Tried and tested – our top picks for the best sun hats for kids
It’s never a bad idea to throw a hat on your kids for an extra layer of sun protection – especially on those long summer days where they are in the water, