10 of the best baby sunglasses to protect your baby's eyes

Due to the importance of the quality of a baby's sunglasses, we've scoured the market for the very best brands and asked parents test them with their babies to provide you with a list of the very best sunglasses to protect your baby's eyes.

If you have a slightly older child, then you might need to look at our best kids' sunglasses. For more sun protection, we have a list of the best sunscreens for kids and babies and best sun hats for babies and toddlers. For in the pram, a sheepskin pram liner can really help regulate your baby's temperature when the weather starts to get warmer.

Best baby sunglasses at a glance

• Best baby sunglasses for a secure fit: JoJo Maman Bebe Kids' Flexible Sunglasses, £16
• Best baby sunglasses for durability: Babiators Original Euro Round Sunglasses, £22.50
• Best baby sunglasses for comfort: Polarn O. Pyret Baby UV Wraparound Sunglasses, £20
• Best budget baby sunglasses: Marks & Spencer Kids' Elasticated Baby Sunglasses, £7
• Best lightweight baby sunglasses: Roshambo Popple Light Pink Round Baby Shades, £21
• Best baby sunglasses for active babies: Julbo Looping Sunglasses, £18.99
• Best baby sunglasses for adjustability: KIDDUS Kids Comfort Sunglasses, £19.95
• Best baby sunglasses for a retro design: Baby Banz Retro Banz Oval Baby Sunglasses, £12.99
• Best baby sunglasses for growing with your baby: IZIPIZI Kids Sunglasses, £30
• Best baby sunglasses for a cute design: Babiators Original Flower Sunglasses, £30

Jump to:

• What to look for when choosing baby sunglasses
• The 10 best baby sunglasses
• Top 4 ways to protect your child's eyes from UV rays
• When should a baby start wearing sunglasses?
• What UV Protection should baby sunglasses have?

What to look for when choosing baby sunglasses

Coverage – Make sure your baby’s sunglasses cover a good proportion of the eye area, so they get the maximum protection from them.

Comfort – It is also important to invest in a pair that your baby is comfortable in, otherwise they won’t wear them. Look for enveloping designs that don't sit directly on your baby's ears, as well as lightweight materials.

Strap or headband – If your baby is prone to taking hats or accessories off the minute they're popped on, then look for a pair of shades with a headband or strap to keep them secure.

Durability – Try and choose flexible materials like rubber that can withstand being bent or dropped – this becomes even more important as your baby gets older and more active.

Lenses – Consider polarised lenses if your baby is going to be in bright sunshine. They help can help to increase visibility for your baby by reducing glare, also making for a comfortable experience.

Here's our pick of the best baby sunglasses

1. JoJo Maman Bebe Kids' Flexible Sunglasses, £16

– Best for a secure fit

Available from: JoJo Maman Bebe

Sizes: 0-2 years and 3-6 years | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: No | Strap: Yes (detachable) | Colours available: Yellow, Navy, Duck Egg and Fuchsia

Pros:

• Has a detachable strap
• Comes in fun colours

Cons:

• May not be suitable for children who do not like feeling restricted

Made with a detachable and adjustable elastic strap, these sunglasses are ideal for babies who are prone to pulling them off. They're similar in design to prescription glasses for babies, so you know this type of design can be relied upon to stay put, although some children with strong sensory preferences may find them a bit restrictive. With maximum protection against UVA and UVB, you can also be sure your baby's eyes are protected in strong sunlight in these glasses. They also come in a lovely variety of colours, at a competitive price.

They were good quality plastic and wrap around so fit well on my daughter. The arms were flexible so had a good flex on them, not just to put on but also when my daughter would pull them off. The detachable strap was also a great idea as my daughter wasn't keen on wearing them with the strap so has the option.

2. Babiators Original Euro Round Sunglasses, £30

– Best for durability

Available from: Babiators and Natural Baby Shower

Sizes: 0-2 years, 3-5 years | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: No | Strap: No | Colours available: Tortoise, Plum, Cream, Sage, Peach and Mist

Pros:

• Comes with a drawstring bag
• Choice of colours
• Durable

Cons:

• No strap to keep them secure

These adorable rounded sunglasses have been made with a flexible rubber that Babiators calls "virtually indestructible". This means they shouldn't break if they get bent or shatter if they get dropped according to the brand. We've stomped on them, stretched them, and thrown them on the floor and can confirm they're near-impossible to damage.

