ALL of our sunglasses have UV 400 protection.

At Kidoodles by Kim we don’t even offer sunglasses for kids that are less than UV 400.  There is a good reason for this.

Ultra Violet light is invisible to the human eye. UV light below 280 nanometers is filtered by the ozone layer and rarely reaches earth. UV light between 280 and 320 is very damaging and is what results in a sunburn. UV light between 320 and 400 does not cause sunburn but is also damaging to the eyes and skin.

But although UV light is invisible, it is the cause of skin cancer and cataracts. You may think that these are illness only occuring in older people, but the damage that causes these illnesses occurs before age 20. As Americans we tend to think that a tan is healthy looking. But it could not be farther from the truth. A tan is a result of the melanin in the skin absorbing and protecting the body from harmful UV rays. When the skin cannot absorb the UV rays the result is a burn. 

While light skin and blue eyes are the most vulnerable, even olive and dark skinned babys’ eyes and skin are delicate and susceptible to damage. While fresh air and outdoor play is healthy for your baby, please keep in mind these safety measures.

• Use sunblock. There are many sunblock lotions on the market, some of which are designed for baby skin.  Keep in mind that one application will not last all day.  Reapply at least every 80 minutes and immediately after coming out of the water.
• Wear UV 400 sunglasses. UV 400 protects the eyes from all UV light up to 400 nanometers. Dark glasses only protect from visable light, not UV. If your child protests the glasses, find frames that the child will enjoy. You can also attach an elastic band to keep the glasses on your baby. Wrap around frames are the best for protecting from light that can reach the eyes from the side, above and below. Remember, when I say sunglasses, these are NOT glass. They are plastic for your child’s safety.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim or bill. A ball cap is great for protecting your childs face and eyes from reflected light.

At Kidoodles, we have a wide range of sunglasses and hats. Since we are still new on the internet, many of these products are not yet on the site. Keep checking back as new items are always being added. If you need something special, give me a call and I will do all I can to locate the product you need.

I strongly recommend you speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the correct sunblock for your child.

Loving the kids,

Kim