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Quick Summary
The best baby sunglasses are the Babiators Navigators because of their durability, ability to stay on baby’s head and array of stylish colors, according to parents in the What to Expect community.
We took our first family beach trip when my daughter was 6 months old, and I was determined to stick to the bare essentials. After all, who wants to deal with clutter on vacation? I kept the packing list light — a sunhat, swimsuits, and sunscreen — and scoffed at adding what I believed were impractical baby sunglasses. Sure, they were adorable, but were they necessary?
However, after chatting with my daughter’s pediatrician and doing some research, I realized baby sunglasses needed to be a priority. Far from being an optional fashion statement, sunglasses for babies provide much-needed protection from the sun’s harsh UVA/UVB rays, which are particularly damaging to babies’ sensitive eyes.
“Just as babies’ skin is more vulnerable to the sun, the eyes are also developing and have an increased susceptibility to UV damage,” says Gary Kirkilas, D.O., a pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). He points out that babies’ developing eyes can’t filter out UV waves as well as an adults’ eyes, “which can lead to harmful medical conditions to both the lenses and the retina over time.”
Baby sunglasses aren’t just a must for summer photos; they are an essential part of keeping babies safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
How I Chose the Best Baby Sunglasses
After that first beach trip, my daughter (and later on, my son) went through quite a few pairs of baby sunglasses. While I’ve included some of the sunglasses that worked for them while creating this list, I also used advice from Dr. Kirkilas and ensured each pair of sunglasses I reviewed had the following safety features:
At least 99% protection against both UVA and UVB rays
Shatter-proof lenses
Dr. Kirkilas also says that sunglasses with an adjustable strap can be a great option for wriggly little ones, but make sure that babies are carefully supervised because the strap can become a choking hazard. You may also want to look for polarized sunglasses, as they help reduce the sun’s harsh glare so your little one can see better even in bright light. Just note that polarized lenses do not necessarily provide full UVA/UVB protection, so it's important to double-check that they’re still protective, too.
To build a robust list of baby sunglasses to consider for the best of the best, I also turned to the What to Expect community boards. Here, I found over 200 baby sunglasses recommendations, as well as feedback from parents on what features they appreciate in their favorite sunnies. Using my own baby sunglasses buying experiences, as well as those of What to Expect parents, I chose nine pairs that were praised for their comfort, durability and ability to stay on a young baby’s face.
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What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Free replacement if damaged or misplaced in the first year
Includes microfiber storage bag
Many colors available
Cons
Does not include adjustable strap
Higher price tag
Sizes: Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5, Ages 6+
Polarized: Yes
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
By far the most popular pick among What to Expect parents are Babiators, and it’s easy to see why: They’re extremely durable (one parent called them “chew-resistant”), offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and even provide a free replacement within the first year of purchase. The shatter-resistant lenses and BPA-free frames come in an adorable array of styles and colors so baby can look their best while hitting the beach, playground or park. Though Babiators do not come with a strap, parents shared that they stayed on well for a comfortable and cute look.
“We’ve purchased numerous pairs of Babiators beginning as early as our daughter was 1 years old,” says Olivia DeLong, Senior Health Editor and mom of a 3-year-old. “They are comfortable, fit on her face, and the colors are unique, like blush pink and moss green, rather than bright pink and green. They feel well-made and they actually stay on her face, which can be a tough characteristic for squirmy toddlers!”
“I love Babiators for my baby and my toddler. They’ll replace the glasses if they’re lost or broken. My 3 year old is quite destructive lol and we’ve made good use of their guarantee.”
“We got these ones! They’re called Babiators. There’s no strap but they fit my son great! They’re supposed to fit until like 2 years old or something like that.”
“With my first we used Babiators with this retainer strap for when she’s more mobile. Worked great. Also, I did have to use the free replacement warranty because we lost her first pair. They sent them no questions asked. You just have to pay for the cost of shipping. Also, she’s super rough on them and they haven’t broken. The only time they broke, an older kid stepped on them while running when she put them on the ground at the playground.”
"Also agree with Babiators! They will replace your glasses if they break or get lost within the first year. They’re adorable. The blue series comes with a strap to help keep them on."
