Sun hats protect from the sun’s UV rays by using UPF protection in the material. Additionally, consider handy features, like an adjustable chin strap, to ensure the hat stays on your child’s head. We considered design, sun protection, style, material, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. Machine washable and made from UPF 50+ organic cotton, the snap straps are hard for little hands to open, so it’s sure to stay in place. The styling means the hat is easy to use in front or rear-facing car seats, baby carriers, or even as a discreet and helpful cover while breastfeeding. Size Range: 6 months (infant) to X-Large (big kid) | Material: Cotton | Machine Washable: Yes (However, certain bonnets must be hand-washed) | Price at time of publication: $42 Size Range: Newborn to 12 years old | Material: Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes | Price at time of publication: $21 The drawstring helps secure the hat on your babe’s head for a perfect fit. There’s a tie strap, so this may be best for younger kids or those who won’t be tempted to untie the straps and remove the hat constantly. Size Range: Newborn to 4-Toddler | Material: Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes | Price at time of publication: $14 Flexible and easy to pack in a beach bag, the hat is also buoyant, so it’ll float in the water in the rare case that it comes off. Choose from different colors and three sizes for a perfect fit. Size Range: Newborn to Youth | Material: Nylon and polyester | Machine Washable: No | Price at time of publication: $28 Summery colors give any baby a sweet burst of style, and the baseball brim and wide neck flap ensure the baby’s delicate skin is fully protected. Size Range: Newborn to 4-Toddler | Material: Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes | Price at time of publication: $15
What to Look for in Sun Hats for Babies and Toddlers
Strap Security
You’ll want to keep your child’s hat on their head as long as possible without them or the wind ripping it off. Sun hats for babies and toddlers often feature chin straps that tie underneath the chin to secure the hat for a better fit. Consider your kiddo’s age when choosing the right hat to ensure you’re picking one they can’t easily snatch off. Younger babies don’t have the dexterity to untie a tied strap, but toddlers may find nothing more fun than pulling on those strings. Older babies and toddlers will have a tougher time with Velcro or snap straps.
Type of Coverage
The type of coverage your little one will need for a sun hat can depend on the activity you plan on participating in. Some hats provide more coverage from the sun on the neck, while others focus sun protection on the face. For example, if your baby sits in a stroller, a sun hat with just a front flap will be easier to wear and more comfortable. On the other hand, if your kiddo is busy at the beach, playground, or park, aim for a hat that provides 360-degree coverage and will block your baby’s face, ears, and neck from the sun’s rays.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. As soon as they spend days outdoors, sunscreen and sun hats are essentials. Her older boys love to sport baseball hats, while her girl will still rock a sweet sunbonnet. Maya varies between a well-loved visor, a big rattan sun hat, and one of her kids’ baseball caps.