The lenses of the sunglasses are impact and shatter-resistant, offering 100% UV protection. The lightweight rubber frames also means they offer a comfy fit for your baby whilst looking really cute in the fun array of colours available. The sunglasses come with a drawstring bag to keep the sunglasses safe and easy to pack or take out and about with you.

They seem very child proof, she has bent, squeezed and twisted them and has so far not caused any damage.

3. Polarn O. Pyret Baby UV Wraparound Sunglasses, £20

– Best for comfort

Available from: Polarn O. Pyret

Sizes: 6 months-2 years | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: Yes | Strap: No | Colours available: Black

Pros:

• Look good and stylish
• Have a wrap around style
• Comes with a protective bag

Cons:

• May not be suitable for smaller babies
• Does not have a strap

These Polarn O. Pyret sunglasses have a wraparound flexible style to ensure they are comfortable for your baby and stay on their heads. They have polarised lenses to help reduce the sun's glare and protect your baby's eyes, and the wraparound design means there are no gaps at the side of the face for the sun's rays to sneak through. The stylish plain black sunglasses also come with a little bag to store them when not in use.

I liked the design of the sunglasses, they looked cool and made my son look cool. The sunglasses fit nicely around the head but were too long in length, so I think maybe my son was too little for them to be as effective as they could be.

4. Marks & Spencer Kids' Elasticated Baby Sunglasses, £7

– Best budget buy

Available from: Marks & Spencer

Sizes: One size | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: No | Strap: Yes | Colours available: Coral Mix and Blue Mix

Pros:

• Great value
• Adjustable band

Cons:

• May not be suitable for younger babies who do not like feeling restricted

If you're looking for a cute, secure pair of sunglasses that offers great protection then these lovely rounded frames from M&S are a perfect fit. The Sun Smart lenses offer 100% UV protection to keep your baby's eyes protected and they come in a choice of a bright blue (pictured) or a light coral. These sunglasses have a elasticated, riptape fastening that allows you to choose the best fit for your baby so they remain secure and comfortable, as well as growing with them as they get older

5. Roshambo Popple Light Pink Round Baby Shades, £21

– Best for lightweight

Available from: Roshambo

Sizes: 0-2 years | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: Yes | Strap: Can be purchased separately | Colours available: Pink

These adorable pink shades can be bought with either regular polarised lenses or mirrored blue or purple polarised lenses, depending on your preference. There's also the option to add a floating strap for an extra £4. They offer 100% UVA protection and are shatter resistant with added glare reduction to reduce eye strain. The material of the sunglasses is specially designed to be durable, flexible and ultra lightweight: so light they claim they can float!

I love the colour and flexibility of them. They have such a cool design and the fact that they are 'unbreakable' is a massive bonus as we all know children can be very heavy handed.

6. Julbo Looping Sunglasses, £18.99

– Best for active babies

Available from: Amazon

Sizes: 1-2 years | Filter Category: 4 | Polarised lenses: No| Strap: Yes | Colours available: Blue and red design

Pros:

• Stretchy strap for security
• Suitable for snow and mountains

Cons:

• May not be suitable for children who struggle with restrictive clothing

For the times when the family goes trekking, mountain climbing or even kayaking, Julbo has developed these Looping 2 sunglasses. With a category 4 protection rating they definitely block out the sun's rays, and also have wrap around coverage, curved temples, and a flat elastic strap to keep them in place. They're designed to stay put even on the most active children.

A high quality product with high protection lenses with a wraparound style and flexible material and survive being sat on and played with. They also have no hinges to trap little fingers and stay on for even the most determined to yank them down.

7. KIDDUS Kids Comfort Sunglasses, £19.95

– Best for adjustability

Available from: Amazon

Sizes: 6 months+ | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: Yes | Strap: Yes | Colours available: Stars, Dots, Flamingos and Hearts

Pros:

• Funky prints
• Adjustable band

Cons:

• Band may not be suitable for those that don't like restrictive clothing

These sunglasses come in a whole range of funky prints including stars, dots, flamingos and hearts, so there's bound to be something to suit your child. The headband included makes the sunglasses adjustable to fit and keeps them in place. As well as providing UVA, UVB and UV 400 protection, the frame and legs are completely flexible so you don't have to worry about them breaking.

