10 Best Baby & Kids Hats Reviewed in 2024
From newborn to grade school age, hats are a wise accessory for children. Intense sun can cause sunburn, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and more, and children aren’t always the most diligent about reapplying their sunscreen. When it gets cold out, a beanie keeps little heads warm. Newborns especially have trouble regulating their body temperature, so layering properly for the climate is a necessity. Whether you’re looking to keep everyone snugly tucked away during the nippy months or trying to shield small faces from that pesky sun during the warmer seasons, we’ve got you covered. On this page, you’ll find a spread of different styles, sizes, and functions. These top ten hats are widespread favorites. We’ve made sure to pick designs appropriate for a whole range of different ages and included some unisex options within the mix.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 38 hrs of research

Made of 100% polyester, UPF 50+ fabric
Pull-on closure and a tie-on chin strap
Machine washable and lightweight
A wicking absorbent liner
Extra-wide brim for the eyes, neck, and head












10 Best Baby & Kids Hats Reviewed
1. i play. Brim Sun Protection


Made of 100% polyester, UPF 50+ fabric
Pull-on closure and a tie-on chin strap
Machine washable and lightweight
A wicking absorbent liner
Extra-wide brim for the eyes, neck, and head
Hat brim may cover the eyes
If wet, the hat can mildew
The i.Play Brim Sun Protection Hat comes in nine different colors and helps to keep kids cool and shady on warm summer days. These adorable floppy hats are lightweight and comfortable. They measure 14” wide and 0.7” high and come in three sizes: 0-6 Months, 2T/4T, and 9-18 Months. The material has a protection rating of UPF 50+ and the hats feature an adjustable mechanism on the chin strap to ensure they don’t get blown off your child’s head when it gets windy out!
Read moreNo child should be without some kind of head protection when outdoors, and this adorable hat covers the most vital head areas. The chin strap and adjustable pull string around the head almost guarantee a perfect fit for your kid. The tie around the chin holds the hat on securely and the toggle custom fits the top of the hat to the head. This little sun hat is perfect for any outside activity to keep the sun off of your child’s head and neck. It covers the eyes, neck, and head which are very susceptible to harm from the heat and UV rays.
Comfort
Various sizes can be chosen to further narrow the size needed for your child for this 100% UPF 50+ approved polyester fabric hat. Comfort was the main objective besides protection in creating this model.
Protection
It is lightweight, cool, and has a wicking liner that will keep dampness away from the child’s skin. This style is perfect to use all year round since it has protective properties for all seasons.
Style
The wide brim shades the child’s eyes, neck, and head from the sun and will keep the top of the head cool. It is ideal to wear indoors or outdoors and anywhere the child goes with others.
Ease of use
If the hat does get wet, it will dry quickly. It is easy to pack for any outdoor activity, such as camping, at the beach, hiking, or just in the neighborhood, plus it is machine washable.
2. Home Prefer Lightweight Baseball Cap


Mesh paneling
Adjustable back
Moisture-wicking sweatband
Eight color options
Pre-curved brim
Runs large, truly meant for older children
The Home Prefer Lightweight Quick-Drying Kids Sun Hat is a cute, breathable little baseball cap that comes in eight different colors with fun designs of airplanes embroidered and printed on each. The brim comes already curved so there’s no discomfort in breaking it in. Airy panels allow for cooling while a sweat-wicking inner band keeps kids dry even in intense heat. An adjustable back means the hat grows with your child, too!
Read moreA pre-curved hat brim means no uncomfortably breaking it in before handing it off to baby, and the patchwork colors add a little flair to anyone’s style. This hat measures 52-55 cm in circumference (depending on how you have the back adjusted), with an 11 cm crown depth, and 3 cm brim width. It’s ideal for children ages 3 and older and comes in eight different colored options, all featuring a cute little plane patch front and center.
Comfort
Its mesh paneling makes it breathable and prevents heat from getting trapped, while a moisture-wicking band protects hair from sweat build up. It’s cute, lightweight, and keeps the head cool.
Protection
The airy mesh side panels make for easier cooling, while a moisture-wicking sweatband keeps hair from getting the brunt of the heat. It is possible to wear these for any season for the best protection.
Style
The adjustable back allows parents to fit the cap exactly to their child’s head. This cute little cap will keep the sun out of kids’ eyes and off their sensitive faces and heads when they are out and about.
Ease of use
The adjustable back is nice, given how quickly children grow. The extra few inches will give you another couple of months of use, at least to prevent the necessity of having to purchase larger infant hats so soon.
3. Sunday Afternoons Play


