Sunglasses do so much more than block the discomfort of the sun in your eyes. Protecting your eyes is serious business – even more so for children, who view the world through, literally, a fresh pair of eyes. Exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays at a young age could lead to larger eye health problems later in life.
While it may be tempting to buy a pair of kids’ sunglasses based on what’s readily available at the store, it’s a purchase that calls for a bit more research. Your child’s eye health is priceless – and irreplaceable.
In our review of the bestselling, most innovative, and most popular child sunglasses on the market, we paid the most attention to five crucial factors.
Sun Protection
Our first concern was how much sun protection the glasses offer. After all, if they aren’t keeping those dangerous UV rays out of your child’s eyes, the sunglasses are just little more than an accessory. Sure, cool kid sunglasses are fashionable, but not always functional. Every pair of shades on our list provides virtually 100 percent protection from UV rays. Many are the best polarized sunglasses for kids, which decreases glare for a clearer view that is easier and more comfortable on a kid’s eyes. Some offer extra protection in the form of blocking the blue light from screens or resisting scratching, shattering, and impact.
Durability
A pair of children’s sunglasses can really take a beating, so durability is key. Many of the top contenders on our ranking list are made from a flexible, bendable frame material to prevent breakage, making them excellent and durable toddler sunglasses. Although unbreakable kid’s sunglasses are hard to find, most manufacturers offer some kind of limited warranty, which can last anywhere from 30 days to two years.
Comfort
Your child won’t wear an uncomfortable pair of shades, so comfort matters. Our most comfortable picks had features like an ergonomic design to better fit the face, ultra-lightweight frame materials, and a soft, smooth rubberized finish. Quality kids’ sunglasses should fit well and be pleasant to wear, free from glass lenses, of course.
Cost
When you’re a family on a budget, an expensive pair of children’s sunglasses just isn’t in the budget. Although some parents who love high-end sunglasses themselves may want a brand-name pair of sunglasses for the kids, most parents are hesitant to drop a lot of money on good sunglasses for kids that are likely to get lost, damaged or will outgrow fairly quickly. Out of the ten sunglasses to make our list, eight of them are under the $20 price point, and two offer options under $10.
Cool Factor
The best kid’s sunglasses do a lot more than look cool – but they still should look cool. The style was the last factor we considered in our ranking. We awarded more points to sunglasses that had frames with great, fashionable designs and to those available in a wealth of color and style options.
Every child deserves a pair of sunglasses that are protective, durable, comfortable and stylish – and every parent wants to be able to provide it without breaking the bank. When it’s time to get your baby, toddler or even teenager a new pair of shades, look no further than our ranking of the best kids’ sunglasses on the market.
Check out our “Things to Consider” Section!
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN UVA AND UVB SUN RAYS?
- AT WHAT AGE SHOULD A CHILD START WEARING SUNGLASSES?
- HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST SUNGLASSES FOR MY CHILDREN?
- HOW CAN I GET MY CHILD TO KEEP SUNGLASSES ON?
- SINCE I’M BUYING SUNGLASSES FOR MY CHILD, WILL A CHEAP PAIR OF CHILDREN’S SUNGLASSES SUFFICE?
- WHAT ARE KID’S POLARIZED SUNGLASSES?
1. RIVBOS Rubber Kids Polarized Sunglasses
RIVBOS Rubber Kids Polarized Sunglasses are reasonably priced eye protection options that really go the extra mile. We love that they block the harmful blue light from screens – because most sunglasses don’t – as well as 100 percent of UV rays. The rubber frame, made from soft silicone, comes with a Lifetime Breakage Warranty and stretches to fit children ages three through ten. The design is at once ergonomic and stylish – not too shabby for such an affordable pair of shades.
What We Love:
- These children’s polarized sunglasses offering RIVBOS UV 400 lenses, protect against virtually 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays plus the blue light that emanates from the smartphone, tablet, and other screens.
- A soft silicone frame makes these sunglasses lightweight, flexible, comfortable and durable.
- You can bend or stretch the rubber frames without breaking them, and they contour to the wearer’s face for a better fit and added comfort.
- Kid’s UV sunglasses lenses reduce glare to make sure your child’s sunglasses won’t get in the way of seeing their world in real-life high definition, offering a clearer view ideal for sports and sightseeing. These are excellent youth fishing sunglasses for your boy or girl!
- The included eyewear rope helps keep glasses from being misplaced.
- A cool but comfortable ergonomic design and 20 different color options make this pair of children’s UV sunglasses a stylish choice kids won’t soon outgrow.
- The sturdy lenses are scratch-resistant and smudge-proof, with drop protection.
