Does your baby or child refuse to wear sunglasses? 7 helpful tips!

You've picked out a lovely pair of sunglasses, the sun is shining and you're ready to head outside. But as soon as you put them on your little one's nose, they're taken right off again. And again. And again. Sound familiar? 😄

For babies and toddlers, sunglasses can take some getting used to. They feel different, look different and are, of course, very interesting for little hands to explore.

Luckily, there are all kinds of ways to help your little one get used to wearing sunglasses in a relaxed and playful way. With these 7 handy tips, wearing sunglasses will hopefully soon feel like the most natural thing in the world! ☀️

☀️ Why doesn't your little one want to wear sunglasses?

Before we share our tips, it's helpful to understand why children sometimes keep taking off their sunglasses.

There could be several reasons:

• 👶 The sensation is new: Babies especially need time to get used to having something on their face.
• 😎 The fit isn't quite right: Sunglasses that pinch, slip down or shift around don't feel comfortable, of course.
• 🧸 Curiosity: Little hands want to explore everything, including sunglasses!
• 💛 Your little one isn't in the mood: Sometimes it's simply a matter of choosing the right moment.

That doesn't mean your little one will never want to wear sunglasses. Often, a little practice and making it fun can help.

🌈 7 tips to help your baby or child get used to wearing sunglasses

1. Start with short periods

You don't have to head out for a whole afternoon wearing sunglasses right away.

For example, start with a few minutes when your little one is relaxed. Is that going well? Then you can gradually increase how long they wear them.

That gives your little one time to get used to the new feeling without it becoming a battle.

2. Set a good example 😎

Children often love copying their mom or dad.

So put on a pair of sunglasses yourself, too! Make it a fun moment together and show that sunglasses are simply part of playing outside.

And how lovely would it be if your sunglasses matched a little too? With our Mom & Dad collection, you can do just that in true Maesy style. 💛

3. Check that the sunglasses fit well

Sunglasses that aren't comfortable get taken off sooner. Makes sense, really!

So make sure they fit well:

• ✔️ The sunglasses should not pinch the nose or behind the ears.
• ✔️ The frames should fit comfortably on your little one's face.
• ✔️ The sunglasses should not keep slipping down.
• ✔️ Your child should be able to move freely.

Not sure about the size? Then read our blog post The right sunglasses size for your baby or child.

4. Use the adjustable elastic strap

An elastic strap can be a great solution for the littlest ones.

Our Maesy sunglasses for babies and toddlers come with an adjustable elastic strap as standard. It helps keep the sunglasses in place while moving, crawling, and playing.

Adjust the elastic strap so the sunglasses stay comfortably in place without pulling tightly around your child's head. Use it only under supervision and take the sunglasses off when your child goes to sleep.

5. Make it a fun game ☀️

Putting on sunglasses doesn't have to be a serious moment.

Look in the mirror together, both put on your sunglasses, or take a funny photo. Toddlers may also enjoy choosing a color or style themselves.

This way, sunglasses become something fun instead of something they have to wear.

6. Choose the right moment

A tired, hungry, or restless child often isn't in the mood to try something new.

So practice at a relaxed time, for example before going for a walk or while your child is happily playing.

It's best to start somewhere with soft light, so your child can get used to wearing sunglasses at their own pace.

7. Stay relaxed and try again later 💛

Does your child take the sunglasses off again? Just try again another time.

Forcing it often backfires. Give your child time to get used to them, and don't turn it into a battle.

With a little patience, the right fit, and plenty of positive moments, many children find it easier and easier to wear sunglasses.

👶 Why are comfortable children's sunglasses so important?

Sunglasses that feel comfortable are often easier for children to accept. That's why at Maesy, we pay close attention to the materials and fit of our baby and children's sunglasses.

Our sunglasses are designed with:

• ✔️ Flexible TPE material: Durable, lightweight, and comfortable for little adventurers.
• ✔️ UV400 protection: Protects sensitive children's eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• ✔️ Category 3 lenses: Reduce bright sunlight on sunny days.
• ✔️ Multiple sizes: From baby to child, so you can choose sunglasses that fit.
• ✔️ Adjustable elastic strap: Included with our baby and toddler styles for a more secure fit.

This is how we combine good protection with a comfortable fit and, of course, our cheerful Maesy style!

🌤️ What if your child really doesn’t want to wear sunglasses?

Some children need a little more time to get used to sunglasses. And that’s completely okay.

In the meantime, keep paying close attention to sun protection. For example, seek shade more often, use a sunshade on the stroller, or combine sun protection with a wide-brimmed hat.

It’s best to keep babies under six months old out of direct sunlight.

Sunglasses are a great addition to good sun protection, but they don’t have to be the only measure.

❓ Frequently asked questions about children who don’t want to wear sunglasses

Why does my baby keep taking off their sunglasses?

For babies, sunglasses feel unfamiliar. They’re curious, want to explore the frames, or don’t find the fit comfortable yet. Start with short periods and check that the sunglasses fit well.

How can I get my toddler used to wearing sunglasses?

Make wearing sunglasses fun! Wear sunglasses yourself, practice at calm moments, and let your toddler choose a color if they like. Give your child time to get used to them.

Can a strap help keep sunglasses in place?

Yes, a properly adjusted strap can help keep sunglasses from slipping while moving or playing. It should fit comfortably and not be too tight. Always supervise young children when they wear one.

At what age can my baby wear sunglasses?

It mainly depends on head circumference and fit. Maesy baby sunglasses fit many little ones from around 2.5 to 3 months old. For young babies, also protect them by keeping them out of direct sunlight.

Also read our blog When does your baby need sunglasses?

What if my child won’t wear sunglasses at all?

Try again later, and make sure there’s plenty of shade in the meantime. A sun hat can provide extra protection. If your child remains unusually sensitive to light or seems to have sore eyes, consult a doctor.

💛 Little steps, big adventures

Learning to wear sunglasses doesn’t have to happen in a day. With a little patience, a comfortable fit, and a playful approach, it often gets easier over time.

Before you know it, your little one will be reaching for their sunglasses before heading outside. How lovely is that? ☀️

➡️ Discover our Maesy baby sunglasses and find a comfortable fit for your little adventurer!