Using a sun hat is a perfect way to protect your baby’s head, neck, and shoulders from getting too much sun. UVA and UVB rays can quickly burn a baby’s delicate skin and increase the risk of skin damage later in life. We’ve done the research and poured over the many online reviews. We’ve got all the specs that you need to make the best choice!
Best Baby Sun Hats
The Rambler Hat, pureborn hat, and SimpliKids sun hat are the highest rated baby sun hats with 5-stars compared to the other sun hats below.
SimpliKids Wide Brim Baby Sun Hat
The SimpliKids Wide Brim Baby Sun Hat is made for infants 0-12 months and provides protection all the way around their heads.
It has sun protection of UPF 50+ UV. The white material is reflective and keeps the hat cooler than colored hats. The strap is long enough to leave room for growth and does a good job of keeping the hat on.
pureborn Newborn Unisex Baby Sun Hat
The pureborn Newborn Unisex Baby Sun Hat has a cute design with elephants and truly is made just for newborns accommodating 0 to 3 month-olds. This hat is low cost and made from a soft, fully cotton material.
Swimzip Adjustable Sun Hat
Another hat with safety in mind is the Swimzip Adjustable Sun Hat. This hat features an adjustable head strap and chin strap, breathable mesh near the top, a breakaway chin strap, and also floats. With similar features as our previous option, this is also a great choice for ultimate sun protection with a UPF rating of 50.
This hat does not get floppy over time or with wetness and is comfortable for young babies or independent toddlers, while still keeping them fully protected from the dangers of the sun. The child sunhat also grows with your child and will last for many years. The brand features a variety of color options and sizes.
Why You Will Love This
- Floats
- UPF 50
- Safety Features, Including Breakaway Chin Strap
- Adjustable and Will Grow With Your Child
- Wide Brim
Considerations
- Chin Strap Opens Too Easily
- Sizing Issues
N’Ice Reversible Aussie Kids Sun Hat
What is better than getting one great sun hat? Well, two great sun hats, of course. Actually, the N’Ice Caps Kids Reversible Aussie Sun Protection HatN’Ice Reversible Aussie Sun Hat is two hats in one. Each hat also adjusts to three sizes to accommodate growing children.
This cute hat comes in a variety of size and color options to fit your baby’s personality or favorite wardrobe. The color options will work for boys or girls.
Knowing the hat will last for years makes it worth even more for the low price you will pay. Elastic straps are used to keep the hat secure on your child’s head and being able to flip it inside out to change colors is fun and convenient for parents and children. The manufacturer does not state the UPF protection factor, but the dual layers mean adequate protection regardless.
Why You Will Love This
- Variety of Size and Color Options
- Low Price
- Adjustable
- Reversible
Considerations
- Straps Break Easily
- Easy for Kids to Remove From Their Heads
- Insufficient Ventilation, Especially with the Dual Layer Material
Tuga Reversible Bucket Sun Hat
These hats, designed in sunny California, come in fun colors and prints that make them stand out and shine. The Tuga Reversible Bucket Hat features a UPF rating of 50, meaning that no sunscreen is needed on covered areas and caretakers will not have to worry about sunburned heads, faces or necks while wearing this hat.
The sizing of these hats is based on the head circumference to ensure a good fit for your little one. The hat is reversible to give parents and kids two different options when wearing a sun hat. It includes an adjustable/removable chin strap which is helpful for kids who won’t tolerate something under-tied under their chin. The sun hat is also free of sunscreen chemicals and is safe for sensitive skin.
You can also check out the best lotions for baby that are great for keeping sensitive skin soft and moisturized.
Why You Will Love This
- Reversible
- Removable Chin Strap
- Very cute!
- Adjustable Chin Strap
- Color and Pattern Options
- UPF 50+
- Sunscreen Chemical Free
Considerations
- Sides are a Bit Floppy
- Colors May Bleed in Chlorinated Waters
- Lack of Ventilation
My Swim Baby Sun Hat
If simplicity is what makes you happy, this is the hat for you. At a very affordable price the My Swim Baby Sun Hat gives you all the basic features. It is lightweight, reversible, and can be machine washed. The hat comes in a variety of reversible colors that coordinate with the swim diapers by the same brand.
It is water-resistant and the brim goes all the way around, keeping baby protected. It can be tied under baby’s chin to keep it secure while playing in the water or outside. This is a great child sunhat for someone who just needs basic sun protection for a little one.
Why You Will Love This
- Inexpensive
- Coordinates with Swim Diapers From the Same Brand
- Water-Resistant
- Reversible
- Cute fabric style
- Fun Colors/Patterns (especially if you need a toddler boy beach hat!)
Considerations
- No Neck Coverage
- Does not have an adjustable toggle
- Thin Material Allows Some Sun Exposure
Outdoor Research Kids’ Rambler Sun Hat
This is a classic sun hat that looks sharp when worn. The Outdoor Research Kid’s Rambler Hat is great for 360-degree sun protection. The wide brim protects the back and shoulders as well as the face. With the adjustable straps, you can keep the hat right where it belongs.
These hats come in several color and size options to fit kids of many different ages and sizes. The foam-stiffened brim makes the hat float if it should get dropped in the water and it also has a breakaway chin strap for safety. With a UPF 30 rating, it will provide good protection against the sun’s harmful rays. These also come in adult sizes if you want one for yourself.
