The 10 Best Baby Winter Hats to Keep Little Ones Warm
Growing up, it might’ve been annoying to hear our parents nag us to wear a hat in the cold, but now that we’re parents ourselves, we realize how important it really is. A comfy, cozy winter hat is a pretty magical thing, as it’s exactly what baby needs to keep their temperatures up when the chill of winter hits. While they’re not ready for runny nose-inducing snowball fights with their older siblings just yet, they’ll still need a hat to protect them from the cold. The best baby winter hats are the ones that’ll keep your little one warm and comfortable (and yes, looking cute). Here, find our buying tips to guide your winter hat hunt, as well as a rundown of our favorite styles to shop now.
In this article:
What to look for in baby winter hats
Best baby winter hats
Babies lose body heat up to four times faster than adults, so they’re particularly susceptible to feeling cold. To that end, you’ll want to make a warm winter hat part of their regular, everyday wardrobe rather than saving it for special occasions. The best winter hats for babies are made from super soft materials and fit snugly over their heads, providing coverage for baby’s ears and even chin.
Babies may not feel warmth escaping their bodies, but they can certainly sense a scratchy garment snuggling their scalp and will do their darndest to rip it off. That’s why you’ll want to invest in a hat—or two or three—that’s comfortable and will stay on, not just because it’s secure, but because it won’t irritate them enough to want to pull it off.
Keep these buzzwords in mind when you’re searching for baby winter hats:
-
Soft and lightweight. Winter hats for babies should hug their head instead of weighing it down, as well as provide them comfort. Look for options made with soft and flexible materials that won’t feel excessively heavy, like alpaca wool, plush fleece or Icelandic yarn.
-
Secure but not constricting. If your little one will be joining you for a walk outside or a few hours of errands, you’ll want them to sport a hat that’s well-fitting and protective but doesn’t feel like a helmet. Features like strings or snaps that can be tied or fastened beneath the chin make for more secure fits, as do beanies with pliable Spandex binding (which contours to baby’s head while helping the hat keep its shape) or roll-up cuffs (which can tighten a slouchier fit for a smaller infant head).
-
Sweet and stylish. Baby winter hats can run the gamut from whimsical and age-appropriate to overly kiddie and cloying. Instead of specific character-themed caps (Disney is great, but Elsa and Baby Yoda don’t have to accessorize every one of their outfits), look for options that feature trendy, baby-amusing details like poofs or pom poms, or playful add-ons like ears or eyes that serve as a nod to your tot’s favorite animal archetype. Fair isle patterns are also cute, but they’re not the only motif you can work with come winter!
Ready to start shopping? From beanies to balaclavas, here are our top picks for the best baby winter hats.
Fleece Beanie
Keep your little cub cozy in this adorable baby winter hat from The North Face. The plush, fleece cap offers extra warmth and coverage, plus bear ears for an added aw-factor. Better yet, the hook-and-loop chin strap ensures the hat stays firmly in place while you get on with your day, and it’s available in four cute colors, so you can easily coordinate with baby’s wardrobe.
- Available in two sizes (0-6 months and 6-24 months)
- May be slightly bulky for younger babies
- Plush design may be too hot for warmer winter days
Alpaca Bonnet
Parents have been all about the baby bonnet trend in recent years, so you’ll be happy to know the style is available in a winter-friendly option too! We’re loving this cozy pick from Hanna Andersson. It’s made from ultra-soft and super warm alpaca wool that’s gentle on baby’s skin, and it features a string to tie in place under the chin.
- Fabric stays intact, even after multiple uses
- Runs big, so you may want to size down if baby is between sizes
- Hand-wash or dry clean only
Fleece-Lined Printed Hat
Skida is a Vermont-based brand, so you can trust they know their way around winter accessories. This adorable baby hat is a pint-sized version of their beloved Alpine adult hat (perfect for a matching mommy-and-me moment!). The printed poly-blend hat is fully lined with soft, mid-weight fleece to keep baby’s head and ears nice and toasty. It’s even rated UPF 50+ for those outdoor days under the winter sun. You can even snag matching baby neckwarmers for a complete winter look!
