best baby sun protection hat

The Best baby sun hat for UV protection (2023 Review)

A cloudless day, a blue sky, a shiny sun, and singing birds – yes, it’s summertime! I love summer. It is a special time to bask in the soothing goodness of the sun’s warmth — a special time to take care of your baby’s special needs. The sun’s rays are harsh on the baby’s skin and eyes. As such, it is important to put the best baby sun hat on your little cuties whenever they will be outdoors under the sun.

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As a mother, I want something breathable and cool that ensures sensitive areas of my baby’s head are shielded from the rays of the sun. The face, eyes, back of the neck, and ears are prone to burn; as such, keeping them shaded and cool is important.

Babies under 6 months of age can’t wear sunscreen, so wearing a baby sun hat is the most efficient way to protect our little ones from the damaging effect of the sun’s ultraviolet rays comfortably and fashionably. Whether you are taking a stroll or going shopping, hats will keep your cutie safe and sound.

Having bought a couple of baby sun hats, I have identified the best baby sun protection hat from experience and discussed things you should look for when making a purchasing decision. Relax, enjoy, as we go on a ride!

Best baby sun hat: Key Features, Pros, and Cons

The best baby sun hat is breathable and lightweight; as such, it will keep your baby comfortable and cool. They also come with adjustable straps for fitting and boast ultra-violet rays blocking fabrics that keep the raging sun at bay. These hats come in multiple fun patterns and colors, which your toddler might love, convincing her to wear the super-cute hat for much longer. The table below itemizes my best 7 picks and the features that make them outstanding.

ImageBrandMaterialUPF 50+ protection?AdjustmentDetails
BEST OVERALL
i play. by green sprouts100% polyesterYesTie strapCheck price
PREMIUM PICK
Ami&Li tots 100% cotton fabricYesChin strapsCheck price
BEST VALUE
Durio PolyesterYesRemovable chin strapCheck price
RuffleButts 80% Nylon, 20% SpandexYesTie strapCheck price
i play. by green sprouts100% PolyesterYesTie closureCheck price
BABYLABMesh denimYesDrawstring closureCheck price
RuffleButts 100% PolyesterYesTie chin strapCheck price

1. i Play. Brim Sun Protection Hat for Baby 

BEST OVERALL
Highlighted Features
  • Toggle closure
  • Weave type: Knit
  • UPF 50+ material

This is a super cute minimalistic sun hat for a baby. It provides maximum protection from harmful UV rays that can harm the back of the neck and eyes.

I love this sun hat for its extending neck flaps that provide optimal sun protection wherever your little cutie goes. This hat is crafted from 100% polyester; it is super soft and durable. It can even be thrown into a washing machine and will not get damaged.

However, there is a downside to this hat, it is not water-friendly. Drizzling rain is a regular feature of summer. As such, you can’t depend on this protective hat during the rainy season. But it has more functional features. Toddlers often hate having to wear a hat and will pull them off. With this super-comfy hat, your toddler will be comfortable, becoming his favorite go-to sun hat.

If your baby insists on pulling this hat off, you can secure this hat by using the attached strap. This will ensure your baby adorns a hat that will provide optimal protection against harmful sun rays. And finally, as your kid grows, you can loosen and tighten it to your kid’s size and liking. This sun hat will last you a long time.

Pros
  • This hat is formaldehyde-free.
  • It is lightweight and packable for transport.
  • It comes in 8 fun patterns.
Cons
  • The drawstring can be tighter.

2. Ami&Li tots Bucket Sun Hat

PREMIUM PICK
Highlighted Features
  • Machine Wash
  • 100% cotton fabric
  • Break-away buckle

The Ami&Li tots Bucket Sun Hat is a lovely product loved by toddlers. It was manufactured with one thing in mind: to protect your little cuties from the damaging effect of UV rays.

This hat is crafted from light and soft cotton. It has no chemical layers to protect against harmful UV rays, yet super-protective.

I love this hat because the brim does not flop down to cover the eyes. I discovered this might not be wide enough to provide maximum protection for some other babies. And it can’t be adjusted to another size if your baby outgrows it.

The brim is narrow. As such, it does not flop down. Your baby might find this difficult, but it is a perfect hat for newborns. Either way, it will protect your tots from harmful sun rays anytime they have it on.

Finally, it comes with a comfortable tie under the cheek that is comfortable and makes the cap slightly adjustable. Your kid will love it!

Pros
  • This baby sun hat is lightweight and soft.
  • It comes with a chin strap for a secure fit.
  • It is crafted from high-quality cotton material.
Cons
  • The brim is narrow.

3. Durio Beach Baby Sun Hat 

BEST VALUE
Highlighted Features
  • Toggle closure
  • 100% Cotton
  • Durable Fastening Strap

This inexpensive sun hat is a beautiful headgear your baby boy will love. With its cute cartoon designs, vibrant colors, and protective features, this is one of the best on the market.

