🕶️ How to Choose the Right Sunglasses - Baby & Kids Sunglasses in Australia: UV400 & Polarised
An Australian parent’s guide to UV protection, safety & smart buying
Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world, and children’s eyes are particularly vulnerable to damage from the sun. Choosing the right sunglasses for babies and kids isn’t just a cute accessory decision — it’s a health and safety essential.
Below, we’ll break down exactly what to look for, answer common parent questions, and provide a practical buying guide to share with your family and friends!
All sources are from trusted Australian authorities and standards.
☀️ Why Sunglasses Matter for Kids in Australia
> Children’s eyes are more sensitive: Their larger pupils and clearer lenses mean more UV light reaches the retina than in adults. Prolonged exposure can contribute to cataracts, pterygium, and macular degeneration later in life.
> UV exposure happens early: In Australia, children can receive up to three times more UV exposure than adults annually.
> Australian conditions are extreme: UV radiation is often highest between 10 am–2 pm and can be damaging even on cloudy days.
> Early habits stick: According to Cancer Council Australia, most UV damage to the eyes occurs before age 18. Teaching kids to wear proper sunglasses early builds lifelong sun-safe habits.
👉 See our SUN SAFE TIPS here at our 'Sun safety Begins in Spring' Blog.
Let’s Answer Your Most Common Sunglasses Questions
1. Should babies wear sunglasses in Australia?
Yes — but with care. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and Cancer Council recommend keeping babies under 12 months out of direct sun when possible. When exposure can’t be avoided, use shade, hats and sunglasses that meet Australian Standards for UV protection.
2. What standards apply to children’s sunglasses in Australia?
Look for sunglasses that comply with AS/NZS 1067.1:2016. This is the official Australian/New Zealand Standard for sunglasses and fashion spectacles. It ensures UV protection, lens quality and tint categories are regulated.
💡 Tip: Toy sunglasses and novelty fashion glasses often do not meet this standard — and can actually increase UV damage by causing the pupil to dilate behind non-UV lenses.
ALL Ombra and Sole sunglasses have been safety tested and comply with the Australian Standards
3. Do kids really need polarised lenses?
Polarisation is optional but helpful in Australia’s bright, reflective environments (e.g. beaches, parks, water). The priority is UV400 / 100 % UVA & UVB protection, not polarisation itself.
4. At what age should kids start wearing sunglasses?
From the moment they spend time outdoors — usually from around 6 months onwards. Babies under 6 months should stay mostly shaded. As soon as your child is mobile and spending time outside, sunglasses should be part of their daily sun protection routine.
👓 What to Look For: Sunglasses Features That Matter
Feature
> Why It Matters
> What to Look For
UV Protection
> Non-UV glasses can worsen damage by dilating pupils
> “UV400” or “100 % UVA/UVB” AND must comply with AS/NZS 1067.1:2016
Lens Category
>Determines how dark the lens is and how much light it transmits
>For everyday Aussie outdoor use: Category 3. Avoid Category 4 (too dark, not for driving).
Lens Material
>Safety
>Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are shatter-resistant and ideal for kids
Polarised
>Reduces glare
>Especially useful at beaches or on water
Fit, Comfort & Durability
>Kids will remove uncomfortable glasses, play rough and bend/break
>Lightweight frames, soft silicone nose bridges, adjustable straps for babies and Flexible, impact-resistant frames (e.g. TPEE), scratch-resistant coating
Safety Certification
>Proof of protection
>Label must state compliance with AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 and manufacturer details
Introducing Sunglasses to Babies & Kids
1. Start early: The earlier you introduce sunglasses, the more naturally kids accept them, although our sunglasses are from 6 months +, we have had 3-4 month olds begin to wear them!
2. Model the behaviour: If parents wear sunnies, kids are more likely to mimic.
3. Choose fun colours & comfy fits: Involve kids in picking styles to boost buy-in.
4. Pair with a hat: Sunglasses and an Ombra and Sole UPF50+ hat offer the best protection.
5. Use straps for babies: Our Soft adjustable straps keep glasses secure during pram walks or park play.
6. Make it part of the routine: Sunglasses go on when sunscreen and hats go on — every time.
7. Inspect regularly: Replace scratched or damaged lenses, as they can distort vision or reduce protection.
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BABY SUNGLASSES
TODDLER / KIDS POLARISED SUNGLASSES
Kids’ Sunglasses Buying Guide (Australia)
Use this quick checklist when buying your child’s sunglasses:
✅ Meets AS/NZS 1067.1:2016
✅ Label clearly states UV400 / 100 % UVA + UVB protection
✅ Lens Category 3 (never 0 or toy glasses)
✅ Shatter resistant Lenses (TAC - Tri Acetate Cellulose)
✅ Flexible frames designed for kids (e.g. TPEE)
✅ Comfortable fit, soft straps for babies
✅ Polarisation for glare reduction
✅ Replacement or warranty policy (kids break things!)
✅ Lightweight, covers the entire eye area
🚫 Avoid cheap market or toy sunglasses with no standard labelling