Protect Your Little One This Summer With the Best Baby Sun Hat
Summers are the source of some of the best outdoor memories, with lively weather and sunny days. Families and children of all ages like to plan outings together to make the most of these days. But while such events bring immense entertainment and enjoyment to your baby, there is always a threat of sun damage and exposure to dangerous UV rays.
But you can easily dodge this threat by adding a simple sun hat to your baby’s outfit. Sure, you will still need sunscreen and covered clothes, but using a sun hat can make a big difference to the amount of sun exposure that your child will face. That said, finding that one hat with the right specifications can put you in a tricky spot easily. Check out the top baby sun hats of 2024 that will assist you in finding the best one for your infant.
Choosing the Right Baby Sun Hat: A Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve covered some of the highest-rated options for baby sun hats available on the market in 2024, let’s see how you can find the right one for your child. Here are some factors that you should consider when buying your baby’s hat.
What To Look For in a Baby Sun Hat
Neck flaps
Neck flaps are a unique feature of baby sun hats. These straps extend to the back of the neck like a short cape. By doing so, these add an extra layer of sun protection and also help avoid any tan lines on your cute one’s neck.
So if your baby is prone to tanning and you’re planning a long day in the sun, opt for a sun hat that includes neck flaps too.
Wide brim
The most critical function of any sun hat is to provide sun coverage, and you get that through wide brims that cover your little one’s face. But if you invest in a small brim hat, it won’t give your child the required shade leading to sun exposure.
It is best if you use a standard three-inch brim as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although each baby has a unique head size, this standard wide brim dimension is usually enough to give your child their much-needed sun protection.
UPF rating
When you’re buying a sun hat for your kid, look for one that offers UPF-rated protection. It is a kind of fabric that blocks the UV rays, and by doing so, helps avoid any sun damage.
Adjustability
Another factor that you should look for in a baby sun hat is its adjustability. Not all babies can fit into a standard hat and require some level of adjustment. In such cases, it is convenient to invest in an adjustable hat, as you can resize it according to your baby’s head.
Also, look for hats with chin straps if your little one likes to fuss around head accessories. These straps keep the hat in place so that your kid can’t pull it away, leading to unnecessary sun exposure.
Material
When you’re shopping for a sun hat for your toddler, you have to closely monitor its material. If you choose a hat made from flimsy or uncomfortable fabric, your baby might never wear it. That is why make sure you invest in a lightly woven and easy-to-wear product to get the best use of it.
The Best Baby Sun Hat Models of 2024 in Detail
Green Sprouts – Best Overall
Available in a wide range of nine colors, the Green Sprouts Sun Hat is produced from 100% polyester, boasting excellent versatility and design. It features a neck flap and wide brim to provide your little one with maximum sun protection. The hat is a machine-safe product, and you can easily clean it after use.
The sun hat also comes with a toggle closure feature that keeps it in place even when your baby pulls it. The chin tie adds another layer of protection thus giving you a stress-free day. Your kiddo will have a comfortable experience with a wicking liner around the inside to absorb sweat on hot summer trips to the park. Because of all its great features, we have picked this hat as our top pick among the best baby sun hat in 2022.
Pros
- Available in many colors
- Machine-wash safe
- Includes neck flap and toggle closure
Cons
- Sizing can be difficult for some people
SwimZip – Best Fit
With a UV protection of up to 98%, the SwimZip Baby Sun Hat is available in nine different colors. It offers a drawstring closure to keep the hat in place along with a wide brim for sun coverage. The hat also includes an easy-to-remove neck strap that gives you secure wear every time.
Because this hat is made of quick-dry fabric, it floats in the water in cases of accidental slippage. Also, the corrosion-resistant eyelets stay as shiny as new even after multiple uses. It is a universal product and can be suitable for babies and toddlers of different ages.
Pros
- Drawstring closure for a secure fit
- Easy to pull neck strap to avoid accidents
- 98% UV protection
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a neck flap
SimpliKids – Most Stylish
Manufactured with 100% polyester, this sun hat by SimpliKids is one of the most stylish options available on the market. It is available in 17 different colors and patterns, each unique on its own. Not only that, but the hat also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and keeps your baby safe from sun damage.
It features a wide brim design with a floppy style to keep your baby protected but comfortable during the day. The hat also provides easy fitting with its drawstring closure. Last, it comes with a neck strap that will help you keep it in place when your baby is just isn’t in the mood.
Pros
- Offers UPF 50+ protection
- Breathable and comfortable to use
- Available in multiple colors and patterns
Cons
- Few options for baby boys
HSYZZY – Most Comfortable
Providing sun protection of UPF 50+, this baby sun hat by HSZZY features a bucket design. It is produced with breathable material that is not only suitable for sun protection but comfortable to wear too. The hat has a wide brim to shield your little one’s eyes and comes with a toggle closure to get a secure fit.
Available in eight colors, the hat is lined internally for support as well. Also, it comes with a neck strap that gives you the chance to securely keep it in place.
Pros
- Available in a variety of colors
- Toggle closure and neck strap for a secure fit
- Sun protection of UPF 50+
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean sometimes
Durio – Most Versatile
Available in 24 different colors and prints, this sun hat by Durio is manufactured from 100% cotton material. You can find it in four size options to get the right fit for your little one. It offers sun protection of UPF 50+ and makes a cute companion for sunny days.
Being a standard accessory, easy-to-wear accessory that requires little to no maintenance. When not in use, you can simply fold it away, and the hat will remain wrinkle-free for future use.
Pros
- Blocks 98% UV rays
- Easy to maintain and store product
- Available in a wide variety of designs
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a neck flap
People Also Asked
A: Yes, even when your toddler is wearing fully covered clothes, he still needs sunscreen for optimum sun protection. Adding a sun hat helps shield your baby from unnecessary sun exposure, but he'll still require sunscreen to avoid any sun damage to the exposed skin.
A: Although you will find many adjustable options for your baby’s sun hat, you can still measure your little one’s head using a soft measuring tape. Just put the tape in the center of his head and turn it around to find the right size for his head circumference.
A: No, tiny babies are not supposed to use sunscreens or any other harsh chemicals. In fact, infants with ages from newborn to six months should be kept away from direct sun exposure. So if you have to take your baby in the sun, make sure he’s in some sort of shade and use fully covered clothes to shield him from the heat.
