All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Our Medical Review Board includes OB/GYNs, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, doulas, lactation counselors, endocrinologists, fertility specialists and more.
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members of our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
QUICK SUMMARY
The best toddler sunglasses, based on expert insight and parent reviews, are the Roshambo Bueller Toddler Shades. These durable sunglasses can actually be twisted and folded, and have scratch-resistant polarized lenses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.
I thought seeing my baby daughter in sunglasses was the cutest site, but I was recently proven wrong when my now toddler daughter put on a pair of shades and walked around like she owned the place. Of course, as with baby sunglasses, toddler sunglasses are more than a fun summer accessory. They’re a year-round staple that, much like sunscreen, provides vital protection from some of the sun’s more harmful elements.
There are certain aspects of sunlight — namely, ultraviolet (aka UV) radiation — that can affect the health of the eye, says Zachary P. Elkin, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatric ophthalmologist and assistant professor of ophthalmology at New York University. Long-term sun exposure early on can increase the risk of eye conditions and diseases, like macular degeneration, ocular melanoma and cataracts later in life. So, it's undoubtedly important to find the right pair of sunglasses that will protect your child from the harmful effects of the sun's rays.
But it’s not as easy as grabbing any pair off the shelf. You want to make sure your toddler’s sunglasses offer the right protection for their eyes and are comfortable enough that your child will actually wear them.
How we chose the best toddler sunglasses
Because eye protection is the top priority with sunglasses, we spoke to Dr. Elkin in order to understand the necessary features to look for in toddler sunglasses. Based on his recommendations, as well as those from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), we first gathered toddler sunglasses that met the following criteria:
Has shatter-resistant or shatter-proof lenses to avoid potential injury from broken lenses.
Made of durable material to avoid potential injury from broken frames.
Once we had our initial list of frames, we then turned to parents in the What to Expect community. We not only sought recommendations for toddler sunglasses, but we also learned what features helped kids keep their sunglasses on for an extended period of time. With this information from What to Expect parents, as well as my own experience as a parent buying toddler sunglasses, we were able to narrow our list down to 11 pairs that:
Are made of pliable material for extra comfort
Have a soft, adjustable strap to better keep sunglasses on the head (or, have the option to add one)
Come in a variety of colors and patterns to get kids excited to wear them
Why Trust Us?
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.
Protection type: 100 percent UVA and UVB protection
Color options: Five
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Parents in the What to Expect community love the Italian-made Roshambo sunglasses for their impressive flexibility, polarized (and optional prescription) lenses and reasonable price, making them an overall winner. These frames are made out of a durable, flexible material that's BPA- and latex-free and are designed to survive rougher toddler use — they can actually be twisted and folded. Parents even attest to the fact that you can bend the glasses nearly in half without breaking! All styles have polarized lenses — ideal for kids who are light sensiAnd, as an added bonus, Roshambo will give you a free replacement pair in the first year after purchase in the off-chance your glasses get damaged.
Keep in mind that the toddler shades only come in one size, recommended for 2 to 4 year olds. The brand recommends buying the baby sunglasses for children younger than 2 and the junior sunglasses for children 5 and older.
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.”
Aussies know sunglasses and these Australian-designed Baby Banz shades are proof. They offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection with a wrap style that is guaranteed to both fit and stay put, thanks to its easy-to-use wide Velcro strap. One reviewer noted their little one really enjoyed the feel of the wraparound strap, too, which is a big plus. The polarized lenses will reduce glare, and the polycarbonate material makes them bendable and toddler-proof. These are rubberized on the nose and brow, which offers comfort to your kiddo's little nose and eyes. This style is also capable of swapping in prescription lenses and is a smart option for tots who need to wear glasses daily.
I've got baby banz! She loves them and doesn't mind them at all. Just make sure they're fastened well as it can get too tight if you're worried about it falling off. It works perfectly for the harsh sun where we live!”
Protection type: 99.9 percent UVA and UVB protection
Color options: Five
Why We Love It
Rivbos Rubber Kids frames are made with soft silicon rubber, ensuring their durability and comfort on little faces. As for the lenses, they're polarized and offer 100 percent protection against UVA, UVB and blue light. They come in tons of different colors, and the design is unisex, making them suitable for all little ones. Not too shabby for such a low price point (under $10!) compared to other shades, especially considering how many parents report getting years of use from these shades. While the recommended size is 3 years and older, many parents commented that they comfortably fit 2-year-olds and lasted until around 5 years of age.
These classic "wayfarer" Cocosand Toddler Sunglasses come with a comfortable — yet not overly-restrictive — adjustable elastic strap. This helps the glasses fit better, making them a comfortable and smart option for your tot, especially for long-wear. The strap is also moisture-wicking, perfect for toddlers who like to play in the water or be active in the hot sun. This pick also comes in a variety of colors and styles so you can accessorize to match any of your toddler's outfits. But since style is worthless if they don't perform, the lenses also block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, are shatter-resistant and made of BPA-free material.
My daughter, like many toddlers, loves to throw things, so it’s important that her sunglasses are durable. Of all the pairs she’s tossed, i play’s flexible sunglasses have held up the best. This is due largely to the frame’s material: a synthetic rubber that can take a beating and provides added comfort when worn.
The frames aren’t the only indestructible feature; the lenses are scratch resistant. I know because I’ve kept my daughter’s glasses in my purse alongside keys, pens and other sharper objects, and the lenses are still clear.
And though it doesn’t add to the durability, i play’s sunglasses come with a soft, removable strap that keeps the glasses on your toddler’s head without adding too much pressure or discomfort. My daughter isn’t the biggest fan of having things on her head, but she had no issues with the strap. The strap also extends the wear of the sunglasses, since it can create a better fit. Some parents, however, found their child could easily separate the frames from the strap, which can be annoying.
