What is the warmest type of winter hat?

The warmest type of winter hat is one that stays on, says Dr. Alexander. “Choose a hat that fits snugly,” she explains. “This will help to keep them warm without being too tight." Wool is the warmest material, followed by fleece and other poly blends. The level of warmth you need depends on the climate where you live and how much your child will be out in the elements. If you’re somewhere with blustery wind and cold, Dr. Alexander recommends a hat with a brim. “This will help to protect their face from the wind and cold.”

How should kids’ winter hats be worn?

Fit is crucial in selecting a winter that is safe and comfortable to wear, say our experts. In addition to finding a hat that fits snugly, “You can also put the hat on backwards or sideways," says Dr. Alexander. "This can help to block the wind and keep their face warm.” You’ll also want to mind overheating, especially with babies, says Dr. Madden. “Newborns and infants are at risk of overheating due to immaturity of their ability to regulate their body temperature (thermoregulation) and the fact that they are not old enough to be able to remove a layer of clothing by themselves if they feel hot,” she explains. “If a baby’s neck feels warm to the touch [or] if you notice they are sweating, these are signs that they are too warm.”

Why do winter hats have pom poms?

Pom poms aren’t just to make hats extra cute. Originally, pom poms were put on hats to differentiate regiments during wars. Later, French sailors added them to their hats so they wouldn’t bang their heads on a ship ceiling during rough sails.

How do I store kids’ winter hats?

Most hats don’t need elaborate storage, just a space to live. During the winter season, we recommend a basket or bin in your mudroom or near the door, so they can be easily grabbed and used. During the off-season, wash them, then stack them in another container for use (or handing down) the following year.

The 12 Best Winter Hats for Kids of 2023

The Best Winter Hats for Kids of 2022 — L.L. Bean / Carhartt / Backcountry

When the season changes and temperatures dip into frigid, hats, gloves, and scarves aren’t just accessories, they’re a must for keeping your little one warm and healthy. Typically, it’s recommended that kids dress in one more layer than an adult would wear to be comfortable, which often means several layers and accessories. That’s where winter hats come in: A good winter hat protects against the cold and keeps your little one’s head insulated and warm.

When researching the best winter hats for kids, we took comfort, material, and care instructions into consideration. We also spoke with board-certified pediatrician Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP; Rebekah Diamond, MD, a New York City-based hospital pediatrician and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University; and Jessica Madden, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University and the Medical Director of Aeroflow Breastpumps, to learn more about what makes a high-quality winter hat.

Whether your kiddos are playing in the snow or waiting for the school bus on a chilly day, a warm winter hat makes all the difference. Here are the best winter hats for kids that will keep your little ones bundled up and cozy this winter.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Carhartt Kids Acrylic Watch Hat at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Ahaha Fleece Lined Winter Hat with Earflaps at Amazon

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Best Beanie:

Patagonia Reversible Beanie at Backcountry.com

Jump to Review

Best Toboggan Hat:

Lands' End Kid’s Peruvian Hat at Landsend.com

Jump to Review

Best Ski Hat:

Patagonia Kid’s Powder Town Beanie at Backcountry.com

Jump to Review

Best Knitted Hat:

FURTALK Kids Winter Hat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Babies:

Zutano Cozie Fleece Unisex Baby Hat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Toddlers:

N'Ice Caps Fleece Winter Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Snow:

L.L.Bean Hi-Pile Hat at L.L.Bean

Jump to Review

Best Funny Winter Hat:

LANGZHEN Winter Hat at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Winter Hats for Kids
What to Look For in Winter Hats for Kids
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Carhartt

Pros

Multiple color options
Large range of sizes

Cons

Tall fit

Available in over 20 colorways, this dependable hat from Carhartt is rugged, durable, and can handle just about any adventure without falling off.

The Carhartt hat comes in sizes zero up to 14 years old. The hats run true to size and fit comfortably over the head and ears. Kids will love the soft, stretchy design that’s just like the hats for grown-ups, with the classic wide, fold-up cuff and small logo.

While it is made from polyester, it’s not itchy or irritating at all, and the material is durable and cozy. Plus, the hat is reasonably priced, so it won’t break the bank to buy a high-quality hat for your kiddo this winter.

Price at time of publication: $15

Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Hand wash | Sizes available: 0 to 14 years

Amazon

Pros

Fleece lining
Reasonably priced

Cons

Pom pom may need fluffing after shipping

Available in several different colors and patterns, this budget-friendly winter hat has a double-layer design and earflaps to keep your little one extra snug. The outside of the hat is knit, while the inside is a soft, warming fleece.

From muted colors to stripes to cable knit, you’re sure to find a hat that your kiddo will enjoy. This hat looks and feels like it costs more than it does, and some colors are available with matching scarves for an additional fee.