- RIVBOS offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a Lifetime Breakage Warranty on its frames.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses have a 4.1-star rating on Amazon, with nearly 350 favorable customer reviews.
Score
- Sun protection: 100/100
- Durability: 95/100
- Comfort: 97/100
- Cost: 97/100
- Style: 97/100
Overall score: 97.2/100
2. Polarspex PSX02 Kids Sunglasses
These children’s flexible sunglasses with rubber frames are popular among today’s sunglasses for children. Polarspex PSX02 Kids Sunglasses are a fantastic option your child will love. The sturdiness of the frame helps keep the polarized plastic lenses from popping out but is finished with a soft rubberized texture for added comfort. The 20 color options include fun designs like sharks, flowers, and an American flag.
What We Love:
- The plastic lenses provide virtually 100 percent protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Anti-glare Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses mean you don’t have to sacrifice real-life high-definition clarity to get comprehensive sun protection.
- The lead-free rubberized plastic frame offers a soft feel that keeps kids comfortable but has a sturdier construction that prevents lenses from falling out.
- Style options range from more grown-up looks to bright colors and fun kid-approved prints.
- Polarspex offers a 90-day warranty on their sunglasses.
- The manufacturer donates a portion of every pair of sunglasses sold to charities such as the Superhero Collective and EyeCare 4 Kids.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, with more than 1,700 favorable customer reviews.
Score
- Sun protection: 98/100
- Durability: 93/100
- Comfort: 97/100
- Cost: 95/100
- Style: 96/100
Overall score: 95.8/100
3. BIB-ON Vintage 100% UV Protection Kids Sunglasses
At a price point of under $15 for two pairs of toddler sunglasses with UV protecton, you might think affordability is the biggest advantage the BIB-ON Vintage 100% UV Protection Kids Sunglasses have going for them. Actually, BIB-ON impressed us on numerous fronts. The sheer volume of options means there’s something for every child under this line of retro-inspired sunglasses.
With three sizes available, two types of frame construction and dozens of individual colors or two-pack color combinations, children as young as newborns and as old as 10 will find something to like. For babies and toddlers, a rubberized plastic frame allows for flexibility – so they won’t be easy to accidentally destroy. In addition, for ages 4 through 10, both non-flexible resin and silicone frames are available. There’s a lot to love – as evidenced by the 1,200+ positive reviews on Amazon.
What We Love:
- All models of BIB-ON Vintage Kids Sunglasses are UV 400, blocking virtually 100 percent of UV rays.
- Many families have a preference between soft and flexible frames and rigid plastic frames, especially for older children who may be mature enough not to mishandle their sunglasses. We love that they offer them for ages 4 to 10.
- The benefit of the flexible frames is that you can bend or stretch the frames without breaking them. However, the sturdy resin frames prevent the prevalent issue of lenses popping out of bendable sunglass frames.
- The polarized lenses included in the largest size range reduce glare to make sure your child’s sunglasses won’t get in the way of seeing their world in real-life high-definition clarity.
- The retro look of BIB-ON’s Vintage sunglasses is in right now, and the multitude of colors available means your kid’s favorite color is an option.
- BIB-ON offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon with 78% of reviewers leaving 5 stars.
Score
- Sun protection: 98/100
- Durability: 96/100
- Comfort: 92/100
- Cost: 98/100
- Style: 94/100
Overall score: 95.6/100
With a vintage vibe, your kid will look cool in these for sure. Get them at Amazon!
4. VATTER TR90 Unbreakable Polarized Sport Sunglasses for Kids
The VATTER TR90 Unbreakable Polarized Sports Sunglasses are everything a parent wants in a pair of kids sunglasses – and, thanks to the stylish look and numerous color options, kids love them, too. Weighing just 0.74 oz., these lightweight sunglasses won’t feel heavy on little faces, and the TR90 frames flex, bend and stretch for a perfect – and, VATTER advertises, “unbreakable” fit. The UV 400 protection keeps little eyes safe from both UVA and UVB radiation. The included accessories, including an eyewear rope, are a nice bonus. This is another great pair of kid’s polarized glasses that are perfect for fishing! The wide selection of color options provides style for your boy or girl.
What We Love:
- VATTER’s sunglass lenses provide superior UV 400 eye protection, blocking virtually 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
- A composite frame made of the flexible thermoplastic TR90 makes these sunglasses lightweight, comfortable and durable.
- You can bend or stretch the frames without breaking them, and they contour to the wearer’s face for a better fit and added comfort.
- Multilayered Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses reduce glare to make sure your child’s sunglasses won’t get in the way of seeing their world in real-life high definition, offering a clearer view ideal for sports and sightseeing.
