Best Toddler Sun Hats
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- Best Toddler Sun Hat with Neck Flaps : i play. by Green Sprouts Flap Sun Protection Hat
- Best Adjustable Toddler Sun Hat : Connectyle Outdoor Kids Sun Hat
- Best Cotton Toddler Sun Hat : FURTALK Baby Sun Hat
- Best Toddler Sun Hat with Extended Coverage : Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat
- Best Quick-Dry Toddler Sun Hat : SwimZip Kid's Sun Hat
- Best Toddler Bucket Sun Hat : Patagonia Baby Sun Bucket Hat
Your little one’s skin is extra sensitive and delicate, which means that it needs constant protection when spending time in the sun.
“Babies and toddlers have very sensitive skin and are, therefore, susceptible to burns,” says Florencia Segura, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Einstein Pediatrics. “In addition to being painful and unpleasant, burns increase the risk of skin cancer development into young adolescence and adulthood.” Putting a toddler sun hat on your little one is one of many important ways to shield his skin from the sun’s harsh rays, in addition to applying baby-safe sunscreen and wearing baby and toddler sunglasses with UV protection.
When shopping for sun hats for toddlers, look for hats with wide brims which can provide additional shade for the eyes, nose and cheeks — all areas that are particularly vulnerable to UV damage, says pediatrician Bidisha Sarkar, MBBS, DNB. Because wearing a hat in the sun is so important, the key is finding one that your toddler will actually wear and won’t fall off every five minutes as she’s running around.
How we chose the best toddler sun hats
Per guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), we ensured that each of the sun hats in our list have an all-around 3-inch brim that shields the face, ears and back of the neck. We feature both wide brim hats and those with long neck flaps, each which protect these areas. And, for added sun safety, we ensured that every hat is made of UV ray-blocking material and features a UPF rating of 50 or higher.
We utilized expert advice from speaking with Dr. Segura and Dr. Sarkar, who both explained how best to protect baby’s skin from the sun and provided guidance on shopping for sun hats, focusing on what materials and features to look for to keep them safe from burns and harsh UV rays.
We put strong emphasis on the recommendations from parents in the What to Expect Community. Although personal preference will always play a role in choosing the best option for your little one, turning to the millions of parents in our community allowed us to get a strong consensus of what toddler sun are the most popular. We looked for hats that:
Parents said were comfortable and their toddler didn’t mind wearing it
Include features to help the hat stay on, such as chin straps and adjustable sizing
Other factors to consider when buying a toddler sun hat
When shopping, you’ll want to watch out for these features:
Material: A sun hat should be made from lightweight fabric like cotton or polyester that will not cause your child to overheat but still provide effective protection against the sun's rays, says Sarkar. Some feature mesh to provide even more ventilation. You may also want to look for stretchy material for added comfort, with some picks including spandex or nylon for elasticity. After all, your toddler has to actually want to wear the sun hat, otherwise he’ll simply pull it off. That said, to better keep out harmful UV rays, opt for a hat that’s tightly woven rather than a loosely constructed straw hat, advises the Skin Cancer Foundation. Lots of sun hats also include UPF-rated fabric, which is treated to resist the sun and block UV rays to help decrease your little one’s skin exposure risk. As mentioned earlier, we made sure that every sun hat here has a UPF rating of 50 or higher.
Adjustability: Not all toddler’s heads are the same shape and size, so look for a hat that is adjustable at the head. This will help keep it in rotation longer as your child grows, and make it more comfortable for your child. You’ll see some hats with the option to adjust the width of the head for comfort, while others feature an adjustable chin strap to keep it secure on their head. The most versatile hats include both.
Neck protection: Instead of the wide brim you’re used to in a sun hat, toddler sun hats with neck flaps feature a piece of fabric that extends down the back of your little one’s neck to help add extra protection.
Machine-washable: Toddlers are little dirt magnets — dirt, sand and sunscreen will all inevitably end up on your little one’s hat. You may want to look for machine-washable fabric to make cleanup a breeze and improve the longevity of the garment.
Should toddlers wear hats outside?
