Sunglasses are not only the hottest accessory in Hollywood, but they are gaining popularity throughout the country for children. Parents are understanding that the primary function of sunwear is to keep our eyes safe from harmful UV rays.  Wearing quality sunwear is a year-round requirement for proper eye health. Make sure your children wear polycarbonate lenses, that block at least 99% UVA, B & C rays.

UV rays and reflected glare do not take a holiday when fall and winter months roll around. And since UV damage is cumulative over time, parents need to make sure their precious little ones are adequately protected. UV rays can contribute to the following- cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, photokeratitis, skin cancer around the eye lids, snow blindness- so prevention is key.

Many parents are concerned as to what kids’ products contain BPA. As this pertains to sunglasses, polycarbonate is the lenses most recommended by eye care professionals nationwide. One of the qualities of pc (polycarbonate) material is that it does indeed contain BPA, but it will not be released unless sunglasses are put into a water/liquid over 60 degrees (centigrade). As with all products for kids, parents need to be aware of what their children are doing, as responsible parents do not leave their children alone,  and do not leave them unmonitored.

Buying your children sunglasses that will provide adequate protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays is a necessity, as we all know the damaging effects UV rays have on our precious eyes. It is important to encourage your kids to wear their sunglasses whenever they are outside, even during the winter months, as UV does indeed penetrate clouds.
 
Children are thrilled to sport their sunglasses when they have picked shapes and colors that they like. These days, many of the kids’ sunwear styles mimic the adult fashion trends, so choices for quality sunwear are many. Importantly, every kids wants to look like a “wrap star”, so the wrap styles that protect the sides as well, are the ultimate. Be wary of any lenses that say “blocks uv” without specifying the % UVA &UVB; and please also be wary of any lenses for your kids that are not polycarbonate.

Many families are starting to plan their summer vacations, and for many, this may be the first one. When traveling, aside from rest and relaxation; there are many outdoor activities that families do together, especially with the increasing number of choices of terrific destinations that now encourage parents to bring their kids.
 
Wherever the vacation this year, it is important to remember that hats and sunblock alone will not protect your child totally from the sun and harmful UV rays. It is their precious young eyes that also need to be protected as well, as UV damage to our eyes, is cumulative over time, and contributes to many of the following eye conditions: cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, skin cancers around the eyelids.
 
So while you are packing, please remember to bring along the sunglasses that are of good frame quality… please, none of the inexpensive plastic,” toy-type”  frames … and also make sure the ones you bring are equipped with lenses that are polycarbonate and provide 100% UVA&UVB protection.

We, here at Eyes Cream Shades, pride ourselves, in providing terrific, safe, and “top of the line” products for those 6 months and above… as well as informing the public about “potential” risks/ dangers of other products geared for the same market.
 
We are all about “safety first”  in our own “category” but have always felt compelled to inform  others about what is going on in other markets which target the mom/dad/grandparent consumer for all of their little “loved” ones…..:

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/03/24/infantino-recalls-1-million-baby-slings-after-three-infants-die/?icid=main|main|dl1|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F24%2Finfantino-recalls-1-million-baby-slings-after-three-infants-die%2F

Haiden Surf is riding the waves with new boardies and sunglasses for little surfers everywhere …

Cowabunga little surfers… Haiden Surf is back with a huge splash for 2010. Little Groms can select from new styles of boardies like Hawaiian Ice or Blueberry Panther, and many more sweet flavors. Keeping with their signature funky, bright psychedelic patterns, giraffe spots paired with polka dots and Burberry-inspired plaids this California-manufactured line for infants and toddlers is perfect for the beach, pool or just looking cool. Plus, in order to protect little eyes, Haiden Surf has teamed up with EyesCreamShades to make Sunnies, the perfect sunglasses made with polycarbonate lenses (shatterproof in the sand) that block virtually 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC rays! Available in 2 styles Floater (white) and Epic (black).Their collection also includes pullover short sleeve SPF 50+ rash guards, SPF 50+ rash guard onesies with a zip up front, Hang Ten Flip Flops, and Surfin Trucker hats for infants and toddlers. Haiden Surf clothing is available at www.HaidenSurf.com and many other retail locations. Jen’s List readers get 20% off on the Haiden Surf website with code JENSLIST20. Surfs up!

While Brad and Angelina are often spotted sporting designer high quality sunglasses, their kids are often photographed wearing no sunglasses at all , or they are sometimes spotted wearing “toys” or “novelty” items on their precious little eyes.  Brad and Angie should know better…

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-Rd_F3gdLglE/brad_pitt_angelina_jolie_their_kids_soak_up_the_sun/

The official Top 13 Products of 2009 list from Life Starring Ellie and Eve:

http://www.lifestarringellieandeve.com/13-favorite-products-of-2009-from-the-kids-me/

Eyes Cream Shades Listed on Radar Online’s Gift Guide 2009

http://www.radaronline.com/category/news/pop-culture/lifestyle

This Holiday Season, please be careful if you plan on buying “cute” sunglasses for your little loved ones… especially if you are buying them at drugstores, chain stores, discount stores…

Some of the past recalls have involved children’s’ sunglasses sold at the following:
 
Payless, Walgreen’s, Academy Sports, and CVS stores nationwide
(approx. 144, 000 units from Oct 07- March 07);

Various stores nationwide
(approx 260,000 units from Jan 07- Nov 07);

Party stores, discount dollar stores, hardware stores nationwide
(approx 5300 units from May 07- Aug 08)
 
Remember sunglasses for kids are not “toys” or novelty items, but serve an important health function- protecting children’s’ precious eyes.  In addition to “quality” lenses, please remember the frames must be safe as well.

Many ask us why we do not sell any sunglasses for kids with bands, straps, or cords. This is one of the reasons why… there are potential risks involved with cords and kids.

Just today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Window Shade Safety Council announced a voluntary recall of all Roman blinds and roll up shades that are controlled with a cord. Reports of deaths and near strangulations have occurred in past years, and consumers must be aware.

To help prevent deaths and injuries associated with window coverings, please check out these links, forwarded to us by the Commission:

English

Safety Alert: Are Your Window Coverings Safe?
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5009a.pdf

PSA: Window Covering Hazards
http://www.cpsc.gov/vnr/asfroot/windowcoverings.asx

Spanish

PSA
http://www.cpsc.gov/vnr/asfroot/windowcoveringssp.asx

Safety Alert
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/SPANISH/5009as.pdf