With this product, you are not only providing sunshade, but you will get UPF 50+ protection against harmful UV rays. This is necessary to prevent sunburns and brittles on your baby’s tender skin. It is made from 100% cotton, a material approved and loved by many that will keep your baby cool in summer.

The sun hat is lightweight, soft, and comfortable to wear. It is breathable and does not allow the buildup of heat. Your baby’s head will be fresh and cool for as long as he has it on. Not forgetting the brim that shields the other part of the face from the raging sun rays.

With this hat, your umbrella will be useless. Your tots can wear it during summer, every day, at the park, beach, or other outdoor places.

The Durio Beach Baby Sun Hat is available in 7 fun colors and designs. You will find one that suits your baby’s lifestyle.

Pros
  • This hat is rated UPF 50+.
  • It comes with a wide brim that protects the face.
  • It is breathable and made from 100% cotton.
Cons
  • The brim can be wider.

4. RuffleButts UPF 50+ Sun Protective Sun Hat – Best striped hat

Highlighted Features
  • 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
  • Adjustable tie straps
  • Fade-resistant

Do you love stripes on cloth? If you do, this sun hat is going to give you joy. This, in combination with its UV rays protective powers, wins it a spot on this list.

Your kids can wear these cute striped sun hats for picnics, beach, playtime, parks, and wherever you love to go. But style is not everything; a lack of functionality and comfort can make a sun hat useless.

Fortunately, this does not apply to this hat that I am discussing. It is crafted from 100% cotton, which means it will cuddle your baby’s head in a comfortable, breathable cotton cocoon.

This sun hat is designed to be held firmly in place under the chin using a tie; this increases the comfortability for whoever has it on. Plus, it comes with a sturdy wide brim that is waterproof. You can absolutely trust this hat to repel the sun’s rays from direct contact with the eyes.

Although this sun hat is waterproof, it should only be worn in dry weather. It is pocket-friendly and dries pretty fast. But, be rest assured that you will be getting a perfect sun hat for your little cuties. It’s worth the extra bucks.

Pros
  • It comes with a sturdy and wide brim.
  • It is rated UPF 50+ and will protect against UV rays of the sun.
  • This hat is easy to roll and pack for vacations.
Cons
  • It does not come with a tie or strap.

5. i play. by green sprouts Baby Girls’ Brim Hat — Best moisture wicking

Highlighted Features
  • Machine Wash
  • Tie closure
  • 100% Polyester

This is the same brand as the best overall, the i Play. Brim Sun Protection Hat for Baby but has a different style; you should seriously consider it. Especially if your toddler is not a fan of hats with a floppy brim that covers the back of their necks.

This variant is an excellent alternative. It will effectively protect the eyes and face with zero discomforts. One beautiful feature about this hat is that it can be firmly secured under the chin, unlike the  RuffleButts UPF 50+ Sun Protective Sun Hat that does not come with a strap or a secure Velcro system.

A tie is a better fastening system, as it allows for adjustment, and is usually soft and far more comfortable. Therefore, it is perfect as an infant sun hat.

This sun hat is made using synthetic materials. It is super durable, comfortable and moisture-wicking. It is the reason for the stiff brim. The hat provides ample shade on the eyes and face, while also drawing moisture away from the skin to keep the wearer cool.

For all the excellent features, it has one downside, it does not handle water well. When it gets wet, the brim gets heavy and floppy, which will annoy your toddler. Aside from that, this hat is perfect and will protect against raging sun rays.

Pros
  • It is available in 10 fun colors.
  • According to the manufacturer, this hat will block 97.5%-99+% of harmful UV rays.
  • The material built is quick-drying and lightweight.
Cons
  • The brim gets flappy and heavy when wet.

6. BABYLAB Toddler Baby Sun Hat – Best Adjustable

Highlighted Features
  • Hand Wash Only
  • Drawstring closure
  • UPF 50+

Kids wearing sun hats made with poor quality material will feel hot-headed and stuffy. So, it is important to go for a hat made with extra-comfy materials to prevent annoying your toddler and taking it off.

Fortunately, the BABYLAB Toddler Baby Sun Hat provides extra airflow and comfort; as such, there will never be a buildup of heat on your baby’s head. Made from high-quality mesh and denim lining, this hat is breathable.

Unlike the other hats on this list, the BABYLAB Toddler Baby Sun Hat does not come with a Velcro, tie, or shin strap. This comes with a different design – a drawstring to secure the hat under the chin. With this, it becomes easy to adjust to the size of your baby’s head.

The fabric is durable; it can be machine or hand washed with no negative effect. This hat will keep the sun away from your baby’s eye, but not completely. If you need complete face protection, consider going for the i Play. Brim Sun Protection Hat for Baby.

