The short answer: sun protection for little eyes should start from infancy. For babies under six months, shade should be the priority. From around six months, properly fitted sunglasses should be introduced when they're spending time outdoors.
We tend to think about sun cream and hats almost automatically when the sun comes out. Sunglasses for children can be easier to overlook, particularly when they're still very small.
So, when should they actually start wearing them?
Can babies wear sunglasses?
There isn't a single birthday when sunglasses suddenly become necessary.
For very young babies, the priority is simply keeping them out of strong, direct sunlight. The NHS advises:
"Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight."
For older babies and children, the NHS recommends a combination of shade, suitable clothing, a sunhat and sunglasses.
The American Academy of Pediatrics gives parents a useful age guide, saying:
"Once your child is about 6 months old, sunglasses can help protect their eyes from the sun."
It recommends choosing children's sunglasses offering at least 99% UV protection.
So, in practical terms, around six months is a reasonable point to introduce sunglasses, alongside the other sun protection measures you're already using.
That doesn't mean a six-month-old needs sunglasses every time you leave the house. Shade and a hat remain important, especially for babies. Think of sunglasses as another part of their sun-protection kit rather than a replacement for everything else.
Why is UV protection important for children?
Children's eyes aren't simply smaller versions of adult eyes.
The College of Optometrists explains:
"Children are more susceptible to UV-related eye damage because their pupils are larger and their eye lenses clearer."
Their advice is to encourage children to wear both a hat and sunglasses in sunny conditions and to look for appropriate CE or UKCA markings when buying them.
This is also why it's worth checking the protection offered by children's sunglasses rather than simply choosing the darkest-looking pair.
What should you look for in children's sunglasses?
1. Proper UV protection
Look for sunglasses clearly labelled as providing high UV protection.
All Snugsee kids sunglasses provide UV400 protection, including our frames designed specifically for younger children.
UV protection isn't determined by how dark the lens looks, so it's worth checking the specification rather than relying on colour or tint alone.
2. Good coverage around the eyes
Shape matters too. The World Health Organization advises wearing:
"Wraparound-style sunglasses that provide 99 to 100% UV-A and UV-B protection."
The NHS also recommends sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms.
A wraparound shape helps provide coverage around the sides of the eyes rather than only directly in front of them.
It's one of the reasons all Snugsee frames use a wraparound design.
3. A fit designed for small faces
Anyone who has tried putting adult-style sunglasses on a toddler knows the problem. Too wide, constantly sliding down their nose, or disappearing onto the floor five minutes later.
Fit is particularly important for younger children.
Our Snugsee sunglasses for ages 1–2 use a narrower fit specifically designed for babies and toddlers, rather than simply shrinking the lens on a larger children's frame.
As they grow, we also offer dedicated sizes for ages 3–5 and older children.
Classic Fit or Snug Fit?
Different children prefer different fits, which is why Snugsee comes in two options.
Classic Fit is our lightweight everyday wraparound style. It's designed for comfortable outdoor wear while still giving good coverage around the sides of the eyes. You can shop Classic Fit sunglasses here.
Snug Fit adds our soft Snug Shield cushioning around the inside of the frame. This creates a closer fit and helps reduce the gaps between the sunglasses and the face, providing additional coverage from things such as wind, dust and other airborne irritants.
You can explore Snug Fit sunglasses here.
Some younger children particularly report finding Snug Fit more comfortable to wear because they like the soft feel of the padding, however this comes down to personal preference.
What if they won't keep their sunglasses on?
This might be the biggest challenge of all.
Starting young can help make sunglasses feel like a normal part of getting ready to go outside, just like putting on shoes or a sunhat.
A good fit helps too. Sunglasses that constantly slip down or feel oversized are unlikely to stay on for long.
For particularly active little ones, Snugsee's adjustable Stay-Put Head Strap clips onto the sunglasses to help keep them securely in position without constant readjustment.
Because ultimately, the best children's sunglasses are the ones that provide proper UV protection, fit comfortably and actually stay on their face.
The takeaway
You don't need to wait until school age to think about sunglasses.
For babies under six months, keeping them out of direct strong sunlight is the priority. From around six months onwards, sunglasses should become another useful part of sun protection when they're outdoors.
Look for good UV protection, plenty of coverage and, importantly, a frame that fits your child's face properly.
At Snugsee, we've designed our UV400 wraparound sunglasses specifically around little faces, with dedicated childrens sizes and a choice of Classic Fit or closer-fitting Snug Fit styles.
FAQs![]()
What age can babies start wearing sunglasses?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says sunglasses can help protect children's eyes from around six months old. For babies under six months, the NHS recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Do one-year-olds need sunglasses?
Yes. Sunglasses should be included as part of a one-year-old's wider sun protection when they're outdoors. Look for a properly fitting children's frame with high UV protection and combine sunglasses with shade and a sunhat.
Should children's sunglasses be UV400?
Yes, look for sunglasses that provide high UVA and UVB protection. UV400 sunglasses are designed to block ultraviolet light up to 400 nanometres. All Snugsee sunglasses provide UV400 protection.
Are wraparound sunglasses good for children?
Wraparound frames provide more coverage around the sides of the eyes than flatter styles. Both the NHS and World Health Organization specifically recommend wraparound-style sunglasses as an option for sun protection.
How can I stop my toddler's sunglasses falling off?
Start with a frame designed for their head size rather than an oversized children's pair. For children who are constantly on the move, an adjustable head strap can also help keep the frames securely in place.