Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world, making sun protection a must for our kids, not just in summer, but all year round.

While sunscreen and hats are everyday essentials, many parents overlook a crucial element: eye protection. Thankfully, Babiators have some of the best sunglasses for Aussie kids, making eye protection easy and fun!

The Hidden Danger at Every Aussie Beach Day (And It's Not Bluebottles)

It’s 7 am. The sun is already shining. Your toddler is chanting “beach, beach, beach” like it’s a motivational mantra, and you’re mentally ticking off the packing list: sunscreen, hats, snacks, towels, spare clothes, buckets, the good spade, water bottles and that UV tent you’ll wrestle back into its bag later. Summer with a 3–5-year-old is full-on in the best way. Rock pool missions. Swimming lessons that run overtime. Watermelon juice everywhere. Sprinkler sprints on repeat. And that end-of-day car nap before you’ve even left the car park. But while we’re pretty switched on about sunburn, there’s a sneaky summer danger most parents miss: UV damage to little eyes.

Why Beach Days Are Brutal on Young Eyes

Aussie beach days are basically a UV obstacle course for developing eyes. Water reflects up to 25% of UV rays, meaning kids cop exposure from above and below. That peaceful morning rock pool explore? Double trouble. Sand reflects 15–20% of UV. Even under an umbrella, rays bounce straight up into their eyes. Concrete around pools reflects around 12%, making swimming lessons, splash pads and pool decks another hotspot.

Now add this: toddler eyes don’t yet filter UV as adult eyes do. Their lenses are still crystal clear, allowing more harmful rays to reach the retina. In fact, around 80% of lifetime UV-related eye damage occurs before the age of 18.

Suddenly, sunnies stop feeling optional.

Why Most Toddlers Aren’t Wearing Sunnies

Here’s the honest bit: toddlers are not famous for embracing accessories. If sunnies pinch, slide down sweaty noses, fog up, or snap in half on day two, they’re gone. Possibly repurposed as a sandcastle feature.

That’s exactly the problem Babiators set out to solve.

Designed by a pilot dad who noticed kids squinting through airshows while adults wore proper eye protection, Babiators are made for real-life chaos. The frames are flexible enough to bend without breaking, soft enough to stay comfy on hot little faces, and backed by a  12-month Broken Guarantee. Because… toddlers.

Make sunnies part of the routine - hat, sunscreen, sunnies, go - and kids tend to accept them surprisingly fast. Especially when they’re comfortable and pass the all-important playground cool test.

What to Look for in Kids’ Sunglasses

Not all kids’ sunnies are created equal. These are the non-negotiables for Aussie summer:

• Proper UV protection - Look for sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016, Category 3**. Dark lenses alone don’t block UV - cheap sunnies can actually do more harm by dilating pupils without protection.
• Polarised lenses - Polarisation cuts harsh glare bouncing off water, sand and concrete. It’s a big comfort upgrade for beach days and pool sessions.
• Built to survive summer - If they can’t handle the bottom of a beach bag with wet towels and a squashed banana, they’re not going to last the season.

Summer Sorted (And 10% Off)

If you’ve just realised sunnies are the missing piece in your beach bag, timing is on your side. Babiators Australia is currently offering 10% off summer essentials, including toddler sunglasses for ages 3–5. No code required, and it’s available while stocks last.

Now grab the buckets, wrangle the tent, and head back to those rock pools. Summer’s not going to run itself - and at least now, their eyes are covered.

Shop Babiators today and save!

More Fun In The Sun

How to Keep Your Family Sun Smart
27 Kid-friendly Beaches in Sydney
23 Splash-tastic Outdoor Swimming Pools in Sydney

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