14 Baby and Toddler Sun Hats to Keep Them Safe on Sunny Days
May 10, 2022
Mad hatters? Not with these adorable baby sun hats! With outdoor adventures just around the corner, your little one is going to need a decent spring and summer hat, which is why we’ve rounded up the cutest ones on the market. And, because sun safety is important for kids of all ages, we’ve included a few toddler sun hats too.
Of course, these baby and toddler sun hats aren’t just stylish. With long, wide and floppy brims, almost all of the kids’ sun hats on this list are designed to protect against the sun’s glorious but potentially harmful rays (along with a healthy slathering of sunscreen). Scroll to find the best toddler or baby sun hat for your little beachcomber!
In this article:
What you need to know about baby and toddler sun hats
Best baby sun hats
Best toddler sun hats
When it comes time to buy a sun hat, there are a few things to consider. Most baby sun hats and toddler sun hats are designed to protect children from harmful UV rays—but it’s important to consider style too when making an accessory purchase. While babies aren’t concerned with your sartorial choices, tots can be very particular about what they wear (trust us!). Here’s what you need to know when shopping for sun hats for babies and toddlers.
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Make sure it fits properly. If your baby’s sun hat is loose, it could fly off in the wind. And remember, many babies and toddlers do not want to be wearing hats, so they may try to pull it off. The solution? A chin strap to keep it firmly in place.
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Look for UPF material. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) material is made to block the sun’s rays. Alongside sunscreen, it’s an extra layer of protection.
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The wider the better! Just because your baby sun hat is made from UPF material doesn’t mean you can’t go one step further and look for a baby sun hat boasting a wide brim or longer back. Those extra few inches will create shade, protecting your little one’s sensitive face, ears and neck.
The best baby sun hats are made for safe fun in the sun. And the designs? So whimsical! From embellished baby girl sun hats with floral embroidery to swim caps and wide-brimmed hats for boys. No matter the design, these sun hats for babies will be a sweet treat on your little one’s head.
Green Sprouts Brim Sun Protection Hat
The best sun hats for babies offer superior protection season after season. And this pick by Green Sprouts checks every box. Made from OEKO-TEX certified material, this hat blocks 99 percent of harmful UV rays—the highest sun protection available. The wide brim shades baby’s neck and face, while a chin strap keeps the cap firmly in place. The best part? This style has an adjustable toggle for a custom fit. Available in 10 bright colors.
Buy it: $15, GreenSproutsBaby.com
Tucker and Tate Reversible Ruffle Hat
Check out this fabulous baby girl sun hat. This cute bucket-style option is reversible, meaning you get two looks for the price of one! Aside from the cute prints, this hat also has a handy chin strap. Consider your hunt for an aww-worthy summer hat complete. One possible downside? This pick doesn’t offer UPF sun protection.
Buy it: $22, Nordstrom.com
H&M Swim Cap
How about this classic striped baby sun hat? The blue and white stripes give a stylish nod to the nautical trend, while the peaked cap and neck flap provide ample coverage. Like many of the infant and toddler sun hats on this list, this style is made from UPF 50+ fabric. And, at only $13, this pick by H&M is a real steal.
Buy it: $13, HM.com
Patagonia Baby Block-the-Sun Hat
Looking for a baby sun hat your little beach bum can wear all day? Check out the block-the-sun hat by Patagonia. It’s made from a breathable, moisture-wicking UPF 50+ fabric that’ll dry off in no time. Plus, the extra-wide brim and neck flap keep baby covered, while the chin strap keeps it firmly in place.
Buy it: $35, BackCountry.com
Baby Organic Cotton Denim Bucket Hat
Cool kids will love this baby bucket hat embroidered with a tiny teddy bear. It’s made from soft cotton denim, and has a Velcro chin strap, meaning it won’t budge during even the most boisterous summer activities.
Buy it: $20, Gap.com
Boden Sun-Safe Swim Hat
This baby boy swim hat is made from UPF fabric and comes in a timeless red stripe pattern. The legionnaire style means you can rest assured baby’s head and neck will be protected, whether in the water or out.
