It is not just a matter of preventing a squint—it is a matter of biology. A newborn's eyes are still actively developing, making their internal ocular systems much more sensitive to the sun than an adult's.
What are the dangers of sun exposure to a newborn's eyes?
When a child is born, the lens in their eye is wonderfully clear. While an adult's lens naturally thickens and yellows with age (offering a tiny bit of natural protection against UV rays), a baby’s lens is like a crystal-clear window. Because of this, an infant's eyes allow over 90% of UVA rays to pass straight through to the retina at the back of the eye.
Short-term, unprotected exposure can cause photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn on the eye. Long-term, the damage is cumulative. Because a child's pupils are larger and their lenses are more transparent, children receive up to three times more UV radiation in a year than adults. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that this early exposure is a major risk factor for developing cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.
How Does a Pair of Sunglasses Protect Infant Eyes?
You might be thinking, “But we always put a sun hat on our baby!” Hats and stroller canopies are excellent first lines of defense, but they aren't invincible. UV rays don't just come straight down from the sky; they reflect off surfaces like sand, water, concrete, and even grass.
A baby sitting under the brim of a hat can easily be hit by this "reflected glare." High-quality, wrap-around sunglasses are the only physical barrier that can block these harmful rays from all directions. By starting this healthy habit at an early age, you are offering your baby full-time, dependable protection.
Shop Roshambo’s Newborn Sunglasses Collection here.
What Characteristics Should You Look for in Baby Sunglasses?
Not every miniature pair of sunglasses is created equal. Bargain-bin toy glasses may be cute, but if they don't have proper UV protection, they can actually do more harm than good by causing the pupil to dilate without filtering out the harmful rays. Here is what you should prioritize:
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The Best UV Protection
The absolute non-negotiable feature when shopping is UV400. This means the lenses are able to block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
You should also highly consider polarized lenses. Polarization uses a special filter to cut out the harsh horizontal glare reflecting off water or cars. For a baby, a polarized lens means a sharper, more vivid view of the world without any eye strain.
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Truly Flexible Frames
Infants love to touch, grab, and chew on things. They also sit on them! Conventional hard plastic frames will snap under this kind of pressure, creating sharp edges that pose a serious safety risk.
This is why flexible frames are a total game-changer. Frames made from soft, bendable materials are practically unbreakable. They easily fit various face shapes without pinching your baby's fragile temples, which is why so many pediatric optometrists recommend them.
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Proper Fit and Straps
Newborns do not have a prominent nose bridge to hold up heavy glasses. The ideal newborn sunglasses are lightweight and designed to gently grip the sides of the head.
To keep them on, a soft, adjustable headstrap is incredibly useful. It keeps the sunglasses in the perfect position over the eyes and ensures they aren't thrown out of the stroller! Just make sure the strap is stretchy and not pulled too tight.
What Makes Roshambo Sunglasses Special?
We designed Roshambo sunglasses because we couldn't find the perfect pair for our own children. We wanted to create something better, safer, and more meaningful.
Safety, Comfort, and Durability
Our baby frames are Italian-designed and practically unbreakable. You can bend them, stretch them, and step on them—they just spring right back! We pair these amazing frames with shatter-resistant lenses for the highest level of protection. As a fun bonus, our frames are so light that they actually float in the pool!
We are also obsessive about safety. Our materials are 100% BPA-free, lead-free, latex-free, and phthalate-free. We designed our baby and toddler frames with zero small hinges or metal screws to eliminate choking hazards.
An Ethical Purchase
We believe that businesses should do good in the world. Our company name, "Roshambo," is another word for the game Rock, Paper, Scissors. We chose it because we learned that teachers and behavioral therapists often use this game as a calming interaction tool for children on the autism spectrum.
This inspired our charitable mission. We are proud sponsors of autism charities, including Surfers Healing, and we frequently donate prescription glasses to children in need. When you choose Roshambo, you are directly helping a child see the world in a better light.
Get to Know More about Our Donation Impact: Read more here.
How to Care for Your Baby's Sunglasses
While our frames are extremely tough, taking care of the lenses will keep them crystal clear for all your adventures.
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Always rinse first: Run the glasses under warm water to wash away abrasive sand or grit.
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Use mild soap: A tiny drop of mild dish soap works miracles to cut through sunscreen and natural skin oils.
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Dry safely: Use a clean microfiber cloth. Never use paper towels or your t-shirt, as wood fibers in the paper and dirt on clothing can create micro-scratches.
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Storage: Keep them in a pouch or hard case rather than tossing them into the bottom of a crowded diaper bag with keys and toys.
When should you replace them?
Our baby sizes fit ages 0-2. You should size up to our Toddler (2-4) size when the temple arms start to leave noticeable marks on the side of your baby's head. You should also replace the glasses if the lenses acquire deep scratches directly in your baby's line of sight.
What is the Frequency of Sunglasses Replacement of Infants?
When the frame physically becomes too small, you should consider changing the sunglasses when the baby becomes too big. The age of our baby sizes is 0-2. When the temple arms start to make a significant mark on the side of their head, then they have to be moved to Toddler (2-4) size. Replacing the lenses should also be done in cases where they have deep and significant scratches that directly lie in the sight line of a baby, which may hamper the visual growth of the baby.
Newborn Sunglasses: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are sunglasses safe for newborns?
Absolutely! They are highly recommended by eye care professionals. As long as the frames are non-toxic (like our BPA-free frames) with no small choking hazards and feature shatterproof UV400 lenses, they are incredibly safe.
2. How can I get my newborn to wear sunglasses?
Timing is everything! Put the shades on before you step out into the bright sun. When they instantly experience the relieving, shaded effect of the lenses, they are much less likely to pull them off.
3. Are there alternatives to using sunglasses?
Hats, visors, and stroller covers are excellent extra tools, but they cannot replace sunglasses. They are simply ineffective at blocking UV rays that bounce up from the ground, snow, or water. Sunglasses are the only way to get true 360-degree protection.
Got more questions? Click here to read more FAQs.
