SHADY BUSINESS
We assiduously slather kids in suncream and cram hats on their heads but do you give their eyes the same protection? Martha Alexander reviews the top children’s sunglasses
When it comes to protection against the sun’s powerful rays, parents can never be too careful. While we’re all pretty clued up when it comes to sunscreens, sunglasses for kids can tend to be something of a blind spot for parents and carers (no pun intended).
Damage done to a child’s retinas is cumulative – and can cause all sorts of ailments from cataracts to cancer, so it really is essential that they are protected by sunglasses which adequately filter out the sun. But what to look for?
Firstly, and most importantly, protection from UV rays is essential. Ideally, sunnies will offer 100 per cent protection against UV rays – meaning absolutely no UV light will pass through the lenses. Some glasses will offer slightly less protection than 100 per cent – and these are acceptable, while others are purely ornamental props which are not to be trusted to be of any use.
It is worth saying that in many cases, even very cheap sunglasses offer decent protection – which is hugely relieving and an assurance that even if you are on a budget you won’t have to compromise on health. Very small children often take against sunglasses, whipping them off and discarding them just as soon as they are put on, so it is always worth either opting for a pair which have an integral strap, or that come with a cord so that at least if they come off they won’t be completely lost!
In each case, we looked at the strength and flexibility of the frame – before any children had got their mitts on them. Did they feel malleable? Was the part which bridges the nose soft? What about the arms? Were they curved or straight? The glasses were used on a handful of children aged between 14 months and nine years old.
We asked each child if they felt comfortable or not, and when we removed the glasses checked for marks on the bridge of their noses or behind their ears which might indicate an unwelcome tightness. You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Sun Kids lemonade sunglasses: £25, Izipizi
We loved these sunglasses which boast a frame that manages to feel soft and malleable while still being ultra-resistant to snaps and breaks. The frame is also BPA-free and hypoallergenic. We noticed that the arms are straight, without the usual “behind the ear” hook that most shades have, and discovered that this is to follow a little one’s growth. The lenses are polarised and “category three”, meaning they filter 100 per cent of the ultraviolet rays.
The “lemonade” was our hue of choice but if yellow doesn’t make you mellow there is a massive swatch of other colours like “orange firework” and “marine blue” to choose from. Our little tester of just three was obsessed by the packaging, a smart tray box inside which was a soft felt pouch to keep her shades safe. Really smart, clever sunnies.
Babiators original keyhole sunglasses: £22.50
Our three-year-old tester loved her turquoise pair (not least because they came with a durable case complete with a metal clip which can hook onto bag or buggy). They stayed comfortably in place without pinching or nipping the skin on her nose or near her ears.
They are also extremely lightweight, so unlike some cheaper brands, little ones won’t find them falling down their noses every two seconds. The frames are rubber. making them both flexible and durable – and almost immune to any breakages. It’s a huge relief to let a toddler play with sunglasses safe in the knowledge that they really won’t break!
Babiators have UV400 lenses that offer 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection against the sun’s rays as well as a one-year warranty against both breakage and loss.
Next heart sunglasses: £5
These shades are so much fun, with a quirky retro vibe for children aged 18 months to six years. They offer filter category-three protection against the sun’s rays, which is pretty high. Our two-year-old tester adored these, and at this price you won’t find yourself freaking out if (read: when) one of the arms gets snapped off by an overzealous toddler.
Sunnylife pineapple sunglasses: £7
Although these sunnies, with the rainbow sheen lenses, look like too much fun to offer anything serious like sun protection, actually, they absolutely do: rated UV 380, which is just short of 100 per cent. For children aged four and older, these will be a huge hit at the beach, barbecues or anywhere where merriment is the order of the day.
Jojo Maman Bebe baby and children’s sunglasses: £7
We plumped for the red, but there are four other colours to choose from including a hot pink and understated black. The plastic lenses are UV 400, so offer complete protection against the sun. We particularly liked how the lenses curved slightly round, offering decent cover to the outer corners of the eyes of our three-year-old tester. We found that these were snug and secure around the head of our tester, but had they not been, it’s good to know Jojo offers a sunglasses strap, too.
Adventure banz green camo sunglasses: £10, Banz
Suitable for babies and children up to the age of five, these look like a rather brilliant cross between swimming goggles and wraparound sports sunnies. As the name suggests these glasses lend themselves to action and movement and are perfect for little ones with ants in their pants who like running, biking, paddling and rough and tumble. The strap around the back of the head remains in place – we barely had to readjust it to our 14-month-old tester.
They are 100 per cent UVA/UVB protective. We were really impressed by the embedded silicone nose and brow piece which ensure they aren’t abrasive against the face and actually feel soft and comfortable on young skin. We loved the camo green version, although there’s a wealth of styles to choose from.
Suneez vedra sunglasses: £25
These are said to be “virtually unbreakable” thanks to being created out of a flexible material which bends easily but won’t snap. And, we have to say, we gave them a run for their money – all sorts of pushing and pulling and misuse resulted in, well, no damage. This is of course extremely reassuring given how much potential there is for children to damage their own property all the livelong day.
They also block 100 per cent of all harmful rays. We were pretty impressed with the microfibre pouch which not only protects the glasses but doubles up as a handy cleaning cloth. Be gone sticky paw prints! We loved the dual colourways – very cool and not easy to misplace (plus each pair of glasses comes with a strap).
RayBan new wayfarer junior sunglasses: £60
Suitable for older children, aged between eight and 12 years old (’tis a brave, stupid or eye-poppingly rich parent who would merrily give a small child a pair of terribly expensive shades), this junior version of Rayban’s most well-known style is just as cool. Square lenses, snug fit and complete protection from UV rays, these are really beautiful shades for very cool kids. There are no fewer than 18 colourways to choose from, but we think black is the most stylish.
Ki Et La Jokakids kids sunglasses: £21, Kidly
These grow with your child, such is the flexibility of these ergonomic aviators which don’t put pressure on the bridge or squash the temples. Plus, they are virtually unbreakable. They boast 100 per cent UVA and UVB sun protection. The anti-blue light filter also reduces glare. Perfect for children aged four to six. The glasses also come with a cord which will greatly reduce the possibility of misplacement.
Sainsburys Tu cat eye sunglasses: £4
Any fashionista would be happy with this eyewear: cat-eye shape with a gloss tortoiseshell finish. These are fabulously ostentatious but not only do they look super chic, they offer 100 per cent UV protection. And all this for just £4. You really can’t say fairer than that.
The verdict
Izipizi’s sunglasses come top for us – not least because a stranger approached us and asked whether we knew if they came in adult sizes. These are smart, quality, clever and comfortable – well worth the cash. But a close second would have to be the Tu cat eye shades – tres chic.