With shatter-proof lenses, rubber arms that stay on baby’s face and 100% UVA/UVB protection, these adorable sunglasses from Carter’s do the trick without breaking the bank. The simple, classic tortoise shell design makes them an obvious choice for parents looking to get the most bang for their buck — after all, sun safety doesn’t have to be pricey! They are also a great option for parents looking for a back up pair of sunglasses (or two) for the diaper bag, daycare or grandma’s house. Although Carter’s sunglasses don’t come with features like an adjustable strap or polarized lenses, they’re a great budget choice because they check off the most important box: UV ray protection.
"I think it’s the softer sides, of the baby sizes. Either way, they hold up really well too. I’ve tried a few brands, but always come back to carters. They are really inexpensive too."
These sunglasses make your life a little bit easier by taking the guesswork out of sun safety. They feature flexible, lightweight frames in BPA-free silicone that won’t be heavy on a newborn’s small head, and the included adjustable strap provides a snug yet comfortable fit so that they actually stay on. With polarized lenses that block 100% of harsh UVA/UVB rays, you’ll feel confident stepping out with your little nugget in tow knowing their sensitive eyes are protected from the sun. Although parents love how affordable these sunglasses are, many noted that they are less durable than other baby sunglasses.
“Also, I forgot I got these for my son for the boat and he loves them (he’s 4months old) they’re flexible and have a little strap you can tighten/loosen/ take off if you need! And they’re affordable too. I was looking at some that were $25+.”
Keep your little Maverick’s eyes safe with these adorable baby aviator sunglasses from Hipsterkid. With 100% UVA/UVB protection, shatter-resistant lenses and durable, bendable frames that are BPA, phthalate and PVC free, your little one can rock stylish aviators without compromising on sun safety. Parents found that even the pickiest babe kept these shades on thanks to the flexible frames and the included stay-on strap, and many loved the one-year warranty that lets you replace your sunglasses if they break or if you simply lose them. You’ll want to double check your baby’s size, however, as these sunglasses tend to run small.
“My son hated sunnies last year but this year will get them out himself and hand them to me to put on him! I removed the head strap and he’s all in! We use the hipsterkid ones off Amazon!”
Free replacement if damaged or misplaced in the first year
Cons
Higher price tag
Sizes: Ages 0-1, Ages 2-3, Ages 4-6, Ages 7-12+
Polarized: Yes
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for a pair of sunnies for your mini to match you in a family photo, these WeeFarers look like your favorite Wayfarers. Crafted with flexible, long-lasting frames and shatter-resistant, polarized lenses that protect against 100% of UVA/UVB rays. They also come with a handy strap that helps them stay on, according to parents. The frames are also incredibly flexible and can be bent in just about any way, which means that they’re much less likely to break. Parents love the sweet vintage vibe of the WeeFarers, and though they come with a higher price tag, the company offers a free replacement if the sunglasses are damaged or lost within one year of purchase. They also come with a carrying case and a variety of unique colors like tie-dye and two-tone shades with colored lenses in addition to classic black and tortoise shell.
If you know your little one is always on the move — crawling at the beach or splashing in a kiddie pool — sunglasses with a strap are the way to go. And What to Expect parents swear by Baby Banz. These shades replace earpieces with a wrap-around adjustable strap that’s guaranteed to stay on your baby’s growing nogging. Simply loosen or tighten the fit via velcro. Plus, if you’re infant tends to pull or fidget with any sort of accessory you put on them — a hat or hair clip, for example — the snug fit is far less likely to be ripped off by curious hands. Plus, just like the other glasses on this list, you also get the benefits of totally flexible frames and shatterproof lenses that provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
While the strap is great for outdoor adventures versus a leisurely stroll in the stroller, these are also a top choice for fitting babies with smaller faces. When it comes to shopping for baby sunglasses, there aren’t a ton of different sizes to choose from (most fit a range of 0 to 24 months), so the adjustable velcro is a big win among What to Expect community members.
Psst: Hoping for something a bit more stylish? You can also scoop up a retro, cat-eye style. Or, if you’d prefer a removable strap design, COCOSAND ($20) also comes highly recommended by the What to Expect community.
“These aren’t as stylish as other baby glasses but since they don’t have sides on them, they literally fit them since the day they are born. They’re also the only glasses any of my kids keep on."
