Buying sunglasses for your child is one of those things that is much more complicated than you might think at first!
When your child is refusing to wear their sunglasses, and you don’t want to argue, it can be tempting to just pop a hat on them instead. However, sunglasses are incredibly important for preserving eye health, particularly for children.
Why it’s important that your child wears sunglasses
We’re all at risk of damage from UV rays, and this is especially true for children under 10. UV rays can damage our eyes and lead to macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness as people age. It’s not just the eyes themselves either; the sensitive skin around our eyes is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.
Kids typically spend a lot of time outdoors, so it’s especially important that children wear a good pair of sunglasses to keep them safe as well as other measures like sunscreen and a hat. Even if it’s overcast outside, the sun’s rays can still cause damage.
As soon as children are two and a half to three years old, it’s a good idea to buy them a pair of sunglasses.
What to look for in a pair of kids’ sunglasses
When you are looking for sunglasses for your child, there are a few things that it’s important to consider:
- Choose a pair of sunglasses that offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This will ensure that they are protected against glare, which can cause things like eye strain and long-term eye damage.
- Opt for sunglasses that are large enough to cover the eyes and the sensitive skin around the outside of the eye. Wraparound shades are a good option because they also provide protection from sunlight coming in from the sides.
- Look for durable shades. Children run around a lot, and the chances are they are likely to drop the sunglasses you buy them! Try to choose a pair that is durable and scratch resistant. Scratched lenses on sunglasses can make it difficult to see, so it’s important to look out for this.
If your children are old enough, involve them in choosing their sunglasses. Reputable retailers like just-glasses.co.uk have huge ranges of sunglasses in all sorts of colors and styles, meaning your child is sure to find something that they like. Involving them in the choice makes it a lot more likely that your child will wear the sunglasses, rather than simply taking them off as soon as your back is turned!
How to encourage your child to wear their sunglasses
The best way to encourage your child to wear their sunglasses is by setting a good example. If all of the adults in your home put on sunglasses when they go outside, your child will want too as well so that they can be more like you.
Plus, if sunglasses are a rule for everyone, then there is no reason for the child to feel singled out, and so they won’t feel compelled to argue.
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