How can I get my toddler to wear glasses??

January 7th, 2009 by jack
  • My son is not even two and he needs to wear glasses to correct strabismus. He doesn't talk yet, so explaining to him the need to wear glasses in not possible. Is there some recommended training processes I can use? So far, as soon as I put the glasses on him, he pulls them off. I try showing him flashcards so that he can look through the glasses and see the improvement, but he never wears them for more than 15 minutes. Any recommendations? How long should I expect it to take before he wears them regularly?


  • Hi thejenn, It's not uncommon for children to initially show some resistance to wearing glasses. The consensus is to continue to be positive, get good fitting glasses that set the lens in the middle of the eye, they must fit well, distract the child, and try to replace them immediately. If it becomes an issue, your child is young enough for this idea to work: This is totally my idea, but I bet you it works, and quickly! If I were you, I'd play a game with my toddler. Immediately when he takes them off --and wants your attention, say to him... "I can't SEE you! Where ARE YOU? Where's your GLASSES? If you don't wear your glasses (insert nickname) then I can't see you !!" (pretend you can't see him) Make a game of it, and stumble on them if he isn't holding them and pass them to him and say "Where ARE YOU?." Have a piece of his favorite toy in your hand but out-of-reach, and whatever you do, don't reward him with it until you can miraculously SEE him after HE puts his glasses ON. I read a warning not to bribe your child with food, but if I had a fruit snack in my hand, I don't see the harm --unless I am using food as a bribe EVERY time. In any event, that one is your call. Here's the traditional advice: How to Get Your Child to Wear Glasses http://www.ehow.com/how_4585_child-wear-glasses.html Excellent collections of ideas here. Common Pediatric Eye Problems - Glasses for Children http://www.aapos.org/pubresources/glassesforkids.htm Scroll down to: How will I ever get my child to wear glasses? ..."Initially, some children may show some resistance to wearing their glasses, but it is necessary for parents to demonstrate a positive attitude. Toddlers often may wear the glasses only when they are in a good mood and reject them (and everything else) when they are not. Getting a good frame fit by an optician who is experienced in pediatric eyewear is also of great importance..." GLASSES FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN - Dr Justin Mora - Eye Surgeon, Auckland Eye http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/articles/glasses4kids.html SCROLL DOWN TO: How can I keep glasses on my child? ..."It is most important that parents are positive about the glasses. They should not make a big fuss about them but they must encourage the child to believe that the glasses suit him/her. If your child is an infant or toddler, distract him/her after you have put on the glasses. If your child removes them, then replace them immediately. If the child removes them again, then put them aside for a short time and then try again. You must be patient but persistent in having the child wear the glasses..." I hope these ideas help you! If I can be of further assistance in regards to toddlers being resistant to wearing new glasses, please don't hesitate to ask via the "request for clarification" feature. ~~Cynthia Search terms used at Google toddler glasses ~resistance


  • Thanks for your help. I found these articles before I turned to google. But I am looking for a more structured phase-in plan. Are there any recommendations on how frequently I should try the glasses? Three times a day? Every hour? When he is tired? When he is alert? After meals? Before bed? How long should it take for them to be phased in? A few days? weeks? months? I know it is important for children to have patterns, so what pattern is best to encourage glasses? You don't have to write any summaries, but any additional links would be helpful.


  • Hi again, I've been very busy, sorry for the delay. I'd love to get you some additional resources! I have to work through Saturday, then I have several days off. Thanks for your patience.. ~~Cynthia


  • Hi again thejenn, Besides the advice links, I was able to find a couple more ideas that you may find useful. There are 2 products on the market: "Baby Banz" and "My Wraps" Below is an ad for Baby Banz that states the dark (sunglasses) lens can be replaced with prescription lenses: Blue Baby Boy Hat & Baby Banz Combo http://www.geniusbabies.com/blbahatbabac.html Baby BanZ have a trendy wrap-around design with an adjustable neoprene band. Unlike traditional glasses, Baby BanZ are comfortable, so they stay put and look great!!! Made from tough polycarbonate, these glasses will stand up to some tough baby play! They also are of ophthalmic quality, so the lenses can be replaced with prescription lenses. Sizes: Baby sunglasses 15"-17" (38cm-43.2cm) Baby hat up to 18.5" (48cm) Lenses: ~ 100% UVA/UVB Protection ~ Ophthalmic quality; capable of being replaced with prescription lenses ~ 100% Polycarbonate Frames: ~ Durable, 100% Polycarbonate Straps: ~ Neoprene elastic band matches chosen color of sunglasses ~ Allows for flexibility, breath ability and comfort Side adjustable Velcro allows for years of wear as the child grows. ~ They also float! Herte's the page for the sunglasses alone: Blue Baby Boy Banz http://www.geniusbabies.com/blbaboybasu.html Here's a picture of My Wraps at eBay: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1261&item=8308139482&rd=1 The pictures show the front and back (note bottom pic). They are difficult to remove. They have flexible strap around the head, and a soft cord stretches across the back to connect them. They seem to be sunglasses, however, I'm sure they can be ordered with prescription lenses. Perhaps your pediatrician or child's opthamologist can recommend a similar product. Here's the Baby Banz web site: http://www.babybanz.com.au/ ******************************************************************************* You could also try "toupee tape" : The page gives advice to parents of kids with cerebral palsy and hearing loss: http://www.raisingdeafkids.org/special/cp/cp.pdf Try these ideas to keep your child's hearing aids or glasses on: ? Put special tape made for sticking to skin over the hearing aid to keep it on. Look for something called "toupee tape." ? Keep glasses on with a headband. Here's a page with a the "TopStick" brand of toupee tape: Topstick Tape And Vapon Hairpiece Accessories http://www.adiscountbeauty.com/page137.html Another: http://123wigs.com/wigstore/accessories/view.asp?id=600024 The page that recommended the TopStick brand said to cut the tape in thin strips and affix the glasses to the side of the face, before the ear with the tape. ******************************************************************************* Here's a summary of all the advice: 1) Be positive. 2) Good frame fit, frame should be very comfortable with the eye centered in the middle of the lens. Many children?s frames have soft, comfort-cables that fit around the ears. 3) Lenses made of a material called polycarbonate will provide the best protection for your child because this lens material is shatterproof. 4) Find some stories or picture books that show children wearing glasses or that deal with the issue of getting glasses. 5) If your child removes them, then replace them immediately. If the child removes them again, then put them aside for a short time and then try again. You must be patient but persistent in having the child wear the glasses. 6) Clean the lenses regularly ' your child is more likely to keep them on if she can actually see through them. Show her how to clean them herself if she's old enough. 7) If you don't wear glasses regularly, consider getting some empty frames to wear around your child, just to show that you will willingly wear glasses too. 8) Distract him/her after you have put on the glasses. 9) Resort to bribery if needed. Many kids like stickers. ******************************************************************************* Additional links: How do I keep glasses/patches on my baby? http://www.growingstrong.org/rop/glasses.html Several "letters to a doctor" here. GLASSES FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/articles/glasses4kids.html 10 Tips for Buying Kids' Eyewear http://www.allaboutvision.com/buysmart/kidseyewear.htm I hope these new suggestions work! ~~Cynthia Additional search terms used at Google: toddler glasses ~resistance -impact "takes off" glasses accessories baby







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