Is water and stain repellent
Comes in a huge assortment of colors
Approved UPF 50 sun protection
Great for hiking, camping, and all outdoor activities
Sizes for infant, baby, child, and youth
Strings for the chin strap may break easily
Nylon material Might be too thin for sun protection
The Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat is a wide-brimmed sun hat that comes in twenty-two different colors. It has a full neck veil in back (measuring between 5.5”-6”, depending on size) to keep the sun off a sensitive and easily-missed area when it comes to sunscreen. Strategically-placed mesh ventilation sets children up for success by keeping their little heads cool even as they sweat through the hot afternoons. A UPF 50+ sun protection rating provides parents with ease of mind too, knowing those precious little heads are in good hands!
Read moreSizes are for any child because the available selections come in infant, baby, child and youth choices. Whether you are camping, at the park, at the beach, or just in the backyard, protect your little one’s tender skin from the sun rays with this cute hat that is not just for Sunday afternoons. It provides total head coverage for your child. The color selection for these outdoor hats is outstanding! Buyers may have to purchase several because it is hard to choose just one.
Comfort
When you want to protect your baby’s head from the outdoor weather elements, this nifty hat can do the trick and look great. It can shade the child’s head and skin, plus keep the head warm in colder weather.
Protection
For the best sun protection outdoors for babies and infants, this hat is a wonderful choice. It is certified UPF 50 appropriate for the finest defense against harmful rays for babies and kids.
Style
Materials consist of long-lasting mesh panels and a lightweight vinyl that is resistant to stains and water. The color choices are surprising with so many options, so be sure to choose your favorite or some that match the child’s outfits.
Ease of use
A strap on the back of the head adjusts the sunhat to the perfect size you need, and a neck strap holds the hat on while your child plays. You just cannot ask for a better hat that can be this customized.
4. Zando Soft Cute Knit


Made of high-quality soft cotton material
Will stretch as baby grows
Great for kids under 4 years old
Good ventilation – breathable fabric
Several color combinations to choose from
Parents had issues with hats being too large for infants
One reviewer said the material was not breathable and was hot
The Zando Unisex Beanie is perfect for any young child, be they infant or toddler! With a super stretchy design, they’re flexible enough to be comfortable and to fit a wide range of sizes. Made from cotton, these hats tend to be a little warmer and are best suited for brusque spring days, or fall and winter months. You can order a six-pack, a three-pack, or an individual beanie and they come in a variety of easily-matched colors such as black, gray, red, and navy.
Read moreThese can be worn indoors or outside, especially in colder climates or in rooms that are kept on the cooler side. The one size offered should fit children one to four years old, depending on head size, of course. Some reviewers said that these were a bit large for their infant, but by folding a cuff in the bottom, they fit well and could be used for several years. This is an offer for a pack of three hats in various color schemes to match any wardrobe. These soft hats are very similar to the ones that are provided in the hospital for newborns because they are so gentle to the tender skin.
Comfort
The soft, ventilated cotton material makes this hat very comfortable for babies and toddlers to wear. It will help them get used to wearing head garments to keep them warm and cozy.
Protection
The breathable, well-ventilated material will not cause overheating but will cover all head areas to prevent exposure to the elements. It is light protection for the head at its best.
Style
This item is for a three-pack of lovely hats in gorgeous assorted colors. This is perfect for babies because they must wear hats often as newborns, especially in colder climates.
Ease of use
It will stretch as they grow in infancy and can be worn until the age of four for most kids, depending on head size. this gives them plenty of time to enjoy them with their many outfits of various colors.
5. N'Ice Caps Soft Sherpa-Lined Fleece Dino Set


