-conscious parents will also appreciate phthalates-free and BPA-free frame materials. And the best part? WeeFarers provides free replacement pair of glasses if they are damaged anytime in the first year after purchase.

These WeeFarers are made in the USA and they're available in multiple sizes, up to 12 years old, so feel free to pick up a pair for yourself too. Ahem, I mean, for your older kids.

GlamBaby Dillon Sunglasses

A cool blue aviator look never goes out of style, and this classic frame has been refreshed for a younger crowd. Complete with rubber frames to ensure comfort and all the protection from the sun you could ask for.

The Dillon sunglasses come with a handy microfiber pouch for on-the-go use that also doubles as a cleaning cloth. You can rinse under water to get rid of any sand or dirt, then wipe dry with the included cloth.

Glambaby Serena Sunglasses

Does your baby need these uber-stylish cat eye sunglasses? Yes, yes she does. Aside from being completely fabulous, they still offer 100% UVA/UVB protection for little eyes. And another bonus: they have a more narrow fit that's perfect for babies with smaller nose bridges and temples.

This pair is made with a resin frame, so it may not be as durable or flexible as sunglasses made with rubber frames, so keep that in mind if your little one is more of a rough-and-tumble beach goer than a sit-by-the-poolside-and-sip-cold drinks type. Just a suggestion.

My Little Sunnies Round Retro Sunglasses

Retro look, modern protection. Thanks to ultra-protective UV400 lenses, you'll get a vintage style with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Safety and eco-friendly parents will also appreciate thoughtful details like non-toxic, BPA-free materials, shatterproof qualities, recyclable materials, and eco-friendly packaging to match, these sunglasses for kids safeguard your babe while protecting the planet. CE certified.

My Little Sunnies specializes in combining vintage styles with modern sunglass features, so you'll definitely get the best of both worlds with this pair. Choose from glasses that fit 12 months all the way up to 7 years old.