The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses for your Kids

As a parent, your child’s health and wellbeing are of utmost importance. When it comes to protecting your child from the sun’s harmful rays, sunglasses are an essential accessory. However, with so many styles, colors, and brands available in the market, choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses for your child can be quite challenging. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses for your kids.

Why do kids need sunglasses?

Like adults, kids need sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Exposure to UV rays can lead to long-term eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes. Kids are particularly susceptible to UV damage as their eyes are still developing, and they tend to spend more time outside than adults. Hence, it’s crucial to protect their eyes from an early age.

Sunglasses also help to reduce glare and improve visibility, making it easier for kids to see when they are outdoors. This is especially important when engaging in activities like sports or driving, where good visibility can make all the difference.

When choosing sunglasses for your kids, ensure that they provide 100% UV protection. Sunglasses that do not provide adequate UV protection can be more harmful than not wearing sunglasses at all, as they can cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more UV rays to enter the eyes.

Understanding UV protection

UV protection refers to the ability of sunglasses to block the harmful UV rays from the sun. There are two types of UV rays that can cause damage: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are present all year round, even on cloudy days, and can penetrate through glass and clouds. UVB rays, on the other hand, are more intense and can cause sunburn and other skin damage.

When choosing sunglasses for your kids, it’s essential to look for those that provide both UVA and UVB protection. Sunglasses with a UV 400 rating are ideal as they block all wavelengths of UV rays, providing maximum protection.

Different types of sunglasses for kids

There are different types of sunglasses available in the market, and choosing the right one for your child can be overwhelming. Here are some of the most common types of sunglasses for kids:

1. Wraparound sunglasses: These sunglasses provide maximum coverage, protecting the eyes from all angles. They are ideal for kids who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially those who engage in sports.
2. Aviator sunglasses: These sunglasses have a classic design and are perfect for kids with round or oval faces. They provide good coverage and are ideal for kids who enjoy outdoor activities.
3. Wayfarer sunglasses: These sunglasses are trendy and fashionable and are suitable for kids with square or heart-shaped faces. They offer good coverage and are ideal for both casual and formal occasions.
4. Sports sunglasses: These sunglasses are designed for kids who participate in sports and outdoor activities. They are durable, lightweight, and provide maximum coverage and protection.

When choosing sunglasses for your kids, consider their face shape, style preferences, and the activities they participate in. Also, ensure that the sunglasses fit comfortably and are not too tight or loose.

How to choose the right frame for your child

Choosing the right frame for your child’s sunglasses is just as important as choosing the right lenses. The frame should fit comfortably and securely, without slipping or sliding off the nose. It should also be lightweight and durable enough to withstand rough handling.

When choosing the frame, consider your child’s face shape and size. For example, kids with round faces can opt for rectangular or square frames, while those with square faces can opt for round or oval frames. Those with heart-shaped faces can opt for aviator or wayfarer frames, while those with oval faces can experiment with different styles.

When trying on sunglasses, ensure that the frame does not touch the cheeks or eyebrows and that the nose pads are soft and adjustable. The temples should also fit comfortably behind the ears, without causing any discomfort.

Picking the right lens color for your child

The lens color of sunglasses can affect how well they protect the eyes and how comfortable they are to wear. Here are some tips on picking the right lens color for your child:

1. Gray lenses: These lenses are ideal for bright and sunny days as they reduce glare and provide true color perception.
2. Brown lenses: These lenses are ideal for partly cloudy or hazy days as they enhance contrast and reduce glare.
3. Green lenses: These lenses are ideal for bright and sunny days as they reduce glare and provide true color perception.
4. Yellow lenses: These lenses are ideal for low-light conditions as they enhance contrast and depth perception.

When choosing the lens color, consider the activities your child participates in and the weather conditions they are likely to encounter. For example, gray lenses are ideal for outdoor sports, while yellow lenses are ideal for skiing or snowboarding.

Tips on getting your child to wear their sunglasses

Getting kids to wear their sunglasses can be quite challenging, especially if they are not used to wearing them. Here are some tips on how to get your child to wear their sunglasses:

1. Involve them in the process: Let your child choose their sunglasses and make them part of the decision-making process.
2. Lead by example: Wear your sunglasses when you’re outdoors and encourage your child to do the same.
3. Make it fun: Get your child sunglasses with their favorite cartoon character or color to make wearing them more fun.
4. Educate them: Explain to your child the importance of wearing sunglasses and how they can protect their eyes.
5. Start early: Get your child used to wearing sunglasses from an early age so that it becomes a habit.

Best brands for kids sunglasses

Choosing the right brand can ensure that your child’s sunglasses are durable, comfortable, and provide adequate UV protection. Here are some of the best brands for kids sunglasses:

1. Babiators: These sunglasses are durable, lightweight, and come with a lifetime warranty.
2. Ray-Ban Junior: These sunglasses have a classic design and provide excellent UV protection.
3. Julbo: These sunglasses are ideal for kids who engage in outdoor activities and come with polarized lenses.
4. Oakley Youth: These sunglasses are designed for active kids and come with polarized lenses and durable frames.
5. Tifosi: These sunglasses are affordable, durable, and come with interchangeable lenses.

Frequently asked questions about kids sunglasses

1. At what age can I start using sunglasses for my child?

It’s safe to start using sunglasses for your child from six months of age, as long as they fit comfortably and provide adequate UV protection.

2. How do I clean my child’s sunglasses?

Use a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the lenses.

3. What should I do if my child breaks their sunglasses?

Most brands offer a warranty or replacement policy for broken sunglasses, so check with the manufacturer about their policy.

4. Can my child wear prescription sunglasses?

Yes, prescription sunglasses are available for kids who require vision correction.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses for your kids can be overwhelming, but by considering their face shape, style preferences, and activities, you can find a pair that provides adequate UV protection while looking stylish and comfortable. Remember to involve your child in the decision-making process, lead by example, and make it fun. By following these tips, you can ensure that your child’s eyes are protected from the sun’s harmful rays, and they look good while doing it.