The AAP recommends dressing kiddos in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body — including the head. So, just like young babies, toddlers should wear hats outside, especially when it’s sunny out and their head will be exposed. As mentioned, experts say you should look for a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim because this will offer coverage for the face, neck and ears. Of course, this doesn’t render sunscreen unnecessary. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on any exposed areas, in addition to following other sun safety protection tips, like limiting time in the sun and covering arms and legs with lightweight fabric when possible.
How do you keep a sun hat on a toddler?
Anyone with a toddler knows how hard it can be to get your little one to keep on accessories of any kind — hats included. Start the behavior early for the best chance at success, even from infancy, if possible. And, always model the good behavior you want your child to adopt. While gentle persistence can pay off over time, everything is more fun when things get silly. Put your hat on their head and yours on theirs — and then squeal with delight “That’s not right!” You can also try good old fashion distraction. Pop their hat on their head while they’re enjoying their favorite snack. Of course, you can also opt for hats with chin straps that will provide a more secure fit. Older babies and toddlers may also be more inclined to wear their hat if you let them pick it out in the first place.
Below, the best toddler sun hats to protect your toddler.
Best Toddler Sun Hat with Neck Flaps
i play. by Green Sprouts Flap Sun Protection Hat
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Reviews
Breathable and lightweight, this moisture-wicking hat will shield your toddler’s face, ears and the back of his neck, thanks to an expansive back flap. The wide neck flap on this hat delivers ample shade for avoiding burns in overlooked areas. Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect, has this hat for her daughter and loves the security this hat provides. “The side flaps are super helpful when it comes to providing extra coverage for the neck,” she says. “I just like knowing that her skin is safe, even if the hat shifts slightly or there's some extra sun peeping through her beach tent.”
The highly-customizable fit will also provide optimal sun protection for your little one. The chin strap and adjustable toggle on the back make it easy to get a snug fit as your toddler’s head grows to ensure it isn’t too large and falling off. Leah appreciates this feature as well, noting that it’s easy to keep the hat on her daughter’s head. “Like a lot of babies, she doesn't love the chin straps and has an easy time pulling them loose,” she says. “But because it’s easy to adjust the hat's head size, the loose chin straps weren't as big of an issue for keeping the hat on.”
Should the hat get wet, the microfiber material dries quickly. Plus, it's available in a range of classic, simple colors. Just note: It’s quite flowy, so it may not offer adequate protection in the wind.
Material: 100 percent polyester
Sizes: 0-6M, 9-18M, 2-4T
UV protection: UPF 50+
“We really liked the iplay flap sun protection hat we had for last summer!”
“I love the iplay sun hats. Both the Flap and Bucket hats are great.”
“We also got an iplay and we love it and they’re super cute!”
Best Adjustable Toddler Sun Hat
Connectyle Outdoor Kids Sun Hat
This basic toddler sun hat has it all: UPF 50+ protection in soft, lightweight polyester fabric; breathable mesh vents; and adjustable chin and head toggles for a perfect fit. What parents love about the adjustable features is that they’re quick and easy to modify — just slide each toggle until the elastic drawcord is tight, but not too tight. You’ll be happy that the hat is simple to adjust when trying to get the right fit on a squirming toddler who’s excited to go play. A few parents mentioned that the hat is so customizable it not only fits their toddler, but it even fits their own head!
Reviewers also praise how sturdy and durable the hat is, many loving that the brim is firm so it won’t flap in the wind or fall in their little one’s face. And, in addition to the lightweight polyester fabric, the hat has a mesh vent around the top of their head that will help keep him cool.
Material: 100 percent polyester
Sizes: 2-6 years
UV protection: UPF 50+
Best Cotton Toddler Sun Hat
FURTALK Baby Sun Hat
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Reviews
Made of 95 percent cotton with just a touch of spandex to give it enough stretch to fit comfortably, this hat is great for children with sensitive skin. In addition to being gentle on delicate skin, this cotton hat is super lightweight and soft, so your little one might find it more comfortable to wear. In fact, many parents attest to how unbothered their tots are wearing this hat, making it a great everyday option. While it won’t dry quickly because of its material, it’s a great choice for going on walks, sitting under a beach tent or spending time in the backyard or park. Plus, the brim is structured, so the hat won’t flop, even when it’s windy. And the whole thing is highly adjustable to help you get the right fit.