Adjustable chin strap
Sherpa-lined microfleece
Soft and comfy
Adorable dino design
Includes mittens in the set
Sizes can run small
Have a dino enthusiast stomping and chomping around the house? Try the N’Ice Caps Sherpa Fleece beanie. This adorable and super soft little cap comes in both green and blue and each set includes matching mittens. The fleece is ultra comfortable, naturally a little warmer than some of its competition, and can handle a little bit of water. These double-layer accessory sets come in four sizes: 3-6 Months, 6-18 Months, 2-3 Years, and 4-7 Years. Designed and manufactured by a Minnesota company, these hats are guaranteed to keep little heads warm in the winter months!
Read moreThe elastic on the mitten wrists keeps snow and water from splashing inside and freezing little hands. (The infant sizes up to 18 months feature mittens without thumbs, but larger sizes include thumbs in the design.) Headed out into the Winter Wonderland? Or on a breezy fall journey? This cap and mittens set will keep little heads warm, an especially important endeavor during infancy, when they have trouble regulating their body temperature. The dinosaur design is unique and creative, and the set is soft and warm. Little ones will look cute and feel cozy in this ultra-plush microfleece set.
Comfort
Soft, with a hook-and-loop chin strap, you can fit this perfectly to your little one’s head, so they’ll be comfortable for the whole outing. They will grow to depend on the comfort and security that this design provides.
Protection
The Sherpa-lined microfleece keeps children’s heads warm, even in frosty conditions. They will certainly notice the difference with it being on the head and so will parents too.
Style
With the fun, funky dino spikes on the hat, your kid is sure to stand out in a crowd. Tested and approved, this cap and mitten set meets all CPSIA standards to be completely safe and secure.
Ease of use
It’s available in eight different color patterns and fits children between the ages of 6 and 36 months. With such choices to match outfits and wardrobes, you can plan your child’s clothing schemes for many seasons.
6. Flap Happy Floppy Sun UPF


100% cotton material
Has wide brim with UPF 50+
Huge selection of colors and patterns
Comes in 4 baby/child sizes
Has tie chin strap
Must be hand washed
Brim might not be floppy but instead stiff
The Flap Happy Floppy Sun Hat is rated with UPF 50+, the highest available protection on the market. It’s available in sizes running from X-Small to X-Large, and is available in a whopping 41 different colors and designs. This hat needs to be hand washed and is developed with a lightweight and breathable fabric. Created by a company based in sunny Malibu, California, this hat will stand up against the heat and heavy sun rays that accompany summer months!
Read moreDon’t let your kid go out in the sun unprotected; it is so fun and easy to get them an adorable sun hat like this one to enjoy. These are equally suited for boys or girls. Sun protection does not get any easier or more enjoyable than these cute little floppy hats for kids. They will keep the vital head parts out of harm’s way so children can enjoy outdoor activities without parents worrying about overheating or UV issues. The designs and colors are tremendous for this hat offering! Any parent should be able to find at least two or three of these hats for their child to enjoy outdoors.
Comfort
Sun protection is a serious thing for infants and babies because they have such tender skin and they cannot protect themselves. It is up to parents to keep them comfy with such hat models as this one.
Protection
This hat is made of 100% cotton material and will keep the sun off of your child’s face and neck, plus protect the eyes with its floppy brim. You will not have to worry about them in the sun any longer with this item on.
Style
The tie chin strap will keep the hat secure during activities and on windy days plus give some defense against the child taking the hat off. This model is best for those fussy types that do not like hats much.
Ease of use
The manufacturer claims that its product is chemical free and has UPF 50+ protection. The size range is almost as large as the color variety, as there are four different sizes from baby to kid.
7. Bienvenu Winter Earflap


