8 Best Pairs of Baby and Toddler Sunglasses, According to Parents

These little sunglasses have a lot going for them. They’re polarized to give baby a clear view and block out 100 percent of UVA, UVB and UVC rays. The sunglasses are free of BPA, phthalate, lead and latex, and have a soft frame that’s bendable, lowering the risk of breaks—that feature is key if your little one tends to rip off their sunglasses and use them as a toy or impromptu missile. “They're virtually unbreakable,” says Claire J., mom of one.

These shades are lightweight and come with cool perks, including a head strap and ear adjuster kit to help your little one get that just-right fit and to keep those shades in place. Worth noting: Nearly 60 percent of parents in our survey said they’re looking for sunglasses that stay on, and all parents in our survey who used Roshambo shades said they stayed in place. While these baby sunglasses admittedly aren’t cheap, it’s also worth considering that Roshambo will replace the sunglasses if the lenses get scratched or the frames get damaged.

Sizing: 0 to 24 months | Frame material: BPA-free plastic | Straps included: Y | Polarized: Y

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Getting the right fit with baby sunglasses is a top priority for a full quarter of the parents we surveyed, and many say the COCOSAND One-Piece Baby Sunglasses With Strap delivers. The shades have a neoprene elastic strap that’s adjustable, helping parents to get a snug-enough fit. In fact, Becca, one of the moms we surveyed, cited the adjustable strap as one of the top perks of these sunglasses. And personally, I like that the strap can be removed as your little one grows, giving you more life out of one pair.

The featherweight frame and integrated nose pad are light and durable without putting pressure on your little beach bum’s temples or the bridge of their nose and ears. This is huge, because as anyone with a little one knows, they’ll bail on wearing anything that poses even the slightest threat of discomfort.

Sizing: 0 to 24 months | **Frame material: Thermoplastic elastomer | *Straps included:* Y | Polarized: Y

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Carter’s Baby Classic sunglasses were by far the most popular shades among parents we surveyed, with nearly 40 percent saying their little ones relied on these for protection. Parents overwhelmingly cited the cute style, great fit and, notably, low price as reasons they love these. With a $7 price tag, the sunglasses are the cheapest option on our list, making them a good way to test the waters with baby sunglasses.

Just don’t mistake the inexpensive cost for a lack of protection: The shatter-proof lenses still protect against 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, and the style is also available in a chic tortoise shell pattern. Keep in mind that these sunglasses aren’t polarized and don’t have included straps—that last factor may be an issue if your child doesn’t like to keep their shades on. But these are built tough. I have several pairs of these at home and at least one pair has been passed between siblings. That’s impressive, given how rough my kids can be on their sunglasses.

Sizing: 0 to 3T | Frame material: Polycarbonate plastic | Straps included: N | Polarized: N

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Every baby reacts to wearing sunglasses differently, but there are definitely some kids who will whip them off in an instant. If your little one falls into this camp or if you just want a snug fit, it’s important to consider sunglasses with a built-in strap like these Baby Banz. These sunglasses are a little different from others: The firm sides that many shades have are replaced with an adjustable strap that goes all the way around baby’s head for a soft but snug fit. That helps them stay put, an important element nearly 60 percent of survey respondents say they look for in baby sunglasses.

I’ve used Baby Banz with all of my kids and found that they’re generally well-tolerated, as long as you get the fit right. (If it’s too tight, you’ll likely see red marks on baby’s face and head.) Once they’re in place, they’re hard for babies to remove without some solid effort. Just be aware that the lenses are on the smaller side, and your child may outgrow them sooner than other pairs, especially if they have a larger head.

Sizing: 0 to 24 months | Frame material: Rubber, polycarbonate | Straps included: Y | Polarized: N

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These signature UV400 lenses from Babiators offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re safe for your child, whether the sunglasses are on their face or in their mouth. This particular model is the one that put this much-adored brand on the map over a decade ago. They’re also very popular with our survey respondents, favored by almost 20 percent of parents. Jeremy T., a dad of two, liked the option of ordering polarized lenses, While mom and survey respondent Brittany liked their durability. Babiators are made of rubber, which gives them a nice, soft feel, and as Brittany pointed out, these sunglasses “actually stay on” and are hard to break.

My kids have a few pairs of Babiators and were wowed by their obvious style. They also look and feel high quality. The shades aren’t cheap, but keep in mind that Babiators will replace a lost or broken pair for free within a year of your purchase. Plus, pro tip: the shades come with a bag and sturdy box you can reuse to protect the pair in your beach bag.

Sizing: 0 to 2 years to 3 to 5 years | Frame material: Rubber | Straps included: N | Polarized: Y

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How cute are these petite wayfarer-style polarized toddler sunglasses? Style isn’t the most important thing when it comes to toddler sunglasses, but it never hurts—and 27 percent of our survey respondents said it was an important feature to look for. But these frames from WeeFarers aren’t just good-looing—they provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and come with bendable frames, impact-resistant lenses and even an adjustable strap. These shades checked a lot of boxes for parents we surveyed, including being durable, easy to put on, and having an adjustable fit. One of my kids was given WeeFarers as a birthday gift and their quality and style is undeniable. I get a little nervous about them being thrown around since they’re not cheap, but we’ve had no issues after six months of use.

WeeFarers are available in sizes for kids ages 0 to 12 years old, and truly, the unboxing moment is a treat in and of itself. Plus, as much as we love the sophistication of the brand’s best-selling tortoise shell colorway, we’re also excited about all of the frame color options.

Sizing: 0 to 12 months to 7 to 12 years | Frame material: BPA-free plastic | Straps included: Y | Polarized: Y

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Target’s Cat & Jack line is a goldmine for inexpensive toddler gear, and the brand’s sunglasses are no exception. These sturdy shades are made from 50 percent recycled plastic and feature a sweet shark theme toddlers can get behind. (The brand also has a slew of other designs if your little one would prefer something else.)

With polycarbonate lenses for durability and maximum UV protection, these sunglasses are a go-to for my family given the low price tag and how much my kids love their fun designs. They also hold up surprisingly well to being tossed around, although you’ll likely have to replace them after a year or so. Still, for $6, these are a total bargain.

Sizing: 1 to 3 years | Frame material: recycled plastic | Straps included: N | Polarized: N

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There’s a very real chance that your toddler sunglasses will get lost or broken at some point. That’s why it’s so important to have a backup pair ready to go at a moment’s notice. Coasion allows you to pick up their sunglasses with UV400 lenses in a set, so you don’t have to go shopping for a second pair. All of the parents we surveyed who used these sunglasses said they got at least a year’s wear out of them, making that one more thing to consider. These sunglasses have an included adjustable neoprene strap that hugs your toddler’s head, but can be removed if straps just aren’t their thing. I like that the frames are bendable, too, to limit breaks.

Sizing: 0 to 36 months, 1 to 3 years | Frame material: Thermoplastic polyester elastomer | Straps included: Y | Polarized: Y

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