Kids Accessories for NZ Summer

Summer in Aotearoa hits different.

Longer days, stronger sun, bare feet on warm concrete, beach bags permanently by the door and kids who want to be outside from sunrise to sunset. As much as we love NZ summer, it also brings real challenges for little bodies: intense UV, heat, glare, and the kind of weather that demands more than just cute outfits.

That’s where kids accessories come in.

The right accessories don’t just finish an outfit—they help kids stay cool, comfortable, and protected, without slowing them down. At Crumb, we believe kids accessories should feel just like our clothing: easy, functional, comfortable, and effortlessly cool.

As we get ready to launch our kids sunglasses and kids caps (available very soon), we are going to break down the kids accessories that actually matter during a New Zealand summer, why they’re important, how they help, and what to look for when choosing pieces your kids will genuinely wear.

Considering Kids Accessories in the Summer

New Zealand has some of the highest UV levels in the world. Even on overcast days, the sun can be harsh—and kids feel it faster than adults. Their skin is more sensitive, their eyes let in more UV light, and their bodies heat up quickly when they’re on the move.

Accessories play a quiet but powerful role in summer comfort. The right ones help:

• Reduce direct sun exposure

• Protect young eyes from glare and UV

• Keep heads cooler during outdoor play

• Support healthy sun habits from an early age

When accessories are comfortable and well-designed, kids don’t fight them—they just become part of everyday summer life.

Kids Sunglasses: Small Accessory, Big Protection

Why Sunglasses Matter for Kids (and Babies)

Kids sunglasses aren’t a fashion extra—they’re a practical essential. Children’s eyes are still developing and are more vulnerable to UV damage than adult eyes. Add in bright sand, concrete, water glare, and long days outdoors, and eye protection becomes a must.

Good kids sunglasses help by:

• Blocking harmful UV rays (UV400 sunglasses))

• Reducing glare on bright summer days (category 3 polarised lenses)

• Preventing squinting and eye strain

• Making outdoor time more comfortable overall

For babies and toddlers, sunglasses also help soften harsh light during pram walks, beach days, or afternoons outside.

What to Look for in Kids Sunglasses for NZ Summer

Not all kids sunglasses are built for real life. For active kids and hot summer days, look for sunglasses that are:

• Lightweight — so they don’t press on little noses or slide off

• Comfortable — no sharp edges or stiff materials

• Durable — able to handle drops, bends, and everyday chaos

• Secure — especially for younger kids who are always on the move

The goal is sunglasses kids forget they’re wearing—until they take them off and realise how bright it actually is.

Cool Enough That Kids Keep Them On

Let’s be real: kids won’t wear anything they don’t like. That’s why design matters just as much as function.

When sunglasses feel modern, fun, and a little bit grown-up, kids are far more likely to keep them on. It’s the same philosophy we use across all Crumb pieces—comfort first, but always with style baked in.

Our upcoming kids sunglasses are designed to slot straight into summer outfits without feeling fussy or overdone. Easy to wear, easy to love. Plus with the retainer straps, you are sure that our sunglasses will have a more snug fit for your kids and babies.

Kids Caps: Shade That Breathes

Why Caps Are a Summer Go-To

A good cap does a lot of work in summer. It shades faces, protects scalps, and helps regulate body temperature—especially when kids are running, climbing, and refusing to sit still.

Caps are a staple for:

• Beach days and pool trips

• Playground sessions

• Walks, pram rides, and road trips

• Everyday summer errands

What Makes a Good Kids Cap?

Not all caps are summer-friendly. For warm NZ days, the best kids caps are:

• Breathable, so heat can escape

• Lightweight, not stiff or heavy

• Soft and flexible, so they’re comfortable all day

• Adjustable, to grow with your child

Caps should feel easy—not something kids can’t wait to rip off.

Designed to Be Worn (Not Just Looked At)

At Crumb, we don’t design for mannequins. We design for kids who sit on the ground, spill snacks, nap in car seats, and wear the same favourite piece on repeat.

Our kids caps are designed with that same mindset—practical, comfortable, and clean in style, so they work with everything from summer sets to swimwear and everyday fits.

Other Summer Accessories That Help Kids Stay Cool

While sunglasses and caps do the heavy lifting, a few other accessories can make summer days smoother:

Water Bottles

Hydration is key. Easy-to-use bottles encourage kids to drink more often, especially during active play.

Lightweight Bags

Small backpacks or tote-style bags are perfect for hats, snacks, sunscreen, or spare clothes when you’re out for the day.

Breathable Socks

Lightweight socks help prevent sweaty feet and irritation during hot afternoons.

All these pieces work together to support kids through long, busy summer days.

Building Sun-Smart Habits Early

One of the biggest benefits of kids accessories is habit-building.

When sunglasses and caps are part of everyday outfits, sun protection becomes normal—not something kids resist or forget. Over time, kids learn to grab their hat, put on their sunnies, and understand why they matter.

In a country like New Zealand, those habits last a lifetime.

The Crumb Approach to Kids Accessories

Crumb was born on the streets of Aotearoa with a simple idea: kids deserve clothes (and accessories) that keep up with them.

Our design philosophy doesn’t change when it comes to accessories:

• Comfort always comes first

• Built for movement and real life

• Unisex, inclusive, and easy to wear

• Bold but wearable—nothing try-hard

Our upcoming kids sunglasses and kids caps are an extension of that same thinking. They’re designed for summer days that are loud, messy, active, and fun.

FAQs: Kids Accessories for NZ Summer

Why are kids accessories important in NZ summer?

New Zealand’s UV levels are extremely high in the summer. Accessories like sunglasses and caps help protect kids’ eyes and skin while keeping them cooler and more comfortable outdoors.

At what age can kids start wearing sunglasses?

Kids can wear sunglasses from a very young age, as long as they fit well and feel comfortable. Early eye protection helps reduce long-term UV exposure. We have kids sunglasses that come with retainer straps for that snug fit.

Do babies really need sunglasses?

Yes. Babies’ eyes are especially sensitive to light and glare. Sunglasses can help protect developing eyes during pram walks and outdoor time.

How do caps help keep kids cool?

Caps provide shade for the face and head, reducing direct sun exposure. Breathable designs also help heat escape, which supports better temperature regulation.

Are kids accessories just about style?

Style helps kids want to wear them, but function comes first. The best accessories combine comfort, protection, and design that fits into everyday life.

Can accessories replace sunscreen?

No. Accessories work alongside sunscreen, not instead of it. Together, they help reduce overall sun exposure.

When will Crumb’s kids sunglasses and caps be available?

Very soon. They’re designed specifically for NZ summers and active little lifestyles—keep an eye out.

Summer, Done the Crumb Way

Summer should feel easy for kids and parents.

The right kids accessories help little ones stay cool, protected, and free to move, without constant reminders or adjustments. When accessories are comfortable and thoughtfully designed, paired with Crumb kids summer outfits, kids just get on with being kids.

With Crumb’s kids sunglasses and kids caps launching soon, summer accessories are about to get a whole lot cooler in every sense of the word.