Baby Banz: Sun Protection Products

In 2001, Baby Banz, Inc. found its start in "the land down under," one of the harshest UV climates in the world. One Australian's fruitless search for a proper pair of baby sunglasses for his infant son forced him to take action, leading to the development of the Original Baby Banz sunglasses.

First introduced to the American market in 2002, Baby Banz are best known for their unique wrap-around, banded design and 100% UV protective lenses. Often imitated, but never duplicated, Baby Banz continue to be the standard for baby and children's sunglasses and UV protection worldwide.


In an ever deteriorating UV climate, Baby Banz is steadfast in its ongoing effort to preserve the sensitive eyes and precious skin of little ones everywhere. Additional products in the Baby Banz Protection Collection includes: adjustable baby and toddler sun hats, UPF 50 swimwear and flap hats, our cool new Retro Banz and for winter, mirrored Ski Banz.

Baby Banz offers the following Tips to parents who are introducing Baby Banz sunglasses to their babies for the first time:

Wearing sunglasses, just like wearing sunscreen or fastening a seat belt, is a learned phenomenon. Kids learn fast, but if you don't teach them to wear sunglasses, they will never learn. Here are some of our suggestions on how you can get your child to love wearing Baby Banz.

1) When you first put Baby Banz on your child they should be in the sun - not indoors.

2) Make sure the polycarbonate lenses on the sunglasses are clean. If not, clean them with a lens cleaner and soft cloth. If you don't have lens cleaner, soap and water will do. Just don't dry them with an abrasive paper towel.

3) Center the sunglasses so the nose piece rests on the tiny bridge of the nose and the straps above the ears. Adjust the neoprene strap to be just tight enough so that they don't slip down, but not tighter. If they are too snug they will not want to wear them.

4) It is normal, especially for infants, to try to pull the glasses off at first. But the more you put them back on and encourage them to wear them, the easier it gets. Start your child as young as possible. Remember that wearing sunglasses for 5 minutes the first time is wonderful. It's a new experience so build the time up gradually.

PURCHASING:

Baby Banz products are available online at http://usa.babybanz.com. In addition, specialty children's boutiques stores and online shops as well as optical stores carry our products.

In addition, Baby Banz products can be found in countries including South Africa, Japan, Germany, China, Greece, Switzerland, France and England to name a few. International readers can visit: www.BabyBanz.com and click on their country to find out where to purchase products.


Success Through Play™ comments:

Summer is officially here for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere. Kids are on summer vacation and spending increasing hours playing and having fun in the sun.

Research is now showing that sunscreen alone is NOT sufficient to protect against the formation of melanoma and related skin damage. In order to effectively protect your skin and your children's skin from sun damage, a combination approach of using sunscreen and high quality UPF 50 sun protective wear is needed. Babies and children are especially vulnerable to the sun's rays. Parents can take the initiative to avoid taking them outside during peak sun hours, keeping a close watch on the projected UV rating for the day and acting accordingly. In addition, hydrating is key in the summer months, so remember to keep everyone hydrated and keep a close watch for signs of dehydration, which can be deadly in babies and children under the age of 4. Consult a medical professional if you notice any signs of dehydration (ask your health care professional for warning signs).

Baby Banz offers a full range of sun protection products which are designed and tested in Australia, one of the worlds toughest UV environments. The product range includes Baby and Kidz Sunglasses, Retro Banz, Ski Goggles, UV Sun Hats, Flap Hats and UV Swim Wear. The hats and swim wear have been tested and certified to have a UPF rating of 50+. Please click here to learn more about UPF and UV.

UV exposure in babies and children is cumulative and may increase your baby/child's chance of developing cataracts and other eye problems when he is older. Children don't develop filters in their eyes to block out UV light until they are 8-9 years of age. Choosing an inferior lens in front of the eye can in fact do MORE harm.

We had the opportunity to test the products listed below, courtesy of Baby Banz, Inc:

Sunglasses:

*Baby Banz, the original Australian-designed infant wrap-around sunglasses, is the proud recipient of the prestigious iParenting Media Award for the 2008 Excellent Products Call. Baby Banz have been clinically tested by one of the worlds leading authorities on sunglasses and have passed the most stringent standards on sunglasses in the world. Special filters provide 100% against UVA and UVB rays. They are sturdy in construction and very well designed and feature a Neoprene Elastic Band which wraps around your baby's head, for maximum comfort, breathability and flexibility. An added benefit is that the strap floats in water, so they won't get lost at sea! A side adjustable velcro closure ensures a great fit even as your baby grows! Both the frames and lenses are shatter resistant and made from a durable polycarbonate material. For babies and children who require prescription glasses, parents will be thrilled to learn that these frames are Opthalmic Quality and can be refitted with prescription lenses: -8.0/+8.0 diopters

