Banz

Hearing Protection and UV Sunglasses for Children. 

Banz was founded in Australia in 2001 by Bevan Beames, who wanted safe sunglasses for his newborn and discovered, with some surprise, that no one had made any. He teamed up with his friend Chris Albonico, they made a prototype, and what started as Baby Banz — one product, one frustrated parent, one reasonable idea — has since expanded into Banz Carewear for Kids: a full range of children's sun and hearing protection, sold across multiple markets, with the UK operation quietly getting on with it in Sparkford, Somerset. Over two decades later, the brand remains largely invisible to parents until the precise moment it becomes extremely relevant.

The earmuffs are the standout — over-ear hearing defenders designed for babies and toddlers from three months upward, with foam-filled cushions, a padded headband, and noise reduction ratings meeting ANSI S3.19 and EN352-1 standards. For concerts, fireworks, motorsport, and anywhere else that a small person has been brought along without quite appreciating what they were agreeing to. The sunglasses are UV400, Category 3, CE certified to EN ISO 12312-1, with ophthalmic-quality flexible lenses and neoprene straps engineered to stay on the head of a child who would actively prefer they didn't. Swimwear, UPF-rated sun hats, and a new picnicware range complete the picture — a brand that has spent twenty-plus years thinking carefully about the outdoors so that parents can think about it rather less.

Explore our wider Baby and Kids edit, or browse our dedicated Baby and Kids Clothing collection. For independent brands chosen for their values, explore Sustainable Brands and Shop by Purpose, or find considered gift ideas through our Gifts for Her guide.