Most parents grab sunscreen before heading out. Sunglasses for the kids? That often gets skipped. But a child's eye is far more open to UV damage than an adult's, and that exposure stacks up over years without any warning. UV damage has no visible symptoms until it's already caused harm.
The kids' sunglasses your child wears now genuinely affect their eye health years down the line. Mafami Eyewear carries kids' sunglasses in Canada and USA, chosen for both real UV400 protection and styles that children won't fight you on every morning. What separates a genuinely protective pair from one that just looks the part?
Why UV Protection Matters for Young Eyes
Most people don't realise how much time kids spend in direct sunlight. It's a lot. And unlike adults, their eyes haven't developed the same natural defences yet. UV damage to the eyes is cumulative. There's no undoing it later.
Every pair of our children's glasses provides 100% UVA and/or UVB protection or UV400 protection. It doesn't matter if your child is running around a Calgary park or building sandcastles on a Nova Scotia beach.
Picking the right lens type makes a big difference, too. Here's what parents across Canada and USA keep coming back to when shopping for their kids.
Polarized Lenses for Kids
The light from water, wet pavement, and snow are very uncomfortable. Polarized sunglasses for children eliminate it altogether. Your child will see better, squint less and won't have a headache when coming home from school after 6 hours outside. Polarized Lenses are a good value for children who swim, skate or engage in outdoor activities.
Impact-Resistant Lenses for Active Play
Kids drop things. Kids fall. That's just life. Children's sunglasses feature impact-resistant lenses that can withstand impact without breaking. They are light, and kids don't even notice they are wearing them.
Durable Frames Kids Will Actually Want to Wear
Well, this is the real challenge. You can purchase the best pair of sunglasses that exists, but if your child won't wear them, then it's not worth it. Our kids' sunglasses are available in colours and shapes that really amuse kids! Bright frames, fun silhouettes, designs from brands like Ray-Ban Junior and Oakley Youth that kids recognise and want.
The materials hold up too. Flexible lightweight frames of TR90 and rubber-coated plastic bend rather than break. Grippy temple tips and non-slip nose pads help keep the sunglasses securely in place during active play.
Fit is as important as style. A great way to approach sizing before ordering.
Choosing the Right Frame Size for Your Child
Frames that are too wide slip down constantly. Too narrow and they pinch. For toddlers and younger children, see the sizes of 38mm to 43mm. The general rule for older kids and tweens is to go between 45mm and 52mm. Not sure? Mafami's frame size and fit guide walks you through it step by step.
Prescription Kids Sunglasses Available
Some kids already wear glasses full-time. They still deserve proper sun protection. Our kids' prescription sunglasses let you add your child's prescription directly to the frame. No clip-ons. No carrying two pairs. Just one good pair that works in any light.
Why Canadian And American Parents Keep Coming Back to Mafami
Mafami Eyewear is based in Vancouver and built for Canadian and American families. We offer free shipping across Canada and USA on orders over $89, so whether you're in Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, or a smaller town in Saskatchewan, it gets to your door without extra cost.
Returns are easy too. Thirty days, no drama. Our children's eyewear collection is backed by a quality guarantee and a support team that actually picks up. We're here Monday to Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should sunwear be worn by children?
Yes, genuinely. Children's eyes are very sensitive to the effects of UV radiation. The effects of sun damage build up over time. Preventing children from exposure to the sun at a young age does make a difference in their long-term well-being.
What is the highest UV rating that children's sunglasses should have?
Look for 100% UVA and UVB protection (UV400). That's the standard every pair in our Mafami kids collection meets. Anything lower isn't worth the risk.
Are polarized lenses worth it for children?
Absolutely. Polarized sunglasses for children minimize glare, resulting in more comfortable and reduced eye strain when outdoors. Very handy close to water, snow or for bright Canadian and American summer days.
Can I get prescription lenses in kids' sunglasses at Mafami?
Yes. Many frames in our children's sunglasses range accept prescription lenses. Just enter your child's prescription at checkout, and we handle the rest. Simple as that.
Does Mafami ship kids' sunglasses across Canada and USA for free?
Yes. We offer free standard shipping across Canada and USA on orders over $89, including all provinces and territories.