Parent Panel Feedback:

"When my 5 year old was younger, we tried to encourage him to wear his sunglasses, but from the very first moment, he become scared and refused to wear them. I decided to do some research this time with my 4 month old to seek out a technique that will ensure success. I was sent the guide and immediately felt so guilty because I had done all the incorrect things with my 5 year old when he was younger. Firstly, I had selected inferior lenses and secondly, I had placed the sunglasses on his face when we were indoors - no wonder he didn't like it. This time I followed all the suggestions outlined in the guide and my 4 month year old took to them within a few short days. Now, she is really comfortable wearing them and I am so thankful that history didn't repeat itself. They are very well designed - solid and well made. Plus, they look super cute on her and can easily be adjusted as she grows older. This summer is going to be the best yet! Thank you!"

*Retro Banz

Large sunglasses are all the rage these days and an added benefit is that they provide a larger area of coverage, which is great news. Now your children can wear large sunglasses, just like mommy does! Available in Arctic white, Caribbean Blue, Midnight Black, Pink Diva Camo and Rockin Red. Available in 2 sizes, although we would recommend them for the older age group: Ages 2-5.

"My 4 year old daughter is a mini fashion DIVA and is loves trying on my huge sunglasses, which of course are WAY too large for her little face. She was so happy when I showed her the Retro Banz (in black). She took to them instantly and couldn't wait to show all of her friends! We looked mighty cute together, me with my oversize sunglasses and my daughter with her Retro Banz. Its difficult enough to get kids to wear their sunglasses, but the Retro Banz have changed all this. Now she wants to wear them everywhere and I am thrilled that I now have my sunglasses back!"

What is the perfect accessory for your kids new shades? A super cute sunglass case of course. They are available in blue and pink. They are super lightweight and have a great design which allows them to hold Baby Banz, Kidz Banz and Ski Banz. They zip closed for storage and protection.

UV Sun Hatz

Available in the following colors:

- Pacific Blue
- Rockin’ Red
- Flamingo Pink
- Key Lime Green
- Paradise Purple
- Little Hunter Camo
- Blue Hibiscus
- Orange Hibiscus
- Green Hibiscus
- Pink Floral
- Sunset Orange

Available in 2 sizes: Baby (0-2 yrs) and Kidz (2-5 yrs).

The wide brim will protect your precious baby/child from the sun's harmful rays. The fabric is very lightweight and is designed to allow air to circulate, perfect for warm summer days. These "hatz" feature an elastic strap above the brim which allows for easy adjustment as your baby/child grows. Can be folded up compactly for on the go travel. The hats coordinate with the Baby Banz line of sunglasses for a stylish look.

Money saving Tip!

Buy the Sunglasses and Hat Combo and save $5! This set arrives in a handy drawstring tote which makes the perfect summer time accessory! Makes a great gift as well.

*UV Swimwear

Our test panel received the one piece suit to test which is available in Aqua, Nautical Navy, Nordic Camo, Pink Diva Camo, Pink Floral and Red Back Red. The one piece suit features a 3/4 sleeve for extra sun protection. Designed with a loose fit for added comfort. Sizes 0 through 2 have a zip opening at the crotch, which will allow you to change your baby with ease.

"I had previously been putting my 10 month old baby in a 2 piece, but when he crawled around, the top would ride up leaving his skin exposed. With this one piece, that problem is solved. When its time for a diaper change, I simply unzip the material in the crotch area and change his diaper. I don't have to remove the entire swimsuit like many other all in ones require. This one piece has a roomy cut to allow my baby to move freely and I can see how comfortable he feels in it."

Also worth mentioning are the terrific Flap Hats which are available in Nautical Navy, Pink
Floral, Nordic Camo and Pink Diva Camo. They coordinate with the Baby Banz swim wear for a stylish look! These well designed hats feature a large flap on the rear, to protect your baby and child's neck and side of their face from the suns harsh rays. The firm bill will protect your baby/child's face.

"The Flap Hat is great and I love that it matches the swim wear. Most hats aren't designed to protect the neck area, and I will admit that we have all suffered through one too many neck sunburns. The Flap Hat solves the problem, because the flay covers this sensitive and over neglected area. Between the bill in the front and the flap which covers the back and extends to the sides, your baby/child will be well protected from the sun."

Baby Banz Inc. offers high quality, affordably priced sun protective wear which delivers what it promises. Wishing you all a happy and safe summer!

To view the full range of products available from Baby Banz, please visit: www.babybanz.com and click on your country.

Please note that these Baby Banz Inc. images are copyrighted.