There’s nothing more adorable than seeing a baby or tot wearing little sunglasses.
However, before you buy a little pair of shades just because they’re cheap and cute, be sure the sunglasses you buy will actually help – rather than hurt – your little one’s eyes. So, how can you tell if a pair of baby shades is worth the money? Just in time for summer, the tip that is today’s hint can help.
The tip, which I learned from my daughter’s pediatrician: Make sure the sunglasses you buy your young one block 99% to 100% percent of both UVA and UVB rays, because cheap sunglasses without that feature can actually do more harm than good to your little one’s eyes.
And other experts agree. Over at BabyCenter, pediatric ophthalmologist David Granet writes that putting low-quality sunglasses on your child that don’t have the UVA/UVB protection feature is “worse than his wearing no glasses at all.” This is because such sunglasses, Dr. Granet writes, “can cause your child’s pupils to dilate – therefore letting more UVA and UVB rays in – without offering protection,” and exposure to ultraviolet rays can raise the risk of eye problems like cataracts down the road.
In addition, you’ll probably want to opt for sunglasses that are more flexible and not easily broken if your tot throws them on the ground, and as Parents.com suggests, sunglasses with an elastic head strap may stay on little heads better. Heidi Murkoff also offers a few more tips on buying sunglasses for toddlers over at What to Expect. So what are some brands worth checking out? For a start, you may want to take a look at little shades by Julbo, Babiators, Baby Banz and i play, though many manufacturers make little sunglasses that fit the requirements mentioned above.
However, even if you buy your little one the right type of sunglasses, there’s no guarantee he or she will want to wear them. If that turns out to be the case, remember that “shade is the better option” anyway, as Nurse Judy at my pediatrician’s office points out. So, get your child a nice floppy hat (I like this one by Sunday Afternoons), assuming he or she will keep the hat on.
Share your experiences with baby, toddler and kid sunglasses below. Any brands and styles you’d recommend?
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The kids Knockaround sunglasses from The Honest Company are great and my kids love them!