8. Baby Banz Retro Banz Oval Baby Sunglasses, £12.99

– Best for a retro design

Available from: Amazon

Sizes: 0-2 years and 2-5 years | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: No | Strap: Yes | Colours available: Pink, white and black

Pros:

• Fun retro design
• Secure adjustable band

Cons:

• Band may not be suitable for those that don't like restrictive clothing

Baby Banz Retro Banz are both fun and practical, thanks to their big oval lens design, and the thick band designed to keep them secure on your baby's head. They offer 100% UV protection and the neoprene headband is adjustable to help fit your baby perfectly. The sunglasses also come with a soft lens cleaner and carry pouch.

These sunglasses were one of the only ones that actually stayed on. However, they didn't have rubber grips at the nose which meant if we kept them tight he would be left with marks. It didn't bother him but I felt like they shouldn't be left on for too long.

9. IZIPIZI Sun Kids Sunglasses, £30

– Best for growing with your baby

Available from: Trotters Childrenswear and Baby Mori

Sizes: 12 months - 3 years, 3-5 years and 0-9 months | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: Yes | Strap: Yes | Colours available: Blue, Pink, Yellow, Navy and Cream

Pros:

• Lots of colours to choose from
• Comes with a strap to keep secure
• Grows with your baby

Cons:

• Quite pricey
• Band may not be suitable if baby doesn't like restriction

These sunglasses will adjust and grow with your baby thanks to the soft straight frame and adjustable silicone strap that secures the sunglasses to your baby's head and ensures they don't get lost. The lenses are polarised and offer 100% UV protection. The material of the sunglasses is also BPA free and hypoallergenic making them great for sensitive skin.

I like that the sunglasses have 100% UV protection and the lenses are polarised, yet they are still stylish.

10. Babiators Original Flower Sunglasses, £30

— Best for cute design

Available from: Natural Baby Shower

Sizes: 0-2 years and 3-5 years | Filter category: 3 | Polarised lenses: No | Strap: No | Colours available: Sunflowers, Daisy, Iris

Pros:

• Fun designs
• Comes with a drawstring bag
• 1 year lost or broken guarantee
• Durable

Cons:

• Quite pricey
• No strap to keep them secure

These sunflower-shaped sunglass are not only bright and cute, but they're made from an extremely strong and flexible rubber that Babiators describe as 'virtually indestructible' so won't break when they're twisted, bent, dropped or even stood on. The adorable frames come in a choice of Sunflowers (pictured), Daisy or Iris and they are made from a super soft and gentle rubber that's comfortable on your baby's face. The UV400 lenses are impact and shatter-resistant to prevent against breakage whilst also providing 100% UVA and UVB protection to protect your baby's eyes.

They provide a secure and comfortable fit on my child's face. The frame is sturdy yet lightweight and the curved design of the sunglasses offers a wide coverage.

Top 4 things you should do to protect your child's eyes from UV rays

Here are expert Ophthalmologist, Vik Sharma's top tips to protect your child's eyes.

1. Wear sunglasses. Check that your child's sunglasses have robust lens protection levels, either 100% UV or UV400 protection blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays. Polarised lenses reflect light but must still have UV protection. If you're worried consider wraparound sunglasses that block more UV light.
2. Protect your child's eyes even when it's cloudy. Remember that clouds don't block UV light. UV light passes through clouds into your eyes.
3. Never let your child look directly into the sun as it damages retinas. Be aware that UV light is strongest noon to early afternoon and especially when reflected off water, ice or snow.
4. Have your child wear a hat, broad-brimmed hates are best, or baseball caps with a peak.

When should a baby start wearing sunglasses?

"Children should wear sunglasses as soon as they're able to and whenever they're in a sunny environment", said expert Ophthalmologist, Vik.

What UV Protection should baby sunglasses have?

Sunglasses for babies (and all children) should provide as much protection as possible. The highest being category 4, which offers virtually 100% UVA protection and conform to European safety standards, EN 1836:2005. Look out for those marked as UV400; this means they block a minimum of 99.9% UVB and 99% UVA.