You've applied the SPF 50+, secured the sun hat, and patted yourself on the back for being a sun-smart parent. But there's a critical element of sun safety most Australian families are missing, leaving their children vulnerable to long-term damage. The oversight? Eye protection.
The Invisible Threat to Young Eyes
While Australia leads the world in skin cancer awareness, the protection of children's eyes is dangerously neglected. The statistics are stark: 80 per cent of the UV damage a child's eyes will ever receive happens before they turn 18 years old. Despite this alarming fact, fewer than three in ten Australian kids regularly wear sunglasses.
The biological reason is simple: baby and child eyes are significantly more vulnerable to sun damage than adult eyes. Their lenses are clearer, allowing more harmful ultraviolet radiation to penetrate deep into the eye, potentially causing issues later in life. This makes consistent protection from an early age not just advisable, but essential.
Engineered for Real Life: The Indestructible Solution
Enter Babiators, an Australian-born brand with a mission to close this sun safety gap. The concept was born from an airforce pilot dad who noticed a common sight: parents in proper sunglasses while their babies squinted unprotected in the bright light.
The brand set out to create sunglasses for babies and kids that could withstand the rigours of real childhood. The result is a range of durable, safe, and stylish eyewear. Key features include:
- Soft, flexible frames that bend without breaking.
- BPA-free materials designed for the inevitable chewing phase.
- A 12-month Broken Guarantee, offering parents peace of mind.
- 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection in every lens.
Eye specialists now recommend that babies start wearing protective sunglasses from around six months of age. Babiators caters to this need, with sizes designed to fit from newborn up to children six years and older.
Parent-Approved Protection with Summer Savings
Trusted by parents for their durability and effectiveness, Babiators are currently offering 10 per cent off baby sun protection essentials this summer. The discount is automatically applied at checkout, with no code required.
The styles range from colourful, flower-shaped frames for the fashion-conscious toddler to cooler aviator designs, ensuring there's a pair for every personality. The positive feedback from Australian parents speaks volumes.
"Bub loves these! Fit great, looks super cool and she is not fussed by them at all. Great for those long summer walks," said Amy, who purchased a pair ahead of the season.
"After buying these for my baby now toddler, four pairs used very well over many camping adventures... my go-to were these," added Kelly, who now recommends them as a newborn gift.
This initiative highlights a vital, yet often forgotten, pillar of the complete sun safety routine. The Cancer Council emphasises that UV levels remain high whether it's sunny, cloudy, or raining. A comprehensive defence requires a combination of measures: a hat, sunglasses, and correctly applied, broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied every couple of hours.
By investing in proper eye protection for our youngest Australians, we can help safeguard their vision for the future, making sun safety truly complete.