Made of soft 80% acrylic and 20% cotton materials
Many color choices
Cute puppy ears design
Covers head and neck - great for the coldest climates
Perfect for ages 1 to 4 years old
Could be too big for small infants
One reviewer said the fleece ears came apart
The Bienvenu Winter Hat is one of the most unique on the market—and also one of the cutest hats we’ve ever seen. This adorable winter hat set is available in puppy, bear, and sheep designs. Each product covers the head as well as the neck to protect against the cold during intense winter seasons. They’re made from 80% acrylic and 20% cotton material and are knitted to be soft and strong. They’re available in twelve different designs and colors, fit heads between 17”-22” in circumference, and kids and adults alike love them!
Read moreWhen worn, this item covers the entire head, except the face, and the neck to the shoulders. There are many colors to pick from and even a multi-colored design. This hat is great to use for photos and it would make a wonderful gift for any child in the appropriate age range. This has just got to be one of the cutest toddler winter hats ever made! The fleece puppy ears and top of the hat make this a hat wonderful for taking photos and giving as a gift.
Comfort
The bottom of the face opening can be lifted up to cover the mouth and chin area if temperatures are extremely cold. This gives the child added help in staying so cozy.
Protection
It will keep kids out of cold drafts and protect them from the harshest cold weather. Almost the entire head and face can be covered with this incredible design that can be altered with the changing weather.
Style
Being that this item is a hat and scarf combined, it will keep baby very warm and cuddly, even in the coldest areas. You will not have to fear going outdoors with an infant anymore with this protective item.
Ease of use
More suited for the ages of one to four, toddlers will get plenty of use from this product because it is nice and roomy. They will certainly have time to enjoy it and become accustomed to its warmth and comfort.
8. Carhartt Acrylic Watch


Made of stretchable knit material - 100% acrylic
Huge variety of colors available
Comes in toddler, youth, and kid sizes
Perfect for boys or girls
Sports the Carhartt woven label
Complaints of incorrect sizes
A few said the hat was thin
The Carhart Kids Acrylic Watch Hats are stretchable and easily washable beanies available in 19 different colors. These hats have no nasty closures to fuss with or annoy sensitive little heads. They’re a stretchable rib fit with a woven logo sewn onto the front. Made from 100% acrylic material, they last the longest when hand washed. They come in Toddler, Child, and Youth sizes but consumers report that they’ll even fit some adult heads!
Read moreThey are just right for boys or girls and the color selection is vast. Carhartt is a trusted name in clothing and the brand is sewn on the front of the cap to show its quality. Be sure to get one of these warm and stylish hats for your child, so playing outdoors in the cold will not be a health concern at all. When the head is not covered, children are vulnerable to losing body warmth and exposure of the extremities. This winter cap comes in any size that you would possibly need for a child. With sizes in toddler, youth, and kid there is a hat for every child in your family.
Comfort
It is best to get them used to wearing hats such as this one early in life to prevent problem down the road of protecting the head and face. Once kids become used to not wearing hats, they will not be comfortable with one.
Protection
Winter caps provide kids with the best defense against cold temperatures when outdoors. This particular model will help retain the body’s warmth by preventing it from escaping through the head.
Style
These are made of 100% acrylic knit material that stretches to fit comfortably, so they can be worn for long periods of time. It is a unique style that is not only comfortable but also trendy and fashionable too.
Ease of use
Any outfit can be perfectly matched with at least one or two items of this assortment of bright hues. Parents will have loads of fun in matching the hats with the outfits of the child to make them look super-cute when they go out.
9. Gerber Girls' 5-Pack


