The Best Toddler Sunglasses That Are Both Cute and Sun-Safe

A toddler splashing by the water on a sunny day wearing a pair of tiny aviators is a pretty cute image—but did you know that toddler sunglasses do a lot more than just help your little one look cool? “Babies and toddlers should wear sunglasses when outdoors, especially during the summer months, and in winter, especially if they are in a snowy environment,” Dr. Marie Bodack, Chief of the Pediatric Primary Care Service at the Southern College of Optometry and a professor, says. The best toddler sunglasses offer protection from the sun, especially when paired with a sun hat and sunscreen, whose harmful rays can damage not only your little one’s skin but their eyes, too. Sunglasses are a must whenever your kiddo is spending time in the sun, no matter the season, and knowing what to look for when you’re shopping is key in ensuring the proper eye protection for your tot.

Here are the best toddler sunglasses for your tiny outdoor adventurer.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Toddler Sunglasses

• Best Overall Toddler Sunglasses: Roshambo Baby Round Polarized Baby Shades
• Best Toddler Aviator Sunglasses: Babiators Sunglasses Mad Melon Navigator
• Best Polarized and Super Durable: Jan & Jul Kids Polarized Bear Sunglasses -Best Sunglasses for Active Toddlers: Baby Banz Sunglasses
• Best Affordable Toddler Sunglasses: RIVBOS Kids Sunglasses
• Another Affordable Choice: COCOSAND Polarized Baby Sunglasses
• Best Stylish Toddler Sunglasses: WeeFarers Polarized Tortoise Shell Sunglasses
• Best Eco-Friendly Sunglasses: GREEN SPROUTS Sprout Ware Flexible Sunglasses

Babylist’s Picks for the Best Toddler Sunglasses

Best Overall Toddler Sunglasses

Roshambo Baby Round Polarized Baby Shades - Sage Green, 0-24 M

$20.00

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Roshambo baby and toddler sunglasses check every box if you’re looking for stylish and comfy shades for your little one. They’re nearly indestructible—and come with a damage and replacement lens guarantee to prove it (if you’ve ever met a toddler, you’d know how much of a perk that is!). They offer 100 percent UVA/B/C protection with added glare reduction to reduce eye strain and they’re shatter-resistant to stand up to whatever your toddler throws at them—or, when your toddler throws them, whichever happens first. Wearing them in the water? Don’t worry about losing them, they even float!

Best Toddler Aviator Sunglasses

Babiators Jet Black Aviator

$26.00

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These aviators pack way more than just style. Each pair features UV400 protection lenses that block 100 percent of harmful UV light including UVA and UVB rays. They’re ultra-durable, built to withstand whatever your toddler puts them through, and are made from BPA-free materials. They also come with a guarantee for a free replacement if your shades get lost or broken within the first year on their highway to the danger zone—err, we mean nap zone.

Polarized and Super Durable

Jan & Jul Kids Polarized Sunglasses

$20.99

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A polarized lens can help your toddler see better and reduce eye strain. These (adorable) sunglasses from Jan & Jul feature shatter-resistant polarized lenses to cut down on glare and flexible frames that are virtually unbreakable. (Don’t believe it? Watch them get run over by a car!). They also come with an adjustable strap, a big help if you’re trying to be sure your toddler’s shades stay in the right place. The Urban Xplorers provide 100 percent UVA and UVB sun protection.

Best Sunglasses for Active Toddlers

Baby Banz Sunglasses

$16.99

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If your toddler would prefer to do just about anything other than sit still, these are the shades for you. With a stay-put neoprene strap and silicone embedded around the nose and brow, these sunglasses won’t budge, no matter what. The wraparound design offers full eye protection and the lenses help block both UVA and UVB rays.

Best Affordable Toddler Sunglasses

RIVBOS Kids Sunglasses

$10.98

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For just about 10 bucks you can get a durable, comfortable and 99.9 percent UVA and UVB-blocking pair of toddler sunglasses that you won’t have to worry about leaving behind the next time you’re at the park or the beach. These flexible rubber frame shades come in 12+ fun colors and feature polarized lenses and an adjustable elastic strap to ensure a good fit. They’re made from soft, unbreakable silicone perfect for your less-than-careful toddler.

Another Affordable Choice

COCOSAND Polarized Baby Sunglasses

$16.99

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Another affordable option, these aviator-style polarized frames come in 15 color combos and feature 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. The adjustable, removable strap is easy to take on and off, and each pair of sunglasses comes with a microfiber bag and a cleaning cloth. Like all of the glasses on our list, they’re super bendy and durable to withstand toddler wear and tear.