Buy it: $20, BodenUSA.com
Flap Happy Floppy Hat 2 Pack in White Eyelet & Pink Stripe Seersucker
Shopping for a classic baby sun hat? Look no further than these cotton baby beach hats, complete with a sun-shading wide brim and chin ties. The pale pink and white patterns are dainty, and won’t attract heat as much as darker colors do. Like many of the styles on this list, they’re available in toddler sizes too.
Buy it: $35 for a set of 2, Maisonette.com
While we hyped up the baby sun hats on this list, toddler sun hats are equally cute. From feminine floppy hats and sun bonnets to dinosaur-print bucket hats, this mix has something for every little boy and girl. Many of these summer-ready styles also go the extra mile when it comes to UV protection. And it’s worth noting: Plenty of these styles are really unisex! So if you have brothers and sisters close in age (or twins), you can choose a few they can share.
The North Face Littles Class V Sun Buster
Protect their face, neck and ears with this toddler sun hat by the outdoor specialists at The North Face. Made from 68 percent recycled material, this clever cap offers UPF 40+ sun protection and wicks moisture away to help tots keep their cool. It also has a sunshield visor, a neck flap and a chin strap. Available in a range of prints for boys and girls.
Buy it: $25, TheNorthFace.com
L.L. Bean Kids’ and Toddlers’ Sunday Afternoons Play Hat
A toddler boy sun hat that fully covers your kiddo’s head, has mesh ventilation for the sweatiest of tots, packs down into a beach bag with ease and features UPF 50+? Sign us up! Did we mention it floats in water so you can find it easily if it ever falls off? Not that that’s likely, thanks to the adjustable headband and neck strap.
Buy it: $29, LLBean.com
RuffleButts Pink Sun Protective Hat
We’re obsessed with this fun toddler girl sun hat design in baby pink. The stretchy UPF 50+ material is swim-safe and the stay-put straps mean it won’t get lost. Better yet, the cap has a wide brim and an adjustable toggle to ensure a snug fit. Pair it with your little one’s cutest baby bathing suit and sunglasses for your next beach trip. Bonus: For an additional fee RuffleButts offers a personalized monogram service.
Buy it: $18, RuffleButts.com
UV Skinz Baby Boys’ UPF 50+ Reversible Sun Hat
Planning on spending long lazy days beside the pool this summer? If so, then you should definitely invest in this toddler swim hat by UV Skinz. It’s made from UPF 50+ fabric that’s super-stretchy and fast-drying. The wide brim has reinforced stitching, meaning it’ll stay flat for maximum coverage when the weather heats up. The best part? This pick is reversible, so you get two looks in one!
Buy it: $20, Amazon.com
Oweee Baby Sun Bonnet, Modern Florals
This toddler sun bonnet is whimsical and sweet. Made from soft cotton, this pick has a peaked visor to shade your little one’s eyes. It also ties at the back for an adjustable fit. Better yet, it’s reversible, so if one side gets mucky you can turn it inside out for an instant outfit refresh.
Buy it: $38, Maisonette.com
JAN & JUL GRO-with-Me Cotton Sun-Hats
This unisex toddler sun hat is just the thing for dinosaur-obsessed little ones. And it’s super-practical too. Made from UPF 50+ breathable cotton, this hat has a chin strap and a wide brim to keep their face out of the sun. Better yet, this sun hat has a drawstring tie that can be adjusted for a custom fit, year after year.
Buy it: Starting from $20, Amazon.com
Outdoor Research Kids Seattle Sombrero in Happy Camper/Bahama
Looking for something less “relaxed beach-goer” and more “outdoorsy explorer?” This moisture-wicking toddler sun hat is giving us serious happy camper vibes. And, thanks to an extra-wide brim and sturdy construction, it’s ideal for hot summer hikes and the like.
Buy it: $39, Zappos.com
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