A baby's eyes are far more sensitive to sunlight than an adult's: their crystalline lens lets through up to 90% of UV rays. Protecting their eyes from an early age really matters. So from what age can a baby wear sunglasses, which category should you pick, and how do you make sure they stay on? Here's everything you need to know.
Why protect a baby's eyes from the sun?
An infant's lens is transparent and filters very little ultraviolet light. As a result, the retina is exposed much more directly than in adults. Repeated exposure without protection can have lasting consequences for vision. Good-quality baby sunglasses are therefore essential whenever your baby spends time in the sun.
From what age can a baby wear sunglasses?
You can start putting sunglasses on your baby from 6 to 12 months. Before that, stick to shade, a wide-brimmed hat and the pram hood. Once your baby is walking and spending time outdoors, sunglasses become genuinely useful, especially at the beach, in the mountains or at the height of summer.
UV400, category 3, category 4: which one to choose?
What does UV400 mean?
The UV400 label guarantees that the lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays up to a wavelength of 400 nanometres. It's the highest level of ultraviolet protection, and the minimum you should demand for baby sunglasses.
Which protection category?
The category (0 to 4) tells you what percentage of light is filtered:
| Category | Filtration | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Category 2 | 57 to 82% | Moderate sunshine |
| Category 3 | 82 to 92% | Bright sunshine (recommended for babies) |
| Category 4 | 92 to 97% | High mountains, open sea (not allowed for driving) |
For everyday use, category 3 is the best choice for a baby. Category 4 is reserved for extreme conditions (glaciers, open sea) and should never be worn in the car, as it darkens vision too much.
How to choose your baby's sunglasses
- UV400 protection and category 3: non-negotiable.
- Soft silicone frame: unbreakable, safe, comfortable on a small face.
- A secure fit: an elastic strap or flexible arms stop the glasses slipping or falling off.
- The right size: lenses wide enough to cover the whole eye area.
- Lightweight: under 20 g, so your baby forgets they're wearing them.
Our UV400 category 3 baby sunglasses tick all these boxes: polarised lenses, a soft silicone frame and several colours, for children from 6 months to 3 years.
How to get your baby to accept sunglasses
At first, your baby will often try to pull them off. A few tricks: pick a model with a strap so they stay put, start with short periods, set the example by wearing your own sunglasses, and pair the moment with something enjoyable (an outing, a game). Patience pays off: most babies get used to them within a few outings.
Frequently asked questions about baby sunglasses
From what age can a baby wear sunglasses?
From 6 to 12 months. Before that, stick to shade, a wide-brimmed hat and the pram hood.
Which sunglasses category for a baby?
Category 3 (82-92% filtration) is recommended for everyday use. Category 4 is reserved for high mountains and open sea, and not allowed for driving.
What does UV400 mean?
UV400 means the lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays up to 400 nm. It's the level of protection to demand for a baby.
How do I get my baby to keep their sunglasses on?
Choose a model with a head strap, go for short periods at a time, set the example and pair wearing them with an enjoyable moment. Babies get used to them within a few outings.
In short
To choose baby sunglasses well, insist on UV400 category 3 protection, a soft silicone frame and a secure fit. You can introduce them from 6-12 months to give your child's fragile eyes lasting protection. Take a look at our UV400 baby sunglasses.
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