10 of the best children’s sunglasses
Protect your little ones eyes this summer with these funky sunglasses especially for tots
Posted: 14/07/2010 17:15:26
by Kyrsty Hazell
If you're heading abroad, or even having a 'Staycation' this summer, keeping your little ones safe in the sun is vital. Once you purchase the sun cream, sunsafe swimsuits and plane tickets, be sure to invest in a decent pair of sunnies.
Recent research has shown that it's vital to keep your little ones' eyes protected more than ever. According to the American Optometric Association, children as young as three should be wearing sunglasses when playing outside. Up to 80% of exposure to the sun’s rays takes place before the age of 18 - so we've picked out some great sunnies to shield your tot's eyes from the harmful rays.
Here comes the science bit
Sunglasses for children should provide virtually 100% UVA protection and conform to European safety standards, EN 1836:2005. Look out for those marked as UV400, which means they block a minimum of 99.9% UVB and 99% UVA.
Another important factor is to make sure your child’s sunglasses cover a good proportion of the eye area. This means perhaps opting for a more practical pair which wraparound the head, to block any sneaky rays peaking in. That said, it is also important to invest in a pair that your child actually likes, otherwise they won’t wear them at all…
Check out our selection of kids sunnies – there's something for every taste.
Zoobug – My First Zoobugs
These flower-tastic gems are available for little ones aged 2-5 years. They provide the maximum UV protection and are fun for wearing on the beach, especially for all girly girls. They are designed to stay on with and come with paediatric curly arms and come with a funky Zoobug case and personalised name tag.
Daisy Zoobug glasses, £29, available at Loveiwear.
Bolle Kids – 'Dylan' sunglasses
Perfect for sporty children on the go, these are made of moisture absorbing megol rubber that ensure these stay on your child’s face. They also have super rounded ear holders, to keep the secue on your little ones face. Suitable for the most rugged of outdoor play and great for 4-7 year olds.
Bolle 'Dylan' sunglasses, £23, available at the Sunglasses Shop.
Ray-Ban Junior
Definitely one for the style conscious tot – these are slightly pricier than some but they come in beautiful, contemporary styles and if your child likes them, they can be worn for years to come and kept as a collector’s item just like the adult originals.
Ray Ban Junior sunglasses, £55,available at Shade Station.
Beaba (Classics, Lunettes sport/ lunettes profil)
The BEABA babies’ sunglasses have curved sides and short arms that tuck into adjustable headbands. The polycarbonate lenses and elastomer frames are virtually indestructable. Did we mention how cute they were?!
Beaba soft band baby sunglasses, £12.95, available at Kiddicare.
Julbo – Looping sunglasses
Clad with Alti Spectron X6 lenses, which protect from UV rays and 95% of visible light, they also have a great symmetrical shape and hingeless design. The frame is soft to avoid any scratching of sensitive skin – they also come in bright colours. Suitable for ages 0-2. More ranges available.
Julbo Looping sunglasses, £18.99, available at Swimbabes.
Ray Ban Junior, Boots, Sunglasses, Zoobug, Julbo, BEABA, Soltan, Baby Banz, UVA, child, eye, health, protection, sun safety, Kool Sun
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So what do you think?
x.Laura.x
i reeeeeeeeeealy want the zoobugs for lola!!!
Jack has some sunglasses from little legs he loves them!
Andrew sayes im turning him into a fashionista!
About 4 years ago
Rhianna Powell
Oh wow how CUTE!!
I think kids wearing sunglasses look so adorable although it is a task and a half getting them to keep them on.
The BabyBandz and Beaba look great as they have the wraparound band - never really thought about it before but definitely considering investing after looking at this guide!
About 4 years ago
Kay Coulthard
For £37 those Raybans sure look funky but I'm not sure they'd survive too many of Nathans adventures, very flimsy looking!!
About 4 years ago
theoldwomanwholivesinashoe
Cute,but mine would take them off,chew them and break them...probably poke themself in the eye,and use them for any other purpose than they were intended
About 4 years ago
x.Laura.x
jack never takes his off, he really likes them, i tried a cheap pair first to see how they coped with a toddler then brought the more expensive protective ones, his were aroubd £10-15 i think they still fit from last year. theyre great for naps, my two always wake the minute light hits there eyes.
About 4 years ago
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