Infants and children younger than age 10 are at an increased risk for retinal sunlight injury because their eyes permit greater amounts of damaging UV light to enter, but a quality pair of sunglasses can protect your child’s eyes from damaging rays. When reviewing products, we looked carefully at lens and frame types, material, age recommendations, and UV protection. Here are the best sunglasses for kids based on your child’s style and activity level. With a wide variety of colors, the Babiators Navigators earned our top pick not only because they look cool, but these stylish glasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. The frames are made from flexible rubber with impact- and shatter-resistant lenses. Parents will love how durable they are—the specs can withstand bending, twisting, or worse! Even better, if you lose or break the sunglasses in the first year, the company will replace them for free (shipping not included). These adorable sunglasses are available in sizes 0-2 and 3-5, perfect for toddlers and even preschoolers. Age rec: 0-2, 3-5 years old | Lens type: Shatter-resistant | Protection type: UV400 | Price at time of publication: $26 With 100% UVA and UVB protection, this two-pack comes with two cloth pouches for easy storage and cleaning. Share a pack between siblings or keep a spare pair. Age rec: 4-7 years old | Lens type: Composite | Protection type: UVA and UVB | Price at time of publication: $13 The small strap fits kids up to 2 years old. Switch to the large strap for kiddos up to 5 years old (21-inch head circumference). The polycarbonate lenses are made to block 100% of both UVA and UVB sun rays, and the strap prevents little hands from easily pulling off the glasses. Age rec: 0-5 years old | Lens type: Polycarbonate | Protection type: UVA and UVB | Price at time of publication: $15 If needed, the lenses are prescription ready, so they can be replaced with a vision-correcting option for tweens that wear glasses. Age rec: 8-12, 12-15 years old | Lens type: Plastic, non-polarized | Protection type: UVA and UVB | Price at time of publication: $77 Age rec: 1-5 years old | Lens type: Impact-resistant | Protection type: UV400 | Price at time of publication: $22 Parents love that while the strap size is customizable, the glasses stay put once they are on, and the wrap-around style provides total sun protection. Age rec: Up to 6 years old | Lens type: Polycarbonate | Protection type: UVA and UVB | Price at time of publication: $20 Sized for kids from 8 to around 12 years old, they also fit older teens with smaller heads. Each pair comes with a cleaning cloth, soft pouch, portable glasses screwdriver, and sports sunglasses strap so your kiddo will always know where their glasses are. Age rec: 8-12 years old | Lens type: Composite, polarized | Protection type: UV400 | Price at time of publication: $16 Age rec: 6-12 years old | Lens type: ArmourSight lens technology | Protection type: UVA and UVB | Price at time of publication: $65 They come in four children’s sizes for kids from 0 to 12 years old and in 10 fun colors. The set also includes a microfiber carrying pouch and an adjustable strap. Age rec: 0-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-12+ years old | Lens type: Tri Acetate Cellulose, polarized | Protection type: UVA and UVB | Price at time of publication: $35 The rubber material is durable, fashionable, and virtually indestructible, while the lenses offer 100% UV protection. Parents love the exclusive Hide n’ Seek Loss and Damage Warranty that will replace any lost or damaged glasses (fee applies). Age rec: 0-3, 3-7 years old | Lens type: Plastic | Protection type: UVA and UVB | Price at time of publication: $20
Frame Type
Choose frame type based on both style preference and practicality. For older kids, get their opinion before you purchase. If they like the glasses, they’ll be more likely to wear them. For younger kids, wrap-around styles and glasses with straps offer greater sun protection and are less likely to be lost or worn incorrectly.
Intended Use
Casual once-in-a-while use is quite different from daily wear for sports practice. Determine how often your child will be using the glasses to decide what kind of investment you feel comfortable making. If your child is new to sunglasses, teach them how to store them in a pouch or hard case to extend the life of the glasses.
Age
Take into account your child’s temperament and age when you invest in sunglasses. Young toddlers will often tolerate sunglasses with a strap around their head (while of course, some may completely refuse). Many kids’ sunglasses companies offer free replacement pairs for lost or damaged glasses, so be sure to always register the glasses, no matter how indestructible you think they are.
Why Trust Verywell Family?
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. Her strategy with kids’ sunglasses is to have them in multiple places—the pool bag, the car, and in the front door organizer. The more glasses there are around, the more likely it is that someone is going to wear them.