Has 4 color scheme choices of the 5-packs
Perfect for 0-6 months old babies
The shape is maintained after washing
Material stretches
Great for indoor or outdoor wear
Parents had size issues – too big or too small
Small plastic tags might be hard to remove
The Gerber Baby Girl’s 5-Pack Caps are a cute and effective way to welcome winter or fall. These little beanies come in 13 different assorted packs of five. The designs are labeled as a “girl’s accessory” but are pretty gender neutral and you can likely find a set in here to match any baby’s aesthetic taste! (Well...maybe that’s more in the domain of the parents’ taste!). They are 100% cotton with a pull-on closure for optimal comfort. These little guys can even be thrown in with the laundry and machine washed, making them a top choice for busy families everywhere!
Read moreFour color patterns are available for the 5-pack of hats, so choose the one that best matches your baby’s wardrobe. These are just for girls, but Gerber offers the same identical hat for boys in appropriate colors. They are featured right after this selection. These have high positive reviews from purchasers and are very popular among parents. This 5-pack of hats is great for newborns because the colors are mixed within the set as well as there are color choices of which set to purchase. These can be coordinated to wonderfully match baby’s clothing each day of the week.
Comfort
These are perfect for just after bathing or being in a pool to keep the head from being in a draft. They provide the best comfort to the child and the best defense against many hazards of cold and chills.
Protection
Infants need to wear a thin cap plenty of the time, depending on the climate and weather conditions. This is because they cannot yet regulate their own body temperatures to help fight off cold.
Style
These are just like the hats that hospitals use and trust to keep newborns’ internal thermostats regulated. They are trendy and stylish to be useful with numerous outfits and blankets.
Ease of use
The caps fit newborns zero to six months old, and they stretch somewhat to provide long-lasting wear. Your child will most likely outgrow the garments before they show any signs of wear.
10. Gerber Boys' 5-Pack


Choose from 2 different color scheme selections
Perfect for 0-6 months old babies
Great for indoor or outdoor wear
Superb quality
Includes vibrant colors and cute designs
Parents had size issues – too big or too small
Should be hand washed to maintain the size
The Gerber Baby Boy’s 5-Pack is akin the the Girl’s 5-Pack, just featuring different designs! Likewise, these sets are marketed towards baby boys but the styles are all relatively gender-neutral and can be worn by anyone! There are nine different sets to choose from and an adjustable ribbed cuff provides the perfect fit for all kinds of little heads. These are extra soft and embroidery details set them apart as unique as well!
Read moreGerber offers two different packs in various colors for your selection to best match your child’s outfits. The superb quality of Gerber is quite apparent in the design and manufacture of the product. Parents rave about the vibrant colors and designs of these adorable caps, as they are hugely reviewed with positive feedback. Thin caps for infants should be worn in drafty places, during cold temperatures, and even in cool rooms.
Comfort
These not only look cute, but they help keep the baby’s temperature in a healthy position. They are thin enough to not be uncomfortable anytime for the child, yet thick enough to give the necessary warmth needed.
Protection
Be sure to get some of these for your infant to have when some head coverage is needed. They are perfect for home, while traveling, or just spending some leisure time outside.
Style
These caps come as a five-pack to provide your baby with a different hat for each day of the week. This amazing variety also allows various color combinations with clothing too.
Ease of use
Babies can wear these marvelous hats indoors or outdoors because they are very similar to the ones that hospitals use for newborns. They are simple in design and form to go with any type of outfit or blanket.
Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort
Although infants wear hats to mostly protect their heads from the harmful rays of the sun and from the cold and draughts in winter, they are a comfort item for the child too. Infants can get so used to having a cap or hat on their head that they will want one all the time to make them feel secure. This also comes from the fact that they can catch a chill or feel the cold much more than we can because their bodies have yet to master heat regulation. Providing hats to wear will make them feel loved and safe in addition to keeping them healthy.

Protection
Kids should learn at an early age to protect their face, head, ears, and neck from the sun and cold. Wearing hats will come naturally this way and they will be comfortable wearing them as adults. It is easier to go without a hat, especially when we do not immediately feel the harm the cold or sun is doing to our face and head. We do know the danger exists and it is real, so we must protect our kids from these threats.