- The included eyewear rope helps keep glasses from being misplaced.
- Sporty design and 15 different color options make this pair of sunglasses a stylish choice kids won’t soon outgrow.
- VATTER offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, with more than 1,400 favorable customer reviews.
Score
- Sun protection: 98/100
- Durability: 95/100
- Comfort: 94/100
- Cost: 93/100
- Style: 96/100
Overall score: 95.2/100
5. Duco Kids Sports Polarized Sunglasses
If all you’re doing is lounging on the beach, just about any pair of protective sunglasses will do. For active kids, Duco Kids Sports Polarized Sunglasses are a top contender. Highly recommended for land- and water-based sports, these lightweight and durable glasses provide all of the UV protection kids need on-the-go in the great outdoors. At just 0.77 to 0.81 oz., depending on the style you choose, they won’t feel heavy or uncomfortable on little faces. Two size ranges allow them to fit children as young as three to ten or ages five to as old as 12 or 13 years old. Although Duco offers fewer color options than many of the other brands on our list, the cool design and great included accessories – such as a glasses case shaped like a car – really amp up the style of these children’s sunglasses.
What We Love:
- Duco Kids offers some of the best toddler sunglasses that provide lenses with superior UV 400 eye protection, blocking virtually 100 percent of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
- The frame is made of the durable and flexible thermoplastic TPEE for an ultra-lightweight, comfortable fit.
- You can bend, twist, or stretch the frames without breaking them.
- Scratch-resistant, impact-resistant lenses are hard to break and ideal for sports, so parents can worry less.
- Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses reduce glare to make sure your child’s sunglasses won’t get in the way of seeing their world in real-life high definition.
- The accessories included are sure to please kids of all ages. Little ones will love the fashion case shaped like a car, and older kids will want to work on their glasses with the portable mini-screwdriver.
- Two frame styles allow children more choice in the look and fit of their frames.
- Duco offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- This pair of big kids’ sunglasses have a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, with more than 450 favorable customer reviews.
Score
- Sun protection: 98/100
- Durability: 94/100
- Comfort: 96/100
- Cost: 91/100
- Style: 93/100
Overall score: 94.4/100
6. ACBLUCE TPEE Unbreakable Polarized Kids Sports Sunglasses
For the best toddler polarized sunglasses, weighing in at just 0.59 oz., ACBLUCE TPEE Unbreakable Polarized Kids Sports Sunglasses may well be the most lightweight contender on our list. Made of flexible, non-toxic food-grade TPEE, there’s virtually no limit to how much you can bend and twist these food-grade frames without damaging them. These sport-style frames, complete with 9-layer high-quality polarized lenses, combine function and fashion perfectly.
What We Love:
- ACBLUCE sunglass lenses provide superior UV 400 eye protection, blocking virtually 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
- The frame is made of the durable and flexible thermoplastic TPEE for an ultra-lightweight, comfortable fit.
- You can bend or stretch the frames without breaking them.
- Multilayer Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses reduce glare to make sure your child’s sunglasses won’t get in the way of seeing their world in real-life high-definition clarity.
- The included adjustable eyewear rope and anti-slip hooks help keep glasses from falling off during sports and other activities and from being misplaced.
- The sport two-toned design, available in six color options, is sure to appeal to kids who want to wear grown-up sunglasses. The pink/white color option is our pick for the best sunglasses for toddler girls.
- ACBLUCE offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, with more than 600 favorable customer reviews.
Score
- Sun protection: 98/100
- Durability: 94/100
- Comfort: 92/100
- Cost: 91/100
- Style: 96/100
Overall score: 94.2/100
7. MiniShades Polarized Classic Kids Sunglasses
Made from a specially-formulated rubber that keeps out all of the unwanted chemicals like PBA, MiniShades Polarized Classic Kids Sunglasses are flexible without being flimsy. That, combined with the impact-resistant lenses, makes for a pair of toddler children’s sunglasses the company markets as “virtually indestructible.” Putting its money where its mouth is, the manufacturer stands behind its sunglasses with its Hide n’ Seek Warranty – which applies to loss as well as damage over the first year.
What We Love:
- MiniShades sunglass lenses provide block virtually 100 percent of UV rays.
- A frame made of specially formulated rubber is free of BPA, phthalates, lead and PVC.
- Although you can bend or stretch the frames without breaking them, they aren’t flimsy, and there are fewer reports of lenses falling out than there are with other brands of soft sunglasses.
- Impact-resistant lenses are less likely to shatter in a way that could pose a hazard to your child’s eyes.
- Polarized lenses reduce glare to make sure your child’s sunglasses won’t get in the way of seeing their world in real-life high-definition clarity.