Material: Cotton, spandex
Sizes: 0-6M, 6-24M, 2-4T
UV protection: UPF 50+
"We love this hat too when it’s not too hot or wet out."
Best Toddler Sun Hat with Extended Coverage
Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat
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Reviews
Give yourself peace of mind while your tot plays outside with this lightweight hat that provides extra coverage with an extended back panel and firm brim. It’s designed to offer all-around coverage without being too obtrusive — especially in the back where the hat gradually gets wider for added protection. Tons of caregivers raved about how their little ones didn’t burn while out in the sun, with one parent noting that their child never had sun on his face or shoulders throughout a three hour midday hike. This hat will not only help prevent burns, but it’ll also keep your little one cooler, especially with the added mesh panel.
The breadth of sizes and adjustable head straps make it easy to get a snug fit, too. Parents love one standout feature: the breakaway chin strap, which releases under tension, enhancing safety. And since there’s a wide selection of colors, you’ll be sure to find one your kiddo likes.
Material: 100 percent nylon and polyester
Sizes: Newborn, XS-L, Child, Youth
UV protection: UPF 50+
"On the more costly side, we Iove the Sunday Afternoons kids play hat. Lightweight, great brim/neck protection, and some models have breathable mesh on the sides. and they're adjustable to fit for a couple of years ish per size."
"We spend a lot of time outside in the summer and use the Sunday Afternoons Play Hat (available on Amazon or on their website) for all of our fair-skinned kids...We have a baby size one waiting for our new arrival and I'm sure he'll wear it all summer. They have a safety chin strap so babies can't take them off, but they automatically release if they get caught on something that puts 11lbs or more of pressure on them, and they have a stiff brim in the front that doesn't flop in front of the eyes, but a floppy brim in back so they can be worn in strollers, etc., without pushing them off."
"I bought a Sunday Afternoon hat which I totally recommend."
Best Quick-Dry Toddler Sun Hat
SwimZip Kid's Sun Hat
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Reviews
If you’re looking for a hat to use while spending time in the water with your little one, this quick-dry sun hat will keep them shaded while getting wet. Parents love that this hat dries quickly after getting wet, but also retains its shape, which means you’ll still get long wear out of it even after days at the pool. Plus, the hat is lightweight and has a large mesh panel to keep air flowing, even on the hottest days. And, the whole thing adjusts at both the head and the chin to get the right fit for maximum protection and comfort. The hat may not be machine-washable, but if you and your little one take a dip in the pool, it’ll float so you can grab it right away.
Material: Polyester
Sizes: 0-6M, 6-24M, 2-8 years, 8-14 years
UV protection: UPF 50+
"I highly recommend this line of sun protectant. I haven't had to use sunscreen yet because these hats and clothes are keeping our baby covered. I got burnt the other day, but the baby was perfectly fine after being at the park."
Best Toddler Bucket Sun Hat
Patagonia Baby Sun Bucket Hat
The Patagonia bucket hat offers ample sun protection — particularly for the face — thanks to a wide protective brim all while looking stylish on your tot. What’s nice about the bucket hat style is it’s not as bulky as hats where the brim goes out straight and might be more comfortable for your toddler.
The strap is not as adjustable as a tie or a toggle, but kids who don’t like a lot of bulk will appreciate how thin and unobtrusive it is. Plus, there’s excellent overall value here: Because the hat is reversible, it’s almost as though you’re getting two hats with one purchase. Parents also love that Patagonia’s sun bucket hat is made with 100 percent recycled nylon fabric and is Fair Trade Certified sewn.
Material: 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon faille
Sizes: 0-3 M, 3-6 M, 6-12 M, 12-24 M, 2-5T
UV protection: UPF 50+
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen, July 2021.
- Skin Cancer Foundation, Sun-Protective Clothing.
- Florencia Segura, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician, Einstein Pediatrics.
- Bidisha Sarkar, MBBS, DNB, pediatrician.
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