Style
Some of these hat selections had a huge assortment of colors to choose from, such as the baseball cap, beanies, bucket, and broad-brimmed hats. The knit beanie had possibly the largest selection of styles and color schemes with the baseball caps second with color choices. Parents can purchase more than one color of an item, especially if they fit well and the child likes to wear the hat. With more selections for color, outfits can be matched and planned more accurately. Several of the offerings for baby knit caps come in a pack of three or five to a set, which makes outfit planning much easier and selection a breeze.

Ease of Use
The sun hats, baseball caps, and trucker’s hats to name a few are all adjustable with drawstrings or bands that allow size alterations. The winter knit caps are all mostly stretchable so they can be worn multiple years. The thin baby hats are all stretchable and should fit most if not all baby head sizes. Some of the manufacturers list size by age and others just say whether they are small, medium, or large. Use your best judgment and try to buy a bit larger so the kid can possibly grow into it and use the hat for a few years.

If your child has a head size that is particularly large or has soft spots, you may want to get a size larger than what is recommended for their size or age. This will ensure that no problems are encountered from squeezing the head.
It is only the particular colors of such infant hats that determine whether they are suitable for boys or girls or both. Most manufacturers try to make their products in gender-neutral colors to be more accommodating to parents.
Other Factors to Consider

Age Range
The most-asked question of potential buyers of these hats concerned the correct size for a child of a certain age. We give the offered sizes for the appropriate ages when it was given by the manufacturer unless the item only had one size available. It is hard to be precise with size, especially for kids who are constantly growing. The best thing to do is to measure the child’s head and purchase according to the sizes listed.

Durability
As you can see, it is the best manufacturers that are well-known in the baby clothing world that are listed on this page. They have the highest quality of materials and processing to make these excellent hats for babies. You can trust that they are long-lasting and durable to still be in great shape when the child outgrows them. parents love to pass these simple head garments on to others in the family or to friends that have infants too. It is great to get plenty of use from items that kids can outgrow so quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Can the Sunday Afternoons hat be worn without the chin strap? What is the hat made of? Being that a few of the pictures show two colors, are these reversible?
Yes, this hat can be worn without the chin strap because it easily tucks away nicely into the hat. The materials it is made of are mesh and lightweight nylon. No, the hat is not reversible.
q: The Carhartt winter cap for kids has plenty of questions concerning size for different ages of children. What is a good guideline for sizes of this type of hat?
This particular cap comes in toddler, youth, and kid sizes. Although some kid’s heads are smaller or larger than regular-sized heads for their age, a good guideline to follow for most kids is toddler size for ages 1-3, kid size for ages 4-6, and youth size for ages 7-9.
q: Are these hats for boys or girls or both?
There are only two products that specify gender because of the color and pattern choices. The others are all unisex or the possibility of choosing various color schemes is given when ordering. If you are just using these for home use when the child sleeps or naps, the colors will not be as important as if you were going out with the child.
q: Are these items hard to care for in general?
Not at all. You can wash most of them regularly in a washing machine as you would normal clothing and also dry them in a dryer. It is best to hand wash the products, so they do not stretch or shrink any with the process. Because these pieces are so small, they will hand wash in just a few minutes and can be air-dried to keep their shape and pristine form.
q: How long will they last with regular wear and use?
Any of these excellent products should outlast your child’s baby years. They will outgrow them before the hats need to be replaced from wear or tear. The sturdy materials they are constructed with will ensure that you can use them over and over again many times and for several years of use.
q: What is the biggest complaint from buyers concerning these products?
As you can probably guess, correct sizing is the number one problem of anything that must fit the body. It is always the clothing items that cause the most concern with sizing because we are all of different body shapes and forms, even babies. Although headgear does not usually pose much of a problem, the constantly growing head size of an infant is hard to keep up with when fitting for hats. Head size is quite variable in the stages of infancy, so do not be discouraged if the hat items you purchase do not fit ideally.