Best Stylish Toddler Sunglasses

WeeFarers Polarized Tortoise Shell Sunglasses

$35.00

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Wayfarers? Nope—WeeFarers! These stylish shades look just like adult sunglasses but are perfectly sized down to fit little faces. They offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and are polarized for extra eye comfort. They come with an adjustable strap and are bendable, durable and—who are we kidding—insanely adorable. They’re a bit pricey, but the company guarantees a free replacement pair if you lose or damage the shades.

Best Eco-Friendly Sunglasses

GREEN SPROUTS Sprout Ware Flexible Sunglasses - White, 0-24 Months

$19.99

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These innovative toddler sunglasses are made from a plant-plastic alternative that’s non-toxic and 100 percent plant-based. The frames feel and function like traditional plastic, but are much better for the environment, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly pair of shades. The lenses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays and the bendable frames are both durable and comfy. The adjustable cord around the back helps to keep them in place.

How We Chose the Best Toddler Sunglasses

• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Commerce Editor and mom Latifah Miles and Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including toddler sunglasses.
• We researched information on toddler eye safety and toddler sunglasses from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
• We interview Dr. Marie Bodack, Chief of the Pediatric Primary Care Service and a professor at Southern College of Optometry and Dr. Meenal Agarwal, an ophthalmologist.
• We digested countless customer reviews.

Do Toddlers Need Sunglasses?

Yes, toddlers need sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, the type of light emitted from the sun. Children’s eyes are more transparent than adult eyes, and exposure to UV rays can cause long-term health effects on the eyes. The rays of the sun can damage the eyelid, cornea, lens and other parts of the eye, cause retina damage and can lead to eye diseases like cataracts or macular degeneration over time. According to the AAP, UV damage is cumulative over a lifetime, so it’s important to start early and protect your toddler’s still-developing eyes with sunglasses as much as possible.

Toddler sunglasses aren’t just for the summer months, either. It’s just as important that your toddler wears sunglasses in the winter when there’s snow on the ground as it is when they’re outside on a sunny summer day. That’s because snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays—far greater than the reflection off of water, sand, cement, grass or dirt. This can cause sunburn of the eye (sometimes referred to as “snow blindness”), which is usually temporary but can be painful. Altitude also increases radiation, something to keep in mind if you’re heading to a winter destination like a ski resort at a high altitude.

But since we know that toddlers are likely to lose, break, or flat-out refuse to wear their sunglasses to protect their eyes, Dr. Bodack says “If the child does not tolerate glasses at all, a wide-brimmed hat would be the best option to protect the eyes.” You can continue to practice wearing sunglasses until they eventually give in (hopefully).

What To Look For in Toddler Sunglasses?

When shopping for toddler sunglasses, the most important thing to look for is sunglasses that block or offer 99 percent and higher UVA and UVB radiation protection. These types of ultraviolet radiation can burn or damage eyes and skin, so it’s essential that the sunglasses you choose for your toddler protect their eyes from these harmful rays.

You’ll also want to prioritize safety and comfort:

• Choose sunglasses with shatter-resistant lenses. Toddlers are active and prone to accidents and injuries so durable, shatterproof lenses are a must. You should also prioritize frames made from flexible materials.

• Be sure the sunglasses you choose fit your toddler properly. Look for sunglasses with adjustable straps or frames to ensure a comfortable fit and to help the glasses stay in place. According to the AAP, your toddler’s sunglasses should fit snugly, cover the entire area between the eyebrows and middle of the cheeks and wrap around toward their ears.

• Style and design are also important factors to consider, as toddlers are more likely to wear sunglasses they find appealing and fun.

Types of Toddler Sunglasses

If you’re shopping for toddler sunglasses, you’ll find a few types and styles.

• Polarized sunglasses have lenses designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity. They work by blocking out horizontal light waves, which are the ones that create glare and reflections. These types of lenses can also reduce eyestrain, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. But, does your toddler need them? According to Dr. Agarwal, an ophthalmologist, “your toddler may not necessarily need sunglasses with polarized lenses. However, they can be a good choice if your child is highly sensitive to light or frequently engages in outdoor activities, especially on the water or in snowy conditions.”

• Non-polarized sunglasses don’t have the same light-filtering chemical applied to them that polarized sunglasses do. They’re also a good option for toddler sunglasses—just be sure they block 99 percent or more of UV rays.

• If your toddler wears glasses, you’ll want to talk with their eye doctor about prescription sunglasses. You may even want to look into photochromatic lenses that stay transparent indoors but darken when exposed to UV sunlight.

Style-wise, some of the most common toddler sunglasses include wraparound sunglasses (maximum coverage and protection for your little one’s eyes and skin around the eyes), aviators (a classic look with larger lenses), wayfarers (trendy and retro), and sports sunglasses designed to stand up to active toddlers that feature a durable frame and scratch-resistant, breakproof lenses.