Price at time of publication: $15

Material: Acrylic and fleece | Care instructions: Machine wash | Sizes available: 3M to 10 years

Back Country

Pros

Reversible
Made from recycled materials

Cons

Runs large

This sweet beanie is two hats in one! Patagonia’s reversible kids’ beanie features a sweater-knit side and a high-pile fleece side, giving your little one multiple cozy options.

Made from high-quality recycled materials that won’t lose shape or shrink, this hat does run a little large, so keep that in mind when selecting the best size for your kiddo. The over-the-ear beanie stays on snugly to keep little heads warm, and it’s available in multiple colors and patterns. Plus, it’s got an adorable sprout on top for extra cuteness.

Price at time of publication: $39

Material: Recycled polyester | Care instructions: Not listed | Sizes available: 3M to 5T

Lands' End

Pros

Warm earflaps
Tassel and pom pom accessories

Cons

Hand wash only

This toboggan hat provides lots of warmth without all the bulk. Topped with a pom pom, it’s sweater knit on the outside and lined with a soft fleece that won’t irritate sensitive skin. Available in multiple prints, the hat covers the little one’s ears with warm earflaps that each feature a jaunty tassel.

Price at time of publication: $27.95

Material: Acrylic blend and fleece | Care instructions: Hand wash | Sizes available: XXS to M/L

Back Country

Pros

Wide ribbed brim
Great for outdoor sports and activities

Cons

Costly

There are few things as cute as a big fluffy pom pom on top of a child's head, especially when they’re bouncing along in the snow. With a knit cuff around the bottom to keep the hat snug, this ski hat is made of Patagonia’s signature recycled polyester and is 100 percent fair trade sewn. Available in several patterns from stripes to lettering, this hat goes easily from the slopes to the school bus route.

Price at time of publication: $39

Material: Recycled polyester | Care instructions: Not listed | Sizes available: One size fits all

Amazon

Pros

Variety of color options
Cotton lined

Cons

Must remove pom pom to clean

Available in an array of hues, you’re sure to find a color of this hat that you and your child will love. This slouch hat features a removable pom pom that snaps securely in place when they want to wear it and pops off when they don’t (or when you’re washing it).

Since the hat is tightly knit, it won’t come off easily, and it has a soft cotton lining that won’t irritate their skin. Plus, it’s reasonably priced, so it’s a good option if your kiddo is prone to tossing things out of their stroller.

Price at time of publication: $16

Material: Acrylic, cotton, and faux fur | Care instructions: Machine wash | Sizes available: 3M to 12 years

Amazon

Pros

Hook-and-loop chin strap
Machine washable

Cons

Runs small

When looking for hats for younger babies, you’ll want to find one that stays snugly on their heads, like the Zutano Cozie Fleece Unisex Baby Hat. Available in 10 colors, this hat has a hook-and-loop closure that fastens snugly and safely under the baby's chin to keep the hat and earflaps tightly in place, even in blustery winter winds.

The outer cover of the hat is made from warm fleece and the inside is lined with soft faux fur that won’t irritate your little one’s skin.

Price at time of publication: $25

Material: Polyester and cotton blend | Care instructions: Machine wash | Sizes available: 6M to 2T

Amazon

Pros

Comes with mittens
Secure hook-and-loop chin strap

Cons

Gloves aren’t waterproof

With dozens of colors and styles to choose from, this simple hat and mittens set is sure to please even the pickiest of toddlers). The hat features an easy-to-use hook and loop chin strap to keep it securely on your child's head, even when playing outside. The mittens are designed with elastic around the wrist, making it easy for your little one to put them on by themselves.

Price at time of publication: $17

Material: Polar fleece | Care instructions: Machine wash | Sizes available: 2T to 7 years

L.L. Bean

Pros

Washer- and dryer-safe
Adorable bear ears

Cons

Runs large

This fleece hat will keep little heads extra warm on a snowy day, as it’s made from the same super plush fleece as L.L. Bean’s classic fleece jackets. And since the hat is washer- and dryer-safe, it’s easy to clean after getting damp from the snow or sleet. Plus, who can resist the adorable fuzzy bear ear accents?

Price at time of publication: $20

Material: 100% polyester fleece | Care instructions: Machine wash and dry | Sizes available: 6M to 2T

Amazon

Pros

Dozens of color options
Cute

Cons

Hand wash only

Available in dozens of styles and patterns, this animal-themed hat is sure to crack little kids up. Most of the hats are topped with a pom pom or little animal ears, and each hat has earflaps and hanging tassels to keep kiddos warm. Pick from bears, kittens, chickens, and more, but note that different styles are from different materials.