Best Sunglasses for Active Toddlers
Real Shades Adventure Polarized Sunglasses for Toddlers
These wrap-around Real Shades Adventure Sunglasses offer extra protection as they block peripheral light from entering on the sides. You won't have to worry about your little one losing these, either, thanks to the soft, adjustable strap on the back. The strap actually contours to fit your child's head, making them a great purchase for families who like to bike with their child or for especially active tots who need frames that won't fall off. The polarized lenses are fashioned from shatter-proof polycarbonate that’s also lightweight. And of course, the lenses offer full spectrum UV protection.
Size: 0-2, 2-4, 4+ years
Lens type: Polarized
Protection type: 100 percent UVA and UVB protection
When buying sunglasses for your kids, there's a chance that the frame can be too big or small for their face even if it's listed as the right size. To ensure a great fit, the Foster Grant Nile Kids Sunglasses are designed with a "flex temple" which allows you to adjust the arms of the glasses to fit your child's head and face shape. This way, you can bend them in if you need a tighter fit or out for a wider size. Not only will this help the glasses stay on their head, but it may also help you get extra wear out of them as your tot grows.
In addition to the adjustable design, these toddler sunglasses include scratch-resistant lenses and a full frame fit to provide ample protection for their eyes. We also like the added bonus of an included case and cloth to prolong the life of each pair. Foster Grant also includes the same flex temple on a cute pair of heart-shaped sunglasses if you’re looking for a different style.
Polarized and blue-violet light filtering reduce glare
Soft frames
Scratch-resistant lenses
Cons
Limited colors and sizes
Size: 3 and up
Lens type: Polarized
Protection type: 100% UVA and UVB protection
Color options: One
Why We Love It
Although your toddler doesn’t need polarized lenses, they can be beneficial when you’re around water or in snowy settings; they reduce glare which, in turn, can help reduce eyestrain, according to the AAO. Since my family spends a lot of time at the beach, I wanted to have a polarized pair for my daughter and found that these Foster Grant aviators were a big hit.
Not only are the lenses polarized, but they have blue-violet light filtration which may further reduce eye strain from the sun. They’re also scratch- and impact-resistant, so I never worry about my daughter (or I) damaging them. The frames are made of a soft-to-touch material that won’t bother finicky toddlers, which is a huge plus.
Something to keep in mind is that they only come in one color, so if you’re the type who likes your child in a coordinated outfit, these may not be the sunglasses for you.
It’s also worth mentioning that when you buy these or any other pair of Foster Grant glasses, the company donates a pair of reading glasses to people in underserved communities.
Babiators' rubber frames and shatter-resistant lenses are super durable so you can trust that these aviators will stand up to frequent use. Tons of parents raved about how bendable they are, one person noting that their child could bend and twist the arm of the glasses without any breakage due to a rubber connector. Plus, the brand guarantees replacements for breakage or loss for one full year. Kids won't mind keeping them on, either, because the soft and lightweight frames won't fall down or pinch their noses. They offer complete UV protection, are BPA-free and come in a variety of colors and styles (like cat-eye and heart shapes in addition to these cute aviators) if you want to switch between options. And, although they don’t come with a strap, you can always buy one if your child needs it.
Just how adorable are these tortoise shell toddler sunnies, aptly named WeeFarers? These glasses will not only look incredibly cute on, but they provide 100 percent UV protection to keep your little one's eyes shielded. The lenses are shatter-proof and polarized, while the frames are bendable and durable. This means they’ll stand up to wear and tear, and they'll block glare that might come off the water or snow if you’re using them while on vacation. And, even if they do get damaged or lost, the brand will replace them for free in the first year of owning them.
Other notable features that make this pair of baby wayfarers worth the splurge include the easily-adjustable strap for a secure fit and a carrying pouch and microfiber cloth. We also appreciate how many sizes they come in so you can get a more comfortable fit for your child. They have options for infants, toddlers and children up to 12 years old.
Who says you have to sacrifice style for eye safety? The simple round lenses on these izibizi frames are elevated thanks to the 15 gorgeous color options. Made of an ultra-flexible BPA-free and hypo-allergenic material, these sunglasses are perfect for everyday wear. Not to mention the straight arms help the frames better adapt to your child’s head as they grow. Plus, they come with a removable, adjustable silicon strap to optimize the kit and keep glasses on your child’s head.
The polarized lenses help reduce glare, so they will work in any environment. And they're scratch-resistant so your child will always have a clear view.
The downside to these sunglasses is the price. At $40 they’re the most expensive option on the list. But if you want everyday sunglasses that provide optimal protection, they’re worth the investment.
FAQ Toddler Sunglasses
Do toddlers need sunglasses?
Yes, toddlers should wear sunglasses when they’re outside. Sunglasses will also keep your toddler comfortable in bright light. Dr. Ekin says some kids are light sensitive, he says, so going outdoors on sunny days without eye protection can be irritating or uncomfortable.
Where are the best places to buy toddler sunglasses?
You can find toddler sunglasses just about anywhere — drug stores, clothing stores and, of course, online. Some of the best places to buy toddler sunglasses, however, are through retailers that specialize in eyewear, like Roshambo, Banz, WeeStyle and Foster Grant. Most of these brands, however, can be found on Amazon, making it easy to order toddler sunglasses along with toddler swimsuits and sunscreen.
You can also find sunglasses at retailers like Old Navy, Carter’s and Gap, though you’ll want to check that they provide 100% UV protection or UV400 protection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.