How to Get Your Toddler to Actually Keep Sunglasses On

You buy cute sunglasses for your toddler, and within three seconds of wearing them, the glasses have been flung across the room. Sounds similar?

Toddler sunglasses provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but getting these sunglasses on the faces of toddlers is the real challenge. Forcing the child to wear the sunglasses will only make them hate the eyewear even more. As a result, the pair will either end up being lost or broken.

Getting your toddler to wear the sunglasses is not about having a magically compliant child. Instead, it is about strategy, consistency, and a few sneaky tricks. In this guide, we will share practical tips to ensure that your kids actually put on the sunglasses, all the while discussing common mistakes that you must avoid.

Why Toddlers Resist Sunglasses

Toddlers do not care about 100% UV protection or glare reduction. All they care about is whether the eyewear feels strange to them, annoys them, or interrupts their play. This is the primary reason why some toddlers instantly reject the sunglasses while others accept them without a fuss.

Usually, the problem isn't that toddlers genuinely hate sunglasses. Instead, they often resist because of the wrong size, heavy lenses, or poor frame build. Also, some kids may dislike sunglasses just because they are new on their faces.

Aside from these, there is also the control factor. "No" is one of the most common replies of toddlers to almost everything, and sunglasses are not an exception. If you insist on something for them to do, then they are more likely to push back. However, this does not mean that you should give up on toddler sunglasses. Instead, you will need to change your approach.

Start With the Right Pair (Comfort Comes First)

No matter how much you want your toddler to put on their sunglasses, no trick will work if the sunglasses are uncomfortable. Therefore, you will first need to ensure that you have chosen the right pair of sunglasses for toddlers.

Choose Flexible, Lightweight Frames with UV Protection

When looking to buy toddler sunglasses, make sure that the frames you choose are bendable. Make sure that the frames are made from flexible material and are highly durable. Hard plastic frames, on the other hand, can crack and create sharp edges.

Additionally, lightweight sunglasses will ensure that the eyewear is less noticeable. This will result in less pulling off of the glasses. When choosing the lenses, make sure that they have complete UV 400 protection. Whether you have active kids or ones that prefer the comfort of home, UVA and UVB protection is non-negotiable.

Add a Comfortable Strap in Toddler Sunglasses

It is not rare for sunglasses to fall off the face of active toddlers. With a soft, adjustable strap, however, the glasses will stay on the toddler's face. If you require a strap for baby sunglasses, make sure that the band is soft and does not irritate your child. Also, you can look for sunglasses with ear adjusters to ensure a proper fit.

Nail the Fit

A correct fit for sunglasses for toddlers is designed to fit close to the face without pinching either the nose bridge or the ear. Moreover, wrap-around styles can protect the delicate skin around the toddler's eyes from UVA rays while giving better glare protection. 
Also, you will need to change the sunglasses as your toddler's face grows. An outgrown pair will be tight to the face and will be rejected almost instantly.

6 Proven Tricks to Get Your Toddler to Keep Sunglasses On

Now, coming to the main topic of how to get toddlers to wear sunglasses. While there are multiple tips you can follow, we have shared the most practical, tested, and low-stress tactics below.

Model It Yourself

It is no secret that kids copy their parents. You can use this to your advantage by wearing the sunglasses whenever you go out. By seeing adults put on sunglasses, the toddler may try to copy them. Furthermore, older siblings' modeling will also help to change the minds of toddlers regarding having sunglasses.

Let Them Choose

One of the best tactics to get toddlers to put on sunglasses? Let them choose the pair themselves. You can offer them two pre-approved pairs and let them pick their favorite color and design. When kids have ownership, resistance usually drops big time.
Make sure when those sunglasses arrive, your toddler actually wears them indoors first to get familiar with the eyewear. Once they're comfortable, then you can take them outside under the UV protection of those lenses.

Start Small and Build Up

Even when your toddler has become familiar with the glasses, you should not expect them to have the eyewear on at all times. Instead, you will need to build their habit slowly. For this, we recommend that you start with a few minutes outdoors with the glasses and extend the duration gradually over days or weeks.

In addition to this, you can also pair the sunglasses with something that your child likes, such as a walk in the park. As a result of this, they will build a habit of wearing sunglasses whenever they go outside.

Use Positive Reinforcement

By positive reinforcement, we mean giving praise or a small reward when they've got their sunglasses on. Just make sure you're not rushing into this reinforcement and there's no pressure involved.

Anchor It to a Routine

This tactic is particularly ideal when the toddler is at an early age. By making wearing sunglasses a part of the "going outside" routine, you can predictably build the habit in your child. Do ensure that hats/caps and shoes are part of the habit-building process, along with sunglasses for higher UV protection.

Make It a Game

One of the best ways to capture the attention of toddlers is through pretend play. Through these games, you can make the accessory feel more like a fun toy rather than a chore. Through playful routines, role-play, and sheer imagination, you can shift their mindset from resistance to a higher level of excitement.

Mistakes to Avoid

The tips we have shared can get your toddler to actually keep the sunglasses on. There are some common mistakes that parents often make when getting their kids to put on sunglasses. 

Below, we have listed some of these common mistakes that you should do your best to avoid.

• Don't force it or turn it into a battle. That just creates negative associations.
  
• Don't buy oversized, adult, or ill-fitting pairs. They slip and annoy.
  
• Don't use cheap, non-UV sunglasses. Make sure that the glasses have complete UV protection.
  
• Don't give up after the first few attempts. Habit-building takes repetition.
  
• Always keep a backup pair (you will be surprised at how many pairs of sunglasses toddlers lose and break).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why won't my toddler keep their sunglasses on?

Usually, the reason lies in a poor fit, sensory discomfort, or unfamiliarity with the eyewear. You will need to fix these factors gradually.

At what age will a toddler keep sunglasses on?

Kids around 3 to 5 can keep sunglasses on as they gain better comprehension and start mimicking adults. But with the right tactics, children aged 18 months to 2 years can also get comfortable with the right pair, especially if they've got their favorite styles and designs.

Do straps really help toddlers keep sunglasses on?

Yes. An adjustable strap keeps them in place during active play and stops them from being thrown or lost.

Are sunglasses safe for toddlers' eyes?

Yes, sunglasses are safe for toddlers' eyes as they provide UV protection and glare reduction.

What if my toddler keeps throwing their sunglasses?

In case your toddler keeps throwing their sunglasses, it is essential for you to stay calm and avoid making it a game of conflict. You can use sunglasses with straps and reinforce their use with fun activities.

Conclusion

For toddler sunglasses, you must ensure that the pair fits right and is not heavy or oversized. Moreover, ensure that the pair you have chosen has complete UV protection and adjustable, soft straps. 

Do note that it is not an easy task to get toddlers to do anything, much less put on sunglasses. Therefore, you must not give up after a couple of failed attempts. With the right strategies and a little persistence, you can ensure that the sunglasses rest on your toddler's face comfortably.

Looking for lightweight and flexible sunglasses for your toddlers with complete UV protection? Find the right pair at Sunkissed Eyewear.

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