The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your baby’s skin, so it’s important to use some form of sun protection when outside. While sunscreen is a great way to shield your kids from the sun’s harmful effects, it isn’t recommended for babies younger than six months old.
But protective clothing—like a sun hat—can help keep your little one safe from the sun’s harmful rays. It can be tough to determine the best baby sun hat for your little one, so we reviewed some of our favorites. Here are Truly Mama’s top picks for some of the best baby sun hats on the market.
iPlay Breathable Flap Swim & Sun Hat
This baby sun hat is made with UPF 50+ fabric, meaning it’s been proven to block out 98% of ultraviolet rays. Its legionnaire-style extension on the back also protects your baby’s neck from the sun, and the waterproof foam brim keeps its structure when wet, so you don’t have to worry about it falling down over your baby’s eyes.
It can sometimes be a struggle to keep a hat on your baby’s head, but this one comes with a chin strap that helps it stay in place, and the elastic backing means you can adjust the size as your baby grows. With this hat’s light, breathable and quick-drying material, it’s perfect for water play, topping our list as Truly Mama’s overall pick for best baby sun hat.
Simplicity Hat Bucket Baby Sun Hat
If you’re looking for big sun hats for babies, give this one a try—its wide brim sets it apart, helping to ensure your baby’s face, ears and neck are covered. This hat also offers UPF 50+ ultraviolet protection, adjustable elastic for sizing, and a chin strap to hold the hat in place, making it Truly Mama’s best pick for an active and on the go baby. Plus, breathable fabric helps keep your baby cool.
ModBonnet
With a wide variety of adorable prints to choose from, this reversible bonnet is Truly Mama’s top fashion pick. The chin strap has adjustable snaps so you can ensure a snug fit, and the seamed brim also allows you to fold back as much or as little fabric as you’d like depending on the level of sun coverage you need.
An extended brim makes it ideal for babies in rear-facing car seats and strollers, and because it’s made with UPF 50+ fabric, your baby will be shielded from the sun’s harmful rays. Best of all, this hat is machine-washable and made in the U.S. by work-from-home women, so you’ll be directly supporting other moms by purchasing.
Baby Swim Flap Hat
This baby sun protection hat has a long extension in the back and a ball cap design on the front, so it protects your little one’s neck and face. Without a chin strap, this choice might be best for toddlers or older kids who are more likely to leave it alone, but it does have an elastic back to fit snugly on your child’s head.
This hat comes in several cute patterns, and its breathable, UPF 50 + stretch swim fabric moves with your kiddo, making it Truly Mama’s top pick for comfort.
The Funky Bucket By Swimlid
This choice is a little more expensive than some of the other sun hat options, but it offers both style and functionality. Made with UPF 50+ nylon and spandex, this hat conforms to snugly fit your child’s head and its design makes it less likely to fall off when your child runs.
With this hat, the right fit is key, so it may not be the best option for many years of use, but this one is Truly Mama’s top choice for traveling because it lays flat and isn’t bulky, so you can easily toss it into your beach bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my baby need to wear a sun hat with UPF?
Not necessarily. A sun hat with a UPF certification means it has been tested and proven to block out a percentage of ultraviolet rays, but you can find other fabrics that will also protect your little one. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing clothes made with a tight weave. You can hold the fabric up to the light to see how tight the weave is and evaluate how much light shines through. The less light you see, the more protection the fabric will offer from the sun.
How do I keep my baby’s sun hat on?
Sometimes your child will resist wearing a hat no matter what you do. But there are some ways you can help your baby get used to it. First, it’s important to get the right fit and make sure the hat is comfortable for your baby. You can also get a hat with a chin strap and adjustable elastic to make the fit more snuggly. Starting early with making a sun hat a regular part of your baby’s routine can also help decrease battles over wearing one down the road.