- The design is cute and popular, even if somewhat basic.
- Two size ranges – one for age 0 to 3 and one for 3 to 7 – make for a better fit.
- MiniShades offers a 1-year Hide n’ Seek Loss & Damage Warranty that will bring relief to parents of children prone to misplacing their sunglasses.
- The frames are prescription-ready, if you want to use the frames for prescription sunglass lenses for an older, responsible child.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon.
Score
- Sun protection: 98/100
- Durability: 97/100
- Comfort: 93/100
- Cost: 91/100
- Style: 91/100
Overall score: 94.0/100
Can’t beat the warranty on these….Buy from Amazon Prime!
8. Tuga Baby/Toddler UV 400 Sunglasses
Every parent knows the pain of trying to keep a pair of sunglasses on a baby’s or toddler’s face. Tuga Baby/Toddler UV 400 Sunglasses tackle the problem in a new way. The “glasses” themselves consist of a frame, a pair of shatterproof polycarbonate lenses – and that’s it. In place of arms with hinges that can bend at awkward angles, become too loose with wear or fall apart completely, the glasses come with two Velcro-adjustable neoprene straps for a secure, comfortable, goggle-like fit. We love that the two sizes of straps allow the sunglasses to grow with baby – first from newborn to age 2, with the small strap, and then from ages 2 to 5 with the large strap.
What We Love:
- Tuga’s sunglass lenses provide superior UV 400 eye protection, blocking virtually 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
- Soft neoprene straps take the place of the frame’s arms, preventing breakage and damage where traditional hinges and arms would appear.
- The glasses adjust to fit your child as he or she grows, with two sizes of straps included plus a Velcro feature that allows either strap to be adjusted for a custom fit.
- Tuga offers both versions with and without polarized lenses, but our pick is the polarized lens model that costs only $5 more. Polarized lenses reduce glare to make sure your child’s sunglasses won’t get in the way of seeing their world in real-life high-definition clarity.
- Besides serving as the arms of the frame, the included straps help keep glasses from being misplaced. A lightweight, zippered case is also included in your purchase.
- Although the strap-secured goggles might not look as cool as a traditional pair of shades, the five fun colors are likely to appeal to the intended audience of babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
- Tuga offers a 60-day Love It Or Return It policy.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, with nearly 1,000 favorable customer reviews.
Score
- Sun protection: 98/100
- Durability: 97/100
- Comfort: 93/100
- Cost: 91/100
- Style: 88/100
Overall score: 93.4/100
9. Babiators Infant, Toddler, & Kids Aviator Sunglasses
Even the youngest of babies can have safe and superior eye protection with Babiators Aviators Kids Sunglasses. Available in four sizes suitable for newborns up through seven-year-olds, these glasses have soft, bendable frames and shatterproof lenses. Parents will love that the flexible frames are made of BPA- and phthalate-free rubber. The trendy aviator design makes these glasses kids will want to wear, but don’t worry – the lenses don’t skimp on UV sun protection. Parents will love the 1-year Lost & Found Guarantee that replaces a pair of Babiators sunglasses that breaks or goes missing.
What We Love:
- Babiators Aviators UV 400 lenses protect against virtually 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
- A soft rubber frame makes these sunglasses lightweight, flexible, comfortable and durable – virtually unbreakable, the company claims, even when twisted, bent or stepped on.
- These durable kids’ sunglasses use shatterproof, impact-resistant lenses and a rubber frames that you can stretch or twist the without breaking.
- The stylish aviator design comes in ten different color options.
- Babiators offers a Lost & Found Guarantee that covers both breakage and misplacement over the first year after purchase.
- Different sizing options allow for a better fit, which is one consistent problem parents report about many of the stretchy kids’ sunglasses advertised to fit a larger age range. The size range is also great for parents of multiple children, especially if your youngest wants to be just like his or her big sibling.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, with more than 1,300 favorable customer reviews.
Score
- Sun protection: 95/100
- Durability: 95/100
- Comfort: 94/100
- Cost: 88/100
- Style: 92/100
Overall score: 92.8/100
Another great company offering an exceptional warranty. Buy from Amazon today!
10. Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Junior Sunglasses
For real children’s wayfarer sunglasses enthusiasts who have no problem dropping $80 or more on a pair of children’s sunglasses, the Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Junior is the most impressive kids’ offering among the biggest names in the sunglasses industry. Made with the quality and iconic style you expect from Ray-Ban, the Junior series is a miniature version of the popular New Wayfarer Classic model for adults. The glasses come in two sizes, an 8-12 age range, and a 12-15 range. The plastic frames and high-quality acetate lenses are more durable than the crystal lenses used in the adult version, but they aren’t made to withstand tough treatment like other options on our list. Given the high price point and the potential for breaking, parents should wait until a child is mature enough not to lose or damage their sunglasses before splurging on a pair of Ray-Ban Junior glasses.
