6 Best Newborn Hats to Top Off Baby’s Outfit
Newborn hats (like the ones baby will wear at the hospital) have been a staple of an infant’s wardrobe for many decades now. They make perfect additions to baby’s coming-home outfit and overall early wardrobe. And if nothing else, they sure make for sweet photo-ops! Below, check out safety guidance on when (and when not) to keep your little one’s noggin covered, and then shop the best newborn baby hats we’ve seen.
In recent years, the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (supported by the CDC) has shifted away from the indoor use of newborn hats, except in the NICU or the first few hours of life. The AAP says that the risk of overheating outweighs the benefits of heat loss prevention that was once considered the primary reason to keep hats on newborns.
Of course, there’s still a place for those adorable infant hats. If you’ll have baby outside in chilly weather, a hat is a great way to keep them warm. But it’s no longer recommended to keep a hat on newborn babies when they’re inside.
If you’re interested in using a newborn hat for time spent outside or for adding a touch of cuteness to your little one’s outfit, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best newborn hats you can buy (or give as a gift!).
Overall best newborn hat
- Super soft material that provides a comfortable but snug fit
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
- Great for photo opps
- Thin material isn’t well suited for coldest climates
These knotted infant beanies from parent-favorite Kyte cover all the bases; they come in a variety of modern colors to match any layette set, or to coordinate with the brand’s beloved swaddle blankets. They're also made from ultra soft, hypoallergenic OEKO-TEX standard 100 fabric, and come in a range of sizes from preemie all the way up to 12 months old.
Sizing: Preemie to 6-12 months | Material: 97% bamboo rayon/3% spandex | Cleaning instructions: Machine washable
Best newborn beanie
- Knot is adjustable to fit a variety of head sizes
- Beautiful colors and patterns that coordinate with the brand’s swaddle blankets
- These newborn beanie hats are pricey compared to other brands
These beanies from Copper Pearl will keep baby's head covered in style. They come in a whole range of trendy prints (but we particularly love the swoon-worthy milk and cookies design). They’re also soft, breathable and just stretchy enough to keep baby comfortable. You can even bundle them in an adorable gift set suitable for baby showers!
Sizing: 0-4 months to 5-18 months | Material: 69% polyester/28% rayon/3% spandex | Cleaning instructions: Machine washable
Best crochet newborn hat
- Adorable for photo opps
- Neutral colors match just about any outerwear
- Hat can stretch out over time
- Not machine washable
Perfect for photos, outdoor use during shoulder seasons or just plain stinkin’ cuteness, this crochet baby bear hat from Etsy is a must have. Available in four different neutral tones and featuring a sweet little bear nose and ears, this infant hat makes a great gift, too.
Sizing: 0-3 months to 3-5 years | Material: Acrylic | Cleaning instructions: Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry
Best personalized newborn hat
- Makes a great gift
- Bold personalization is easy to see
- Can only personalize up to 12 characters
There’s something extra-special about personalized newborn hats, especially when they serve as newborn hospital hats perfect for those first family photos. These baby beanies come customized with your infant’s name and are available in three chic colors: black, gray and white, or choose a three-pack to ensure baby’s head stays warm, even on laundry day.
Sizing: Preemie to 6-12 months | Material: 97% bamboo rayon/3% spandex | Cleaning instructions: n/a
Best organic newborn hat
- Available in tons of beautiful colors
- Sustainably sourced using eco-conscious materials and dyes
- Knot is adjustable
- This brand does not offer any patterned hats; solid colors only
Newborn skin is sensitive, which is why we love these organic, hypoallergenic and super-smooth baby beanies from Colored Organics. Made from 100% organic cotton and sustainably and ethically produced with water-based dyes, these newborn hats are sold in a myriad of colors from versatile neutrals to bright solid colors, so there’s truly a set for everyone.
Sizing: Newborn to M/L | Material: 100% organic cotton | Cleaning instructions: Machine washable
Best preemie hat
- Three-pack assortment at an affordable price
- Prints change on availability, and may not match preview image
While the guidance on hats for newborns has changed in recent years, experts still agree that premature babies lose body heat quickly, and need assistance regulating body temperature. Enter these adorable preemie-sized hats from Perfectly Preemie. Made from 100% cotton, this three-pack assortment can fold up or down to accommodate your child as they grow.
Sizing: Teeny (2-4 lbs.) to Preemie (3-6 lbs.) | Material: 100% cotton | Cleaning instructions: Machine wash
To help you find the best newborn hats on the market today, we browsed lots of different options from some of our most trusted retailers. When choosing our favorite newborn beanies and hats, we considered features like material, wearability, available size ranges and of course, safety, always following the guidance of the CDC and AAP. For each one, we read user reviews to find out how the infant hats perform in the real world, and we only sourced newborn hats from trusted retailers. We didn’t consider any with less than an average four-star rating.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Health Children (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, July 2022
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Helping Babies Sleep Safely, July 2022
Pediatrics, Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment, June 2022
Mayo Clinic, Premature Birth, February 2023
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