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We then relied on What to Expect community members for their recommendations, reading about which pairs they tested with their little ones and recommended to other parents. Elkin that we mentioned above, like picking shades with UVA/UVB protection and looking for particularly durable pairs. We first incorporated guidance from the American Optometrist Association (AOA), AAO and Dr. Elkin, because if a toddler doesn’t like them, he won’t wear them!) These days, you can find just about any shape and style and we suggest having fun with it - while respecting safety guidelines. (Even better if your little one likes them, adds Dr. Safety features are very important when it comes to selecting the right pair of sunglasses, but that doesn’t mean you can’t opt for the cutest, best-fitting pair of the bunch. Does your little one wear eyeglasses? Some toddler sunglasses are customizable so that you can easily swap out commercial lenses for a prescription ones. Elkin suggested, consider a specially designed glasses band that goes around the head to help keep sunglasses in place. Look for a flexible frame that you can easily put on or take off, lenses that are scratch and shatter-resistant and, as Dr. These checks can help ensure that you land on sunglasses that properly protect your child’s eyes and aren’t just made for looks. Once in hand, test the sunglasses by looking through the lenses to make sure the image is not distorted and the color of the lenses is uniform. “The key thing I recommend to families is having glasses with a good strap that goes around the head or…silicone sleeves that go on the arm of the sunglasses to support better on the ear.” He adds that the width of the frames should be just beyond the face - wide enough to keep your kid’s eyes protected without being uncomfortable. Elkin says that sunglasses need to be supported more by the ears or the head. But because toddlers’ facial features (such as their noses) aren’t fully developed, Dr. Adult sunglasses are primarily supported by the nose, says Dr. Also, if your child will be spending many days in the water or in snowy regions, consider polarized lenses, which eliminate reflected glare. That said, there’s unfortunately no standard way to know if lenses provide protection or block a certain amount of light, which is why it’s best to stick with reputable brands that label UV protection. Lenses should block 75 to 90 percent of available light. Some brands might say their glasses provide UV400 protection - this is equivalent to 100 percent UV protection, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). When buying sunglasses for those little peepers, it’s essential to make the lenses block 99 to 100 percent of UV light - both UVA and UVB. When you’re shopping for a pair of sunnies for your tot, keep these features in mind: “But by toddler age, a lot of kids feel comfortable wearing sunglasses,” he notes. Elkin says a broad-brim hat can offer excellent protection, along with keeping the shade down on the stroller. Elkin says a child should also have good control of his head before you start having him wear sunglasses (which typically happens around the 4-month mark). That means that the right pair of shades should not only look good, but should first and foremost provide safety from the harming effects of the sun’s rays. Long-term sun exposure early on can increase the risk of eye conditions and diseases, like macular degeneration, ocular melanoma and cataracts later in life. Some kids are light sensitive, he says, so going outdoors on sunny days without eye protection can be irritating or uncomfortable.Įven more important is the fact that there are certain aspects of sunlight - namely, ultraviolet (aka UV) radiation - that can affect the health of the eye, Dr.
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Elkin, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatric ophthalmologist and assistant professor of ophthalmology at New York University. One basic (but important) benefit of sunglasses for toddlers is to keep kids comfortable in bright light, says Zachary P.
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And while sunglasses may have a reputation for being a fun summer add-on accessory, you need to choose a pair that provides vital protection for your child's eyes year-round. They are truly an oh-so-cute addition to any toddler’s outfit. Sunglasses are the perfect accessory for everything from an impromptu sunny day photoshoot to an afternoon at the beach.
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