How to Get a Baby to Wear Glasses

By Amber Keefer on December 10, 2010

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Even young infants can have vision problems.

Glasses can help a child develop normal vision as she grows. Therefore, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all babies have their eyes examined between the age of 6 months and 1 year. In some cases, a child may need her first pair of glasses when she is only a few months old. Parents shouldn't worry, though, as even infants and toddlers will wear eyeglasses without much trouble once they realize how much better they can see.

Step 1

Get your child properly fitted for the glasses. The frames should be comfortable for your baby's eyes, ears and nose. A child's eyes should be centered in the lenses. Buy frames that fit your child on the day she is being fitted rather than choosing frames she can grow into.

Step 2

Draw attention to other members of your family who wear glasses. If you or your spouse wears glasses, it may help to tell your child that he looks like Mommy or Daddy when he is wearing his glasses.

Step 3

Point out any of your child's favorite television or cartoon characters that wear glasses. Read your child storybooks that have pictures of children wearing glasses. Your child may actually like wearing glasses if she can identify with others who do.

Step 4

Have your child wear his glasses only for short periods of time at first. If he takes them off, wait a bit before you put them back on. Toddlers will often wear glasses without a fight when they are well-rested and in a good mood. Give your child a reward each time he succeeds at keeping his glasses on for a certain length of time.

Step 5

Hold the glasses in place with an elastic band that reaches behind your child's head. Just watch so that your baby doesn't try to grab the glasses off by pulling at them from the front.

Step 6

Fuss over your baby whenever she is wearing her glasses. Let her know how cute she looks. Take pictures of your child wearing her glasses. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping a baby adjust to wearing eyeglasses.

About the Author

Amber Keefer has more than 25 years' experience working in the fields of human services and health care administration. Writing professionally since 1997, she has written articles covering health, fitness and women's issues published in Family Digest Magazine, Chicago Parent and Woman's Touch. Keefer holds a B.A. from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in health care management from Baker College.

References

Babies With Glasses: How to Get Your Child to Wear Glasses

KidsGrowth.com: Getting Kids to Wear Their Glasses

American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: Glasses for Children

St. John Providence Health System: Glasses Can Help Even Young Children

Tips

Acknowledge that your baby needs to wear glasses. Avoid denial when a health care provider recommends corrective lenses for your child. Once you accept that your baby must wear glasses, you can then help your child to make the adjustment.