Shades are cool!  Teach children to wear sunglasses!  They protect your child's eyes from harmful UV radiation.  Too much exposure to sunlight as a child is harmful to the eyes.  Children under 10 have the greatest risk for retinal damage from the sun.  This damage does not become apparent until after they become adults. 

But all sunglasses are not alike!  Ordinary sunglasses can make things worse.  Dark lenses cause pupils to dilate, letting in more of the UVA rays that damage the lens and retina.  Look for sunglasses that block as close as possible to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.  It is best for the lenses to fit close to the eye.

My Swim Baby has sunglasses with flexible frames and wrap-around bands that stay on your baby!