What We Love:
- Ray-Ban’s sunglasses lenses are specially coated to protect against virtually 100 percent of UV rays.
- The nylon frame is lightweight and comfortable and keeps lenses better secured than flexible rubber frames.
- Polarized acetate lenses reduce glare to make sure your child’s sunglasses won’t get in the way of seeing their world in real-life high definition.
- The iconic design and the Ray-Ban brand name embossed on the arms of the frame and the lenses make it clear these sunglasses fit the mold of stylish high-end sunglasses.
- Ray-Ban sunglasses may be covered by the Luxottica Limited Warranty against manufacturing defects for up to 24 months, but this warranty may not apply to all glasses.
- The frames are prescription-ready, if you want to use the frames to prescription sunglass lenses for an older, responsible child.
- This pair of kids’ sunglasses has a 4.0-star rating on Amazon, with more than 280 favorable customer reviews; perfect sunglasses for 13 year old boy or girl… would make a great gift!
Score
- Sun protection: 97/100
- Durability: 96/100
- Comfort: 92/100
- Cost: 78/100
- Style: 95/100
Overall score: 91.6/100
Things to Consider:
What are the differences in UVA and UVB sun rays?
Oh, how the sun feels so good on our faces, right? Sometimes, we forget that we must protect our skin from the harmful rays it emits.
There are two types of danger to look out for while enjoying some fun in the sun: UVA and UVB sun rays. UVA rays typically go deep into our skin causing wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines which leads to aging of the skin. UVB sun rays cause sunburns on the top surface of our skin.
Both types of sun damage to the skin are equally as dangerous; therefore, sunscreen must be applied regularly to avoid such things as sunburn and melanoma skin cancer. You should protect your little ones at all costs, even their eyes. They need children’s UV sunglasses, and a little sun hat wouldn’t hurt either!
At what age should a child start wearing sunglasses?
As you protect your little one from the sun, don’t forget eye protection. Typically, at the age of six months, little ones can and should wear the proper sunglasses for protection.
Granted, it might not be easy to get them to keep them on; however, it’s worth a try for sure. Perhaps if you start them young, they will learn to protect their eyes for the rest of their lives… and that’s important!
How do I choose the best sunglasses for my children?
There are several tips here to help you choose the right sunglasses for your child. Take a look:
- To be effective, the best kid’s sunglasses should block out 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB sun rays.
- They must fit properly for effectiveness and comfort, close to the face.
- If possible, they should cover as much of the eye area as they can. Sunglasses that wrap around the side of the face and have protection from above the brow area too are perfect to protect sun rays from entering from all angles.
- Look for durability, providing flexibility and scratch-resistant lenses.
- If you are buying sunglasses for a baby, check out Selection #8 on our list. Instead of the usual hard earpieces, they come with a comfy adjustable strap to help keep the baby from pulling them off easily.
How can I get my child to keep sunglasses on?
- Kids are active, so choose children’s sunglasses that fit properly to prevent them from falling off the face; they should fit snugly and securely.
- Often, purchasing a pair with a strap will help your child keep up with the glasses, as well as keep them from falling to the ground under little feet.
- If your child is old enough to choose a pair of sunglasses, let them pick out a design, color, or character-based pair they will want to wear (as long as they meet the proper requirements, of course).
- “Monkey see, monkey do,” as they say. Your child will be more apt to wear their sunglasses if you are setting a good example by wearing yours as well.
- Provide a good sunglass storage container for when your child is not wearing their sunglasses; somewhere that will keep them safe from scratches and breaks.
- Clean the sunglasses often… Choose a cleaning cloth to keep them free from little fingerprints and grime! If they can see clearly, they are more likely to keep them on!
Since I’m buying sunglasses for my child, will a cheap pair of children’s sunglasses suffice?
Cheap kid’s sunglasses can often be found in the checkout line at a dollar store and may not have the protection you desire for your little one. On our list you will find options that have UV protection, which is a must-have… and they are still affordable!
What are kid’s polarized sunglasses?
Many children do not enjoy wearing sunglasses because they can not see as clearly, not realizing that the harmful UV rays can hurt their delicate eyes. Polarized lenses are great for clarity, as they reduce glare significantly.
If your child participates in field sports, enjoys boating, or is an avid fisherman or snowboarder, polarized lenses are the way to go. They are ideal for any outdoor activity!