Pros
  • This jacket is made from durable denim material.
  • It comes with a unique drawstring design for easy adjustment.
  • It is lightweight and folds into pocket size.
Cons
  • No significant cons

7. RuffleButts Girls Baby/Toddler Sun Hat — Best packable

Highlighted Features
  • 100% Polyester
  • Hand Wash Only
  • UPF 50+

If you are on the market for the best baby sun hat for sunbathing at the beach, I recommend this hat; it fits this purpose perfectly.

It is a pretty sun hat for baby girls that also protects their fragile skin and eyes from the damaging impact of the raging sun. Your baby will be able to stay protected from ultraviolet rays with this hat as it is rated UPF50+.

The RuffleButts Girls Baby/Toddler Sun Hat is crafted from part spandex and part nylon, keeping this hat sturdy and durable. A durable hat with a wide brim is what you need under the scorching sun.

The durability does not in any way affect its comfortability. It is soft and super snug on the head. You can even roll it up into a smaller size for storage when traveling. It comes in four sizes and four colors; you will find one that suits your baby’s lifestyle. Since the material built is swimwear fabric, this hat is water-proof.

Pros
  • This jacket is UPF50+ rated.
  • It is water-resistant and suitable for use on rainy days.
  • It comes in many sizes.
Cons
  • It does not come with ties or straps.
best baby sun hat

Best baby sun hat: Buying Guide

We all agree that overexposure to sun UV rays is harmful to us. The physical effects are the painful blisters and sunburns we contend with after prolonged exposure to sun rays. It becomes even more important when toddlers who have very tender skin are involved. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should protect their baby’s skin from harmful sun rays by using lightweight wide brim hats.

The best sun hat for baby will protect your cutie from absorbing harmful sun rays when you are on a picnic, at the park, or sunbathing at the beach. The following should be considered when making a sun hat purchasing decision.

I always try to have an extra baby sun hat in the house for when we misplace one.

Breathability

Wearing a sun hat for hours, especially on a long summer day, can make your baby sweaty and hot. Go for hats having an efficient airflow system like the Durio Beach Baby Sun Hat or BABYLAB Toddler Baby Sun Hat, or you might have to remove the hat regularly to prevent overheating, sweat, and heat buildup.

UPF Protection

This is the number of ultraviolet rays a piece of clothing can effectively block out. Level 50+ is the ultimate protection level and completely protects against sunburns. Stay away from sun hats that have no UPF rating. They may not be adequate enough to effectively protect your baby’s skin from harmful sun rays.

Straps

If your baby is anything like my little Damien, he definitely won’t wear a hat of his own volition. The wind can also blow off hats, exposing your cutie to sun rays. An adjustable chin strap is, therefore, an important consideration. It will keep the sun hat firmly in place on your baby’s head irrespective of the opposing forces. Go for hats with drawstrings like the i Play. Brim Sun Protection Hat for Baby or chin strap like the Ami&Li tots Bucket Sun Hat; they are easy to adjust. There are no two ways around this; an adjustable system is absolutely vital.

Neck Flap

Hats with neck flaps offer additional protection for your baby’s neck. No matter what directions he turns during play, the flap will stay in place. A neck flap will protect the back of the neck from sunburn and painful blisters.

Wide Brim

The best baby sun hat should come with a wide brim to protect the face, eye, and ears. This will protect against sun glare and cool these areas.  RuffleButts Girls Baby/Toddler Sun Hat is an exceptional sample of a baby sun hat with a wide functional brim.

Style and fashion

While you are on the lookout for protection against harmful sun rays, why not go for fashionable hats with fun colors and patterns for those memorable family times out on the beach or park?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my baby wear a hat in the sun?

Yes!

It is recommended that you keep your baby out of direct sunlight using clothing that covers the arms and legs completely. A baby sun hat with an excellent UPF rating that protects the neck, ears, and face – legionnaire or wide-brimmed caps is ideal.

Q: Can my baby get sunburned through clothes?

Young children and babies can suffer from sunburn, blisters, and heatstroke in hot weather. Regular use of sun hats, sunscreen, shade, and plenty of water are the best ways to protect against excessive sun exposure.

Q: Why can’t I put sunscreen on my baby?

If your toddler is spending long hours in the sunshine, go for a natural sunscreen to protect against UV rays. However, do not apply sunscreens on babies under 6 months of age because of their skin permeability and fragility.

Conclusion

As carers, we must constantly ensure our kids are protected from things that may harm and cause them pain. While the sun rays are beneficial in moderate quantities, over-exposure could lead to major skin problems in life. A sunburn will be an unpleasant experience for you and your baby because of the discomfort and pain.

The best baby sun hat is inexpensive, easy to wear, and an excellent way to protect your baby from the harmful effects of the sun. All the products on this list are solid choices that will protect your little ones and help them play to their heart feel without worrying about the damaging effect of UV rays.

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