Why your family needs to wear sunglasses at the snow

Did you know that protecting your kids' eyes in winter at the snow is as if not more important as protecting their eyes at the beach in summer?

The snow reflects up to 80% of the sun's rays. Meaning that sunnies or proper eye protection is an absolute must at the snow. Altitude also has increased radiation as there is less atmosphere to filter out harmful rays.

It is important to be aware of snow blindness. It’s like sunburn but to the cornea of the eye and is caused by the UV reflecting off the snow and ice. It can occur in anyone even to infants being pushed around in a stroller or a toddler playing in the snow. Signs include excessive blinking, eyes may appear red and teary or unexplained crankiness. It's good to note that snow blindness heals spontaneously over a few days. You can make your little one more comfortable with a cold compress or placing them in a darkened room, however please seek medical advice if necessary. 

Also don't forget to use sunscreen, as we have just learnt that the snow reflects up to 80% of the sun's rays, so sunscreen and wearing appropriate hats are also very important. 

What if your little one does not like wearing sunnies or hats? You need to set an example and in the lead up to your snow adventure get them comfortable wearing them. Look for sunnies that have a strap to avoid them losing them or that has a crazy good guarantees that if they do lost them the company will replace them (like Jumply does 😜)

What to look for in a good pair of sunnies?

• 100% UV protection
• Category 3 or above rating
• Polarised UV400
• Tested to comply with AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 or other standards

Note: Novelty sunglasses with coloured lenses aren't a good idea because they don't provide as much protection!

For the sunnies that tick all the boxes check out our range below:

Baby and Toddler Flex Frame Sunglasses here

Kids Flex Frame Sunglasses here

Wishing you the best for your next snow adventure!

Source: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sunglasses-in-Winter.aspx

-Tiffany Droge is the co-owner of Jumply, as well as a Melbourne mum of two to Tanner and Chase. She is a Health and Physical Education Teacher with a passion for the outdoors and making parent's lives easier. This is the foundation for all of Tiffany’s’ designs.

She wants to make it easier for parents to get out and about for awesome adventures with their little ones.