- Fleece-lined
- Available in an array of adorable patterns
- Sized for 6-12 months old
Fleece Trapper Hat
Zutano, a family-owned company based in Vermont, creates some of the best baby winter accessories out there. While we adore the brand’s classic beanies, it doesn’t get much cuter than this mini trapper cap. It has a fleece exterior, a soft furry lining, ear flaps and a Velcro strap that fastens under baby’s chin for a secure fit.
- Super warm
- Available in a variety of fun colors
- Machine-washable
- Runs small, according to some parents, so you may want to size up
Velvet-Lined Balaclava
Worried about baby winter hats actually staying on your little one’s head? Then a balaclava is the way to go. They easily pull over the head to protect your little one’s neck and ears from the wind and cold. This one from HutteliHut is made from cozy wool with soft velvet cotton on the inside, so it’s warm but not bulky. The little bear ears at the top will give baby’s look an extra dose of cuteness, and if you just can’t get enough of it, it’s available in toddler and big-kid sizes to keep the fun going for years.
- Lightweight
- Machine-washable
- Pricey
Knitted Beanies
This machine-washable, quick-drying trio of beanies is intricately knitted, stitched and quality-checked to guarantee comfort and durability. It stretches up to 10 inches, allowing it to grow with your little one from the 3 month to 3 year mark. And with a contemporary knit style, the beanie complements any outfit, be it a sweater and denim combination or a coat and snowsuit.
- Covers baby's head and ears snuggly
- Suitable for every skin type, thanks to the 100 percent soft, premium acrylic
- Sold in an affordable 3-pack
- Beanie band can be tight, according to some parents
- Can become stretched and worn after a few seasons of wear
Alpaca Popcorn Hat
This popcorn stitch baby hat is knitted from the softest alpaca wool and handmade by a Fair Trade-certified collective of artisans from Peru. Think of it like putting your future couture-loving cutie in something similar to cashmere, but much more environmentally friendly. The playful design will keep them stylish while the material helps lock in warmth all season long.
- Available in three neutral colors to go with anything
- Sizing starts at 6 months, so it’s not suitable for newborns
- Pricey
Knit Pom-Pom Hat
There’s a reason Canada Goose has such clout; it’s a winter classic and a brand that’s known for keeping people warm and toasty—babies included! This soft, chunky knit winter hat is the perfect topper for your winter treks outside (especially if you live somewhere with lower temperatures). Lined in plush fleece for extra insulation, you’ll never have to worry about your little musketeer being too cold.
- Available in seven colors to complement any winter look
- Pricey
Merino Wool Balaclava
Searching for a baby winter hat that fits a newborn’s tiny head can be surprisingly tricky. Luckily, this balaclava is the perfect option. Thanks to five size options (including 0-3 months), you can ensure a proper fit. Plus, the balaclava style pulls over baby’s head, completely covering their ears and neck for maximum warmth and allaying any fears of it falling off. It’s made of ultra-soft kbT-certified organic merino wool (which meets Europe’s highest standards for organic textiles), so it’s warm, lightweight and moisture-wicking. Wool stays warm even when wet, and thanks to the natural lanolin, it boasts self-cleansing properties—perfect for baby’s sensitive skin.
- Offers full-coverage warmth
- Soft and gentle on baby’s skin
- Available in five neutral colors to go with anything
- Hand-wash only
- Pricey
Reversible Beanie
Patagonia is beloved by outdoor enthusiasts—but did you know this brand makes winter accessories for kids too? This reversible baby winter hat offers two looks in one: an adorable knit pattern on one side and a high-pile fleece on the other. It’s also designed with longer sides to keep baby’s ears covered. Plus, this super cute style is Fair Trade-sewn and made from recycled polyester, so it’s a sustainable option to boot.
- Retains its shape thanks to Spandex binding around the opening
- Reversible design makes the hat versatile
- Sizing starts at 3 months, so it’s not suitable for newborns
- Pricey
Plus, more from The Bump:
