Years ago, a pair of baby sunglasses might have been considered a novelty item, cute but not necessarily functional. Times have changed. The ozone layer has thinned. There has been an increase in the amount of harmful UVA and UVB radiation which reaches the surface of the Earth. Protective eye wear for young and old alike is now considered both necessary and fashionable. Add to this the delicate nature of very young eyes and it is easy to see why more and more little ones are sporting shades.
There are a few things to remember when looking for protective eye wear for the very young. Remember, the safety of the child is paramount. It is always best to avoid any product with parts that can break off and find their way into little mouths. Also, lenses should be shatter-resistant and, like babies themselves, they should be cradled securely.
The shades should do what they say they will do. It is important to make sure that any product claiming to provide protection has been scientifically tested and proven effective. The mere fact that lenses are dark does not mean that they will protect against UVA and UVB rays. It does no good to cover little eyes with lenses that do not block these harmful rays. Look for lenses that offer one hundred percent UVA and UVB protection.
Of course, comfort has to be considered. Parents know that every child has a mind of his or her own. A comfortable pair of sunglasses is much more likely to stay on the face. Little ones are less concerned about UVA and UVB protection than they are about comfort. That is why frames need to be both soft and flexible. Additionally, frames have to be made of materials that do not irritate sensitive skin.
Adjustable frames add value. The younger a child is, the more quickly his or her needs change. As babies grow, their heads get bigger so frames need to accommodate this fact of life. Some eye wear manufacturers offer adjustable frames which allow for years of snug fit.
Replaceable lenses are a big plus. The ability to replace lenses means that children who require prescription lenses can continue to use their existing frames. This may seem like a small benefit, but the child who has grown attached to his or her frames will appreciate it.
Fashion and function go hand in hand. As mentioned above, it does no good to give sunglasses to a child if he or she refuses to wear them. While the tinier ones are not as likely to care about the chic factor, the wise parent looks to the future. Eventually, kids grow up. They develop opinions. They develop their own style and fashion sense. Sunglasses which last and which are both functional and fashionable are never a bad idea. When buying baby sunglasses, it helps to remember that babies grow up.
Those are the facts about baby sunglasses. In a world where UVA and UVB protection is becoming a necessity, it is good to know that baby can be both protected and looking good.