Under the Australian sun, little eyes need real protection from day one. A young child's eyes let in significantly more UV than an adult's, and the damage adds up over a lifetime. Here is how to choose sunglasses with the right protection, get the fit right, and actually get bub to wear them.
Designed and made for little ones, shipped from Melbourne.
Quick answer
What should I look for in baby sunglasses? UV400 lenses are the non-negotiable. UV400 means the lenses block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays up to 400 nanometres, the full range that causes eye damage. Every pair we stock at Sommerfugl Kids meets this standard. Beyond that, look for lightweight, flexible frames that sit comfortably without pinching.
Step 1 · Protection
Understanding UV Protection in Baby Sunglasses
Not all sunnies are created equal. The label matters. Here is what the terms actually mean.
| Label | What it means | Good enough? |
|---|---|---|
| UV400 What we use | Blocks 99-100% of UVA and UVB up to 400nm | Yes. The gold standard for eye protection. |
| 100% UV protection | Usually equivalent to UV400 | Yes, if from a reputable source |
| UV380 | Blocks up to 380nm, misses some UV | Not ideal for young children |
| Fashion / costume | No UV protection standard | No. Dark lenses without UV protection can actually cause more eye damage by causing pupils to dilate. |
Important: Dark lenses with no UV protection are worse than no sunglasses at all. The dark tint causes the pupil to open wider while letting harmful UV straight through. Always check for UV400 or 100% UV protection before buying.
Step 2 · Fit
Getting the Right Fit
A great pair of baby sunnies sits comfortably on a small, round face without pinching the temples or sliding down the nose. Here is what good fit looks like by age.
| Age | Frame size | Fit tip |
|---|---|---|
| 0-12 months | Small, lightweight frames | Flexible arms are essential; rigid plastic pinches small heads |
| 1-2 years | Small to medium | Nose bridge coverage matters more as they become active |
| 2-4 years | Medium frames | Toddlers handle frames better; choose styles they enjoy wearing |
The fit test: Frames should sit snugly across the nose bridge without leaving marks, and the arms should not dig into the sides of the head. If bub is constantly pulling them off within seconds, the frames are probably pinching. Try a different shape before giving up.
Step 3 · Wearing
Getting Bub to Actually Wear Them
This is the real challenge. The sunnies are perfect. Bub has opinions. Here is what works.
Start short and positive
Put the sunglasses on just as you head outside into bright sun, so bub immediately feels the relief of shade. Even thirty seconds is a win at first. Build up gradually rather than forcing a long wear that ends in a battle.
Model the behaviour
Babies and toddlers copy what they see. If you put your own sunglasses on at the same time, bub is far more likely to accept theirs. Make it a matching moment.
Make them part of the going-out ritual
Hat, sunnies, out the door. The same sequence every time builds a habit quickly. By toddler age, many kids start asking for their sunnies before you remember to offer them.
Let them choose their favourite
From about 18 months, toddlers have very strong opinions about what they wear. Letting them pick their own frames from two or three options dramatically improves compliance.
Step 4 · Care
Caring for Baby Sunglasses
Clean lenses gently
Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid paper towels, which can scratch UV-coated lenses over time. A microfibre cloth is best.
Store out of reach between uses
Left within reach, baby sunglasses will be sat on, chewed, or used as a teething tool within about thirty seconds. A small pouch or a high shelf between outings keeps them intact.
Check frames regularly
Flexible plastic frames can develop small cracks over time with enthusiastic handling. Check the arms and lens rims periodically and replace if any sharp edges develop.
Why Sommerfugl Kids
Australian-designed sunnies, headbands, smocks and accessories made for little ones and shipped from Melbourne. UV400 protection, lightweight flexible frames and styles bub will actually want to wear.
Shop Baby Sunglasses Shop Headbands & BowsFrequently Asked Questions
Do babies need sunglasses?
Yes. A young child's eyes let in more UV radiation than an adult's, and cumulative UV exposure from early childhood contributes to long-term eye damage. Australian sun safe advice recommends UV-protective sunglasses alongside a broad brim hat and shade whenever bub is outside in bright sun.
What age can a baby start wearing sunglasses?
From birth, as tolerated. Young babies often accept sunglasses better than toddlers, who have stronger opinions. Start early, keep sessions short and positive, and build the habit before the opinions fully kick in.
Are your sunglasses UV400?
Yes. Every pair in our collection carries UV400 lenses, which block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. UV400 is the standard we require for all sunglasses we stock.
Are the lenses polarised?
No. Our lenses are UV400 but not polarised. Polarisation reduces glare from reflective surfaces like water and roads, which is a comfort feature rather than a safety one. UV400 is the protection standard that matters for eye health, and all our sunnies meet it.
What is the difference between UV400 and polarised lenses?
UV400 refers to how much UV radiation the lens blocks, which is the health and safety measure. Polarised refers to a filter that reduces glare from reflected light, which is a comfort feature. You can have UV400 without polarisation, which is what our lenses are, and they provide full UV eye protection.
Do you ship Australia-wide?
Yes. Free Australia-wide shipping on all orders over $70, with quick dispatch from Melbourne.
