Baby Sunglasses
From LoveToKnow Sunglasses
You should begin protecting your child's eyes and delicate skin area from the sun from birth. Baby sunglasses can help protect your little one during the summer months.
Saving Sight this Summer
Protecting your children's eyes from the sun is very important. However, babies are often forgotten about when it comes to playing outside and vacationing. The littlest member of your family is no exception when it comes to protection from damaging UV Rays.
Baby sunglasses are a great find when it comes to shielding the youngest of eyes this summer. You can find them in a variety of children's stores such as Old Navy and Gymboree, as well as more high end retailers like Vuarnet. Big name brands are beginning to understand and address the importance of protecting your baby's eye. Familiar sunglasses names like Ray-Ban are now making glasses for children around 21 months in age.
The Importance of Baby Sunglasses
Baby sunglasses are important for multiple reasons. Infants and young children are much more at risk for UV damage to the eyes because their lenses are clearer. Their eyes do not block as many UV rays as mature eyes do, and since youngsters often spend a great deal of time outdoors during warm weathered months, they are at a higher risk.
It was recently discovered that children as young as eight were already exhibiting signs of serious eye damage due to the sun. Specifically, the sun damages the surface of the eye as well as the lens and retina. Over time, this can cause cataracts and retina damage that is not easily reversed.
Do your child a favor by purchasing baby sunglasses and getting her into the habit of protecting herself from the sun's harmful rays and taking good care of her eyes.
The Perfect Fit
Purchasing baby sunglasses can be a daunting task as you are trying to find the perfect fit for a wiggling wearer. It is best to look for shades when you are not in a rush and able to have your baby with you.
Baby sunglasses that fit properly are important. Your baby will no doubt try to pull off any glasses that are uncomfortable or hindering her daily activities. Try to find shades that do not slide down the nose and are well fitting so that there are no red marks or other telltale imprints left behind on baby.
The earlier you introduce your baby to glasses, the better. Some recommend starting as early as seven or eight weeks so when they get to that pulling and tugging age, it won't be an issue. If you time things correctly, you will find you have a toddler who readily associates wearing sunglasses as a part of playing outside. Utilizing this sort of mentality will help make sunglass shopping easier on both parent and child.
Be sure to put on the sunglasses after you have gone outdoors immediately after you purchase them so that your little one can understand that the glasses bring comfort and protection. On the other hand, be ready to take them off immediately when you come inside – or else baby will!
One of the most important things you can do to help with both shopping and wearing is to be an example and wear sunglasses yourself. Your child looks to you for direction, so protect yourself just as devotedly as you want to guard her.
Beyond Baby Sunglasses
While baby sunglasses are a great help in the fight against UV damage, there are other things you can do to keep your children safe from harm when it comes to the outdoors. Remember that the sun is at its strongest between 10am and 3pm. During these hours, both you and your baby should always wear sunscreen. Use a child friendly formula such as Water Babies or Banana Boat Kids.
A wide brimmed hat can do wonders when it comes to shielding baby from the punishing sun. Some studies show that wearing a hat that shades the face cuts UV ray exposure in half, giving your child a stronger chance to fight against the sun's typical damages.
Finally, sun protective clothing should finish off your protection plan. Some of these garments are perfect for the beach or a day of camping or bike riding. Available at sporting goods stores as well as online, sun protective clothing is a great supplement to baby sunglasses.
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