Baby Banz were first introduced to American customers in 2002 and their unique wrap-around style and 100% UV protective lenses have set the standard in the industry.   Like a lot of the best products out there, Baby Banz was created by a parent who searched in vain to find a product to fill their child’s need and, when there wasn’t one on the market, he invented it himself.  The key to their products’ success is not only the safety feature of protecting the eyes of children from the (increasing) harmful rays of the sun, but that they’re actually comfortable for your child to wear!

Growing up in New England, I spent much of my winters running around in the snow:  sledding, throwing snowballs, making snow angels and everything else that had to do with snow.  Anyone who has spent much time in the powdery cold stuff will tell you about how difficult – and painful – it can be to try to see when the sun is out and there’s snow on the ground!  For the uninitiated, snow reflects about 80% of the UV radiation (compared to a beach 15% or sea foam 25% (source)) and when the sun shines on freshly fallen snow, it literally hurts your eyes.

While this will be Anna’s third winter, it will be the first one in which she actively participates.  Every year so far, she has had a visceral reaction to the snow – sometimes irritated by it, sometimes disgusted by it – but she has yet to actually enjoy it.  For the record, I’m not a huge snow person myself, but I’ve been making a conscious effort the past few years to try very hard to enjoy the snow and make it fun for Anna, but so far it just hasn’t worked.  What makes me think this year will be different?  Well, this year she’s excited and talking about the snow already.  She talks about sledding and making snowmen and I’m so excited to try again this winter!

One of my main concerns was Anna’s eyes in the snow.  Anna has eyes like mine – very light blue – and people with light colored eyes often have larger pupils, which let in more light (source), making bright lights painful.  So I was worried that I might get her all excited to go out in the snow, dressed up in 3398473 layers of clothes and the second we step outside she’ll be blinded by the light and the snow and we’ll have to pack it in.  Ever seen A Christmas Story, when Ralphie’s mom bundles up his brother Randy so tightly that his arms can’t move (see VIDEO)?  That’s going to be Anna this year.  (come back in a few months for pictures!)

My second concern was comfort.  Let’s face it – she’s a toddler.  If she doesn’t like something, then she’s not going to be patient and open to a new experience.  I know, I know…comfortable eyewear that your child will actually keep on their head?  Impossible.  It sounds mythical – much like the fabled socks that will actually stay on Anna’s feet – but the Ski Banz were comfortable enough that she wanted to wear them all day while in the house – I’m sure she’ll be just as thrilled to wear them out in the snow!

Need more convincing?  Here’s a sobering statistic: Until the age of 8-9 years old, a child has no filters in the eye to block out UV light.  And, in fact, if you were thinking that perhaps just any ol’ sunglasses will do, they could actually be doing more damage than good!  Tinted lenses allow more light into the eye – if your child’s eye hasn’t matured, the additional UV light could be impairing your child’s vision.

Interestingly, the Inuit used to carve “snow goggles” from caribou antlers to help prevent snow blindness.  The goggles were cut to allow a large groove in the back for the nose and a long slit in the front enabled the user to see, granting just enough light to function but not discouraging UV rays to get through.  The Inuit used a cord made of caribou sinew to hold the goggles on the wearer’s head – very similar to the design of the Ski Banz!

Ski Banz come in three cool colors and are for ages 3-7.  If swimming is more your thing, check out their UV Swim Goggles or their UV Swimwear!  If you know a kid, there’s a Baby Banz item that’s just perfect for them.  These would be a great stocking stuffer or a great way to tell the kids that you’re going on vacation as a holiday gift!  But if you plan on hitting the slopes, riding on a sled or spending any time in the snow this winter, do yourself (and your child) a favor and get a pair of Ski Banz.  Not only are they comfortable, but they’ll keep their eyes safe – and look adorable doing it!

WIN IT! One winner will win a pair of Ski Banz (ARV $15)!   To enter, please tell me which color Ski Banz you would choose if you won  AND become a subscriber of this site (if you aren’t already).  You MUST confirm your subscription for it to count!  I check all entries and if you are not a subscriber, your comment will be deleted.  That’s it!

Comments will close on November 22, 2009 at 10 PM EST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). Open to US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement of the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

***Apparently, some of you need a refresher course in your giveaway manners.  If you need a clue or have noticed your two-word entries being deleted, please see my previous blog post on What Not to Do When Entering Giveaways before entering.  All entries that are simply “enter me”, “wow”, “great prize”etc or entries that do not follow the directions for how to enter will be deleted and you will not be notified.  Take your ignorance elsewhere.***

Baby Banz did provide my family with product samples so that I could experience the products and share my thoughts with my readers.  All opinions expressed here are my own or that of my family and are not influenced in any way by any form of compensation.

Extra Credit:

Visit my husband’s site and enter any of his giveaways!  One extra entry per giveaway.

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