Why You Will Love This
- Very Large Brim for Protection
- Color Options Available
- UPF 30+
- Breakaway Chin Strap
Considerations
- Difficulty Knowing Which Size to Choose
Best Baby Sun Hats with Extra Protection
All three of these sun hats offer neck protection and are UPF 50+. The Sunday Afternoon hat is the only sun hat that is rated 5-stars compared to the other two below.
Sunday Afternoons Kid’s Play Hat
This wide-brimmed sunhat with a neck guard will safely keep the sun off your baby. With a variety of color options, you can choose the perfect one to fit your little one. They also come in three sizes to accommodate children of many ages. Each hat is also adjustable and is sure to last a long time, even as your child grows.
The brim features a floating foam core to keep it on top of the water and the veil on the back fully shields your baby’s neck from the dangerous rays of the sun. It also has a breakaway chin strap for safety and breathable mesh to keep your baby’s head cool. With the ultimate measure of 50 UPF protection, this SPF baby hat will protect your baby even on the sunniest days.
The Sunday Afternoons Kid’s Play Hat is our favorite and #1 pick, due to their many safety features, durability, and ability to grow with your child. This hat is a fabulous value for the money
Why You Will Love This
- Highest UPF Protection Available
- Breakaway Chin Strap
- Adjustable Chin Strap
- Adjustable Toggle
- Cooling Mesh
- Variety of Colors/Patterns
- Dries Quickly
Considerations
- Sizing Issues
- Pricey for a Hat
iPlay Breatheasy Sun Hat
When you need a hat that is breathable, has a flap to protect baby’s neck, and can be securely tied under the chin, this is a good choice. The iPlay Breatheasy Sun Hat features a brim that holds its shape, even while wet, a light breathable polyester material, and is machine-washable for convenience.
The elastic across the back allows for a secure fit on the baby’s head, and the stay-put tie strap keeps the hat in place during play, in the wind, or even when being tugged on. It provides sufficient coverage of the head, face, neck, and sides of the face for great sun protection.
Why You Will Love This
- Simple Design
- Cute for either young boys or girls
- Does Not Droop In Eyes When Wet
- Neck Cover for Infants and Toddlers
- Durable Material
- Machine-Washable
Considerations
- Colors are not Vibrant
- Chin Straps Eventually Break Off
FURTALK Baby Sun Hat UPF 50+ UV Ray Sun Protection Cotton Toddler Hats for Boys Girls Grey
The FURTALK Baby Sun Hat has the equivalent sun protection as the Simplikids hat but is made from 95% cotton and a bit of spandex. The slider chin strap is a bit easier than tie strings and stays on better if your baby is pulling at it.
This hat comes in two sizes. The first size handles newborn’s through two-year-olds and the second size fits toddlers 2 to 3 years old. The material is soft to the touch and machine washable.
Baby Sun Hats Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed.
The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with
the product compared to others in the table.Sunday Afternoons Kid's Play Hat 8.2 9.6 31.73 Swimzip Adjustable Sun Hat 9.9 9.4 19.99 N'Ice Reversible Aussie Kids Sun Hat 6.5 9.0 19.99 iPlay Breatheasy Sun Hat - 9.4 17.32 SimpliKids Wide Brim Baby Sun Hat 9.6 9.6 16.99 Outdoor Research Kids' Rambler Sun Hat 4.8 9.4 16.98 FURTALK Baby Sun Hat UPF 50+ UV Ray Sun Protection Cotton Toddler Hats for Boys Girls Grey 9.8 9.4 14.99 Tuga Reversible Bucket Sun Hat 3.9 9.2 13.99 pureborn Newborn Unisex Baby Sun Hat 9.1 9.6 11.95 My Swim Baby Sun Hat 5.1 9.2 8.95
What to Look For When Choosing a Baby Sun Hat
We all know that too much sun isn’t good for us, especially when it results in painful sunburns or blisters. This is even more challenging when dealing with babies who have extra tender skin. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends the use of wide-brimmed hats and lightweight clothing to protect a baby’s skin.
Having a great sun hat is one way to protect your baby from getting too much sun, whether you’re at the park, on a picnic, or laying out on the beach. Here are some features to look for when choosing the right hat for your baby.
In our house, we have an extra sun cap around because we always seem to lose one.
UPF Protection
UPF refers to the number of UV rays the clothing can block out. A level 50+ is considered the ultimate in protection and will adequately protect against sunburns. Be cautious of hats without a UPF rating. These may not be enough to protect your little one’s skin.
Chin Straps
Most babies and toddlers won’t keep a hat on voluntarily. The wind is also a factor that can steal away a hat and expose your baby to the sun’s rays. Adjustable chin straps keep the hat securely in place against a variety of forces. Straps with a push-in toggle are particularly easy to use. This is pretty much a necessity in a hat.
Air Flow
Wearing a hat, especially for a long summer day at the beach can make a baby hot and sweaty. Make sure that the hat has a good amount of airflow or remove that hat regularly to prevent overheating and sweat build up inside the hat.
Wide Brim
Having a wide brim will protect a baby’s eyes and face, as well as neck and head from any sun exposure to these areas and offers relief from sun glare as well.
Neck Flap
A neck flap will further protect a baby’s neck from exposure. No matter which direction a baby turns the flap will remain in place. This is important since the neck is particularly vulnerable to sunburn.
Style
While you are looking for functional protection why not take advantage of summer hats with stylish fabric that looks cute for those memorable beach days?
Don’t forget to protect baby in the water with a good baby life jacket!
