The 8 Best Baby Sun Hats of 2021

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Consider a baby sun hat an essential for little ones that’ll be outdoors for extended periods of time. Cute little heads are quite vulnerable to the sun; their skin is so delicate and many lack the protection that hair can provide.

A sun hat can be used from day one. No matter how old your little one is, you can add a sun hat to their ensemble for added protection from the sun's UV rays. New parents should check with your pediatrician about when to start using sunscreen on your baby.

Use this guide to find the right sun hat for your baby, lifestyle, and budget.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

UB2 Urban Baby Bonnets Urban Baby Bonnets Bonnet at Amazon

These are reversible and feature a super wide brim that can be folded back as much or as little as you want.

Best Wide Brim:

Green Sprouts i play Brim Sun Hat at Buybuy BABY

The drawstring helps secure the hat on your babe’s head so it won't need to be constantly readjusted or fly off in the wind.

Best Personalized:

BowsAndBelongings Monogrammed Adjustable Sun Hat at Etsy

Lined with a wicking fabric, your baby will stay cool and comfortable in this protective hat.

Best Reversible:

Tucker and Tate Reversible Bucket Hat at Nordstrom

The machine washable hat is made from cotton, reversible, and comes in two sizes.

Best for the Beach:

Sunday Afternoons Play Hat at Amazon

Flexible and easy to pack in a beach bag, the hat is buoyant, so it’ll float in the water if it ever comes off.

Best With Flap:

H&M Swim Cap at Hm.com

The visor at the front protects little faces and eyes while the flap at the back protects necks and ears.

Best for Small Babies:

Green Sprouts i play Sun Flap Hat at Buybuy BABY

With the small sizing options of this hat, even the littlest babies can be protected from the sun.

Best Baseball Cap:

Patagonia Baby Baggies Cap at Backcountry.com

With a cap style, kiddos can match mom, dad, or the older siblings, and look sporty while also staying cool while in the sun.

Urban Baby Bonnet modBonnet in Calendula

With sweet styles for boys or girls, this good-looking and versatile sun hat is a must-have for sunny days. Handmade in the United States, these bonnets are reversible and feature a super-wide brim that can be folded back as much or as little as you want.

Machine washable and made from UPF 50+ organic cotton, the snap straps are hard for little hands to open, so it’s sure to stay in place. The styling means the hat is easy to use in front or rear-facing car seats, baby carriers, or even as a discreet and helpful cover while breastfeeding.

A wide brim hat provides sun protection for your kiddo’s delicate face, neck, ears, and eyes. Made from lightweight, quick-drying polyester, this hat would be ideal for a beach trip or splashing around the pool. Available in 10 cute colors and several sizes, you'll be able to find the right fit for newborns through toddlers.

The drawstring helps secure the hat on your babe’s head for a perfect fit. There’s a tie strap, so this may be best for younger kids or those who won’t be tempted to constantly untie the straps and remove the hat. Reviewers note the hat fits well but does become a bit floppy when it’s wet.

Stand out with your baby’s very own monogrammed sun hat. The brimmed baby hat is available in six colors and the UPF 50+ material dries quickly while protecting your child's face from the sun.

Lined with wicking fabric, your baby will stay cool and comfortable in this protective hat. With 20+ font styles and more than 30 thread color options, each hat is truly one of a kind.

Is anything cuter than a baby in a bucket hat? Get two styles for the price of one with a sweet reversible bucket hat. Made from cotton, the machine-washable hat comes in two sizes: 3 to 9 months and 9 to 24 months. While the hat is well-fitting, there isn’t a strap, which may be a benefit for some kids and a drawback for others.

Reviewers praise every aspect of this sun hat, making it perfect for long days outdoors. Made of UPF 50+ nylon, the breathable hat has a wide brim and a longer neck veil to protect the back of the neck from the strong sun on long days of building sandcastles.

Safe and secure, even during windy days, the hat features a SmartStrap breakaway chin strap that detaches quickly in case of an emergency. Flexible and easy to pack in a beach bag, the hat is also buoyant, so it’ll float in the water in the rare case that it comes off. Choose from different colors and three sizes for a perfect fit.

Super cute, lightweight, and made of stretchy swimsuit material, this cap is comfy and easy for kids to keep on since the stretchy fabric ensures a good and secure fit. Made of UPF 50+ material, the visor at the front protects little faces and eyes while the flap at the back protects necks and ears. Four sizes will help parents get a well-fitting hat.

Even the littlest babies can benefit from a protective sun hat if they’re going to be out and about. New parents will appreciate the small sizing of this hat, with an option for 0 to 6 months along with an adjustable strap and chin tie.

Summery colors give any baby a sweet burst of style and the baseball brim and wide neck flap ensure the baby's delicate skin is fully protected.

Some kiddos may prefer a baseball cap so they can match mom, dad, or older siblings. Made from 100% recycled nylon, the stylish brim will protect little faces from the sun. Available in five sizes from 0 to 3 months up to 2 to 5T, there’s also an adjustable hook-and-loop closure in the back, so it’s easy to adjust the fit. Pick from four super cute color options and your kiddo will look sporty and safe all summer long.

Final Verdict

The Urban Baby Bonnets Brimmed Bonnet (view at Amazon) is such a cute and versatile option, especially since the reversible styles mean you’ll get two hats for the price of one. They’re perfect for younger kids and look truly adorable. Once your kiddo gets older, the Sunday Afternoon Play Hat (view at Amazon) is great for all-day wear and highly recommended for long days outdoors.

What to Look for When Buying a Baby Sun Hat

The strap

While it may seem like a minor detail, the strap is a key element to keeping the hat on your baby’s head. Younger babies don’t have the dexterity to untie a tied strap while toddlers may find nothing more fun than pulling on those strings. Older babies and toddlers will have a tougher time with velcro or snap straps. Consider your baby's age when choosing the right hat to ensure you're picking one that they can't easily snatch off.

Where to wear

If your baby will be sitting in a stroller, a sun hat with just a front flap will be easier to wear and more comfortable for a lounging baby. On the other hand, if your kiddo will be busy at the beach, playground, or park, aim for a hat that provides 360-degree coverage and will block your baby’s face, ears, and neck from the sun’s rays.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. As soon as they spend days outdoors, sunscreen and sun hats are essentials. Her older boys love to sport baseball hats while her girl will still rock a sweet sunbonnet. Maya varies between a well-loved visor, a big rattan sun hat, and one of her kid’s baseball caps.

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