Babies love to grab and explore everything around them, and sunglasses are no exception. The Roshambo Bueller Shades feature flexible, bendable frames which means your little one won’t be able to snap or crack the frames — they’re so flexible that even the bridge twists. And if they somehow manage to break them, the company offers a full damage replacement guarantee. With polarized lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and frames that are also BPA, phthalate, lead and latex free (perfect for baby’s sensitive skin), the Bueller Shades check all the safety boxes while serving up some seriously cute ‘80s style. And not only do they feature a strap, but they also come with ear adjusters for an even more secure fit.
“Roshambo are amazing!! They truly dont break when they bend. We have a few different colours and my 3yr old loves them! Had them for well over a year and they are stil in great shape despite being thrown, stepped on, chewed, etc. You can also replace the lenses for €5 if they get scratched.”
"Yes, they are 0-24m size for the most part at the beginning. We bought a brand called roshambo that are expensive, but supposedly unbreakable (and great customer service!). I found them worth it. They also had an add on for these little rubber attachments to make them fit the really little babies. One makes the ear hooks smaller, and one is like a strap that goes around the back of the head. The 0-24m size fit from newborn all the way til 2ish. We only used the attachments for the first couple of months."
Best Floating Baby Sunglasses
ShapeShifter Fish and Friends Kids Polarized Floating Sunglasses
Babies love to throw things (the Cheerios covering my kitchen floor are proof of that!). So if you want to prevent your little one’s glasses from sinking into the ocean or lake after they’ve been chucked, you have to check out these sunnies. Made of ultra lightweight and flexible material, these sunnies naturally float in the water, so they won’t be lost forever if they’re tossed overboard.
Sun protection company ShapeShifter Fish and Friends teamed up with Roshambo to create unbreakable polarized floating sunglasses, featuring Roshambo’s virtually indestructible frames in an ultra lightweight material that naturally stays afloat. The lenses are shatter-resistant, protect against 100% of UVA/UVB rays, and are polarized to reduce glare and eye strain. And just to sweeten the deal, each pair comes with a replacement guarantee. Available in a variety of fun colors like Seagrass and Glitter Pink, these floating sunglasses are sure to be a hit the next time you’re out on the water.
“Look no further than Ro sham bo baby sunglasses! They are indestructible and have UV protection and polarized lenses. You can get attachments to make them super secure too. We have the baby ones and also the toddler size for our first son.”
Fun designs and color combos (adult options sold to match)
Mom-owned brand
Constructed with energy-efficient TPEE plastic
Cons
Avoid exposure to water (dry as soon as they get wet!)
Better for older babies
Sizes: 0-2 years
Polarized: Yes
Why We Love It
It’s no secret that baby eyes are super sensitive to bright lights, but they’re also a super cute accessory. For future fashionistas, Grech & Co. offers parents the greatest amount of fun designs. Choices vary between playfully patterned frames — Checkers! Stripes! Color-blocking! — and trendy, vintage-passing lenses. With these shades, your little one will be the most stylin' babe this summer. Aside from the cute looks, the frames are also totally flexible and UV400 polarized, making the $37 price tag that much more palatable. Plus, if you’re worried about a secure fit, the brand also sells matching, strechy silicone straps.
FAQs
Which sunglasses are best for baby?
The best sunglasses for your baby are the ones they will actually wear! As long as the sunglasses provide at least 99% protection from UVA/UVB rays, it really depends on what your little one prefers. Opting for sunglasses with a strap can help keep them in place, as can choosing sunnies with lightweight, flexible frames. And polarized lenses are great to reduce the sun’s glare to help baby see better, but remember that this doesn’t equate to UV protection — so always check for that first.
Are sunglasses worth it for baby?
Baby sunglasses are an important part of keeping your little one safe from the sun’s strong and harmful rays, just like sunscreen and protective clothing. Babies’ eyes are extremely sensitive to UV damage, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends infants avoid direct sunlight and wear hats and sunglasses to prevent damage to their growing and developing eyes.
When should babies start wearing sunglasses?
It’s never too early to include sunglasses in your sun safety plan. The AAP advises that babies under 6 months avoid direct sunlight and be dressed in lightweight clothing to protect against the sun. Staying in the shade and avoiding the hottest time of the day are the best ways to protect your little one from UV damage. However, if your baby will be exposed to the sun in any way, sunglasses are a great way to protect their eyes. Dr. Kirkilas stressed that baby sunglasses are especially important for babies older than 6 months who may be mobile and getting more direct sunlight exposure.
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