Should Your Baby be Wearing Sunglasses?

When the sun is out, and you’re reaching for your aviators, have you paused to consider whether your baby should be rocking some shades, too?

We know that babies have skin that can be up to 5 times thinner than that of an adult. This means their skin is far more sensitive and delicate than ours. We wouldn’t dream of allowing our little one to be exposed to the sun without sun protection (Baby Sun Care SPF 25 is perfect for newborns in the sun), and yet we often leave their eyes with no extra protection!

The World Health Organisation estimates that as much as 80% of the lifetime’s UV absorbed by the eye happens before a child reaches 18. Since babies have larger pupils and clearer lenses, up to 70% more UV light reaches their retinas compared to adults.

UV damage is cumulative and irreversible, so sun protection of both skin and eyes isn’t something to be complacent about. It’s just a happy bonus that sunglasses also look cool on adults and adorable on babies!

1. Baby Banz

Originated the harsh UV climate of Australia, Baby Banz are perhaps best known for their festival appropriate baby Ear Defenders, but do awesome shades too.

2. JoJo Maman Bébé.

Heading off to the ski slopes? These should be on your shopping list! A happy reviewer also says, “They are great to wear in the car as offer full protection no matter what direction we are travelling,” which is a great reminder that we also need sun block whilst driving since UV penetrates glass.

3. Babiators

These were created after one of their founders watched military children squinting while their pilot parents relaxed in their aviators. They also give a rather unique lost & found guarantee: if you lose or break your Babiators in the first year, they’ll send you a free replacement. No excuse not to get safe and stylish in the sun like these two!

4. Julbo

Julbo create different lenses for every stage of your child’s growth, from newborn-12 years old, so your baby can remain stylish and safe at every stage.

It can be loads of fun taking your little one out in the sunshine, but don’t forget to give them all the protection they need. Apply their sun cream half an hour before you leave the house, and reapply again once outside, and regularly thereafter. Keep sunglasses and sunhats at the ready. That way, you can relax knowing you’re keeping your loved ones safe in the sun.