SPF50 sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses… You’re all set to help your child enjoy the sun safely! But you may still be wondering: “How can I tell if a pair of sunglasses is really suitable for my child?”

Despite what little ones might tell you, they’re not invincible! Whether they fly like Superman, lift cars like Hulk, or talk to animals like Mowgli, their little eyes are still highly sensitive to sunlight. Whether they’re adventurous or simply love showing off, it’s important to choose the right pair of sunglasses for them!

1- What lens protection level should you choose?

The eyes are sensitive, and children’s eyes are ESPECIALLY sensitive. Why? Because of the crystalline lens (the part of the eye that allows us to focus clearly). It continues developing until around the age of 12 and cannot block all UV rays. That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to sunglasses and lens protection levels until that age.

For maximum safety, lens quality is essential. Forget those €3 colorful sunglasses from market stalls, and make sure your child’s sunglasses carry the CE marking (European safety standard). This certification guarantees that the product meets health and safety regulations and complies with lens classification standards. In short, it means your sunglasses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection. But that’s not all!

2- Which lens category?

The lens category indicates the sun protection level, meaning its ability to filter natural sunlight.

There are several sunglasses categories, ranging from category 0 to category 4. Category 0 is purely aesthetic. Categories 1 and 2 provide varying levels of light filtration.

Just as we would recommend for adults, we suggest category 3 lenses for children. They are the most suitable for everyday use, providing excellent eye protection and optimal comfort in most sunny conditions. Category 3 lenses reduce glare by up to 85% and allow only 15% of visible light to pass through.

Category 4 lenses are designed for extremely bright conditions, such as high-altitude mountain environments.

Whatever category you choose, UV protection remains 100%. The difference lies in the amount of visible light filtered by the lenses.

Your little ones’ eyes will thank you for it!

3- Which frame?

Before their teenage years, children are usually more interested in running around than walking fashion runways. That’s why you should prioritize the comfort of their sunglasses and carefully choose the shape and material according to their age.

From 0 to 2 years old: Comfort and flexibility

You may have noticed that babies don’t yet have a fully developed nasal bridge. No need to rush them to surgery! Simply choose sunglasses with a rounded nose area or a soft silicone nose bridge.

You should also opt for plastic frames, such as polycarbonate, which are more resistant (because let’s face it, sunglasses can go through a lot in a child’s hands).

From 2 to 7 years old: Coverage and flexibility

Children see everything on a grand scale! That’s why it’s best to choose sunglasses with large lenses that won’t restrict their field of vision. To maximize comfort, the frame should follow the shape of the eyebrows, preferably with rounded edges to better shield their eyes from sunlight.

Plastic remains the best choice. This material helps avoid the unpleasant surprise of broken or bent sunglasses.

After 7 years old: Just like adults, only smaller

From around age 7, children start wanting to imitate adults and wear sunglasses just like mum or dad. At this stage, you can choose higher-end acetate sunglasses.

With the right sunglasses, they’ll be ready for all kinds of activities: playing football with friends, attending a driving experience for children, or enjoying family outings.

4- Let your child choose

To avoid repeating “Where are your sunglasses?” or “Put your sunglasses on!” a hundred times a day, it’s important that your child actually likes their sunglasses.

Let them choose a model that is both comfortable and suits their taste. Take them to an optician so they can try on different styles and pick a colour they love—one that will make them want to keep their sunglasses on!