Price at time of publication: $12

Material: Varies | Care instructions: Hand wash | Sizes available: 6M to 4T

Nordstrom

Pros

Stylish
Made from 100% wool
Ribbed brim

Cons

Costly
Hand wash only

This chic Scandinavian-inspired checkerboard hat from Acne Studios displays little faces in each check. This pick will please stylish parents, but it’s also cozy for kids.

Made from 100 percent wool, the hat is very on-brand for Acne, whose modern, conceptual minimalism is instantly recognizable. Thanks to the warm material and the snug ribbed brim, your little lamb will be cozy for all kinds of winter adventures.

Price at time of publication: $100

Material: 100% wool | Care instructions: Hand wash | Sizes available: 3 to 10 years

Amazon

Pros

Comes with mittens

Cons

Hat runs small

A matching winter set keeps your kiddo looking stylish—and you don’t need to spend time searching for coordinating accessories. These sets from Carter’s are adorable, with funny monster and dinosaur motifs that will keep your kid grinning.

We love that each knit hat comes with two pairs of matching mittens, because if there’s anything that gets lost around the house and in the car, it’s mittens. Each hat is lined with soft fleece, has earflaps, and features some kind of decorative element like a pom pom or little fins. The mittens have ribbed cuffs to keep out the cold (and keep them snugly on a squirmy little one’s hands).

Price at time of publication: $18

Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash | Sizes available: 12M to 5T

How We Selected the Best Winter Hats for Kids

To research this article, we spoke with board-certified pediatrician Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP; Rebekah Diamond, MD, a New York City-based hospital pediatrician and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University; and Jessica Madden, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University and the Medical Director of Aeroflow Breastpumps, to get their expert opinions on what to look for in winter hats for kids.

In addition to speaking with experts, we reviewed over 100 hats and sets while researching this list, looking for picks that are warm, fit snugly, and look cute to boot.

What to Look For in Winter Hats for Kids

Materials

When selecting a winter hat for your little one, find a material that won’t irritate their skin.

“There are some materials that should be avoided when dressing kids and babies for winter,” Dr. Alexander tells Verywell Family. “These include wool and other scratchy fabrics. These can irritate their skin and make them uncomfortable.”

Instead, choose soft fabrics that are cozy and warm, such as cotton or fleece, she says. “These will be gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.”

“Also, for babies, in particular, watch for strings and tassels,” says Dr. Madden. “[Baby] hats should not have ribbons, ties, or other pieces that hang down due to a risk of strangulation.”

“I avoid dangling strings or other things that could get caught or tied around the neck for little babies,” adds Dr. Diamond.

Comfort

As anyone who’s struggled to keep a hat on a kid knows, a winter hat has to be comfortable. In this case, we looked for options that are lined with fleece or other soft fabric, as those textures are cozy and warm. Of course, you know your child the best, so keep their texture and fabric preferences in mind (assuming they’re old enough to express them).

Care Instructions

When shopping for any outwear for kids, including winter hats, it’s crucial to check the washing directions before buying. Many of our picks can be machine washed and dried, but there are hand wash only hats as well. As always, you know your lifestyle best, so keep your cleaning preferences in mind while shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the warmest type of winter hat?

The warmest type of winter hat is one that stays on, says Dr. Alexander.
“Choose a hat that fits snugly,” she explains. “This will help to keep them warm without being too tight."
Wool is the warmest material, followed by fleece and other poly blends. The level of warmth you need depends on the climate where you live and how much your child will be out in the elements.
If you’re somewhere with blustery wind and cold, Dr. Alexander recommends a hat with a brim. “This will help to protect their face from the wind and cold.”
How should kids’ winter hats be worn?

Fit is crucial in selecting a winter that is safe and comfortable to wear, say our experts.
In addition to finding a hat that fits snugly, “You can also put the hat on backwards or sideways," says Dr. Alexander. "This can help to block the wind and keep their face warm.”
You’ll also want to mind overheating, especially with babies, says Dr. Madden.
“Newborns and infants are at risk of overheating due to immaturity of their ability to regulate their body temperature (thermoregulation) and the fact that they are not old enough to be able to remove a layer of clothing by themselves if they feel hot,” she explains. “If a baby’s neck feels warm to the touch [or] if you notice they are sweating, these are signs that they are too warm.”
Why do winter hats have pom poms?

Pom poms aren’t just to make hats extra cute. Originally, pom poms were put on hats to differentiate regiments during wars. Later, French sailors added them to their hats so they wouldn’t bang their heads on a ship ceiling during rough sails.
How do I store kids’ winter hats?

Most hats don’t need elaborate storage, just a space to live. During the winter season, we recommend a basket or bin in your mudroom or near the door, so they can be easily grabbed and used. During the off-season, wash them, then stack them in another container for use (or handing down) the following year.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Tanya Edwards is an experienced parent, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. She has written for such outlets as Parents, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Huffington Post, CNN Underscored, and more.