Getting a toddler to wear glasses can be very different from getting an older child to wear their glasses. Younger children often do not understand the value of glasses, and many will take off their glasses and leave them laying around the house.
If your toddler is new to glasses wearing and you have a hard time getting your toddler to wear their glasses consistently, these tips can help.
1. Use a Glasses Strap
A glasses strap may help keep your toddler's glasses on their head, even if your child is inclined to take their glasses off. Get an elastic glasses strap and keep the strap on your child's glasses. When choosing a glasses strap, test it on your child to be sure the strap you choose isn't too tight.
2. Fit the Glasses Properly
When your child first gets glasses, work with your child's eye doctor to ensure that the glasses you choose fits your child's face. When the time comes to pick up your child's glasses, have the eye doctor adjust the frames so they can stay on comfortably.
3. Try Them on at a Good Time
Make the first time your child tries on their glasses a good experience. When your child's glasses are ready to be picked up from the eye doctor, wait until your child is in a good mood to try them on. For some children, a good time of day is right after a meal or after naptime.
4. Make Sure They're Worn Every Day
Have your child wear their glasses at least once every day, but do not force your child to wear their glasses for longer than they can tolerate. Turning this process into a battle may make your child more resistant to wearing glasses at all.
5. Increase the Wear Time Each Day
If your child is unable to wear their glasses all day long, encourage them to wear their glasses for a longer period of time each day. Do this step until your child can wear their glasses for several hours at a stretch.
6. Keep Your Child Distracted
Some toddlers will find it most difficult to keep their glasses on their face when they have nothing else to think about. Keep your toddler distracted in the first several days; this will help prevent your child from tearing their glasses off.
To distract you child, try giving your child something new to play with, or allow your child to watch a favorite television program, play games with your child, or read to your child from their favorite book. As your child gets used to their new glasses, you'll need to spend less and less time distracting them.
7. Be Positive
Children respond to a positive attitude. When putting glasses on your child's face, smile. Use a soothing voice. Tell your child how much you appreciate their glasses.
8. Provide Rewards
Set goals for your child. For example, you might set the goal that your child will keep their glasses on for at least fifteen minutes. If your child keeps their glasses on for that length of time, give your child a small reward.
9. Work with a Professional Eye Doctor
Your child's professional eye doctor can help you get your child used to their new glasses. In addition, your child's eye doctor can do their part to ensure that your child's glasses are comfortable, so your child will enjoy wearing them.
At SouthPark Optical Center, we're happy to give you suggestions that will help your child adjust to their new glasses. Call us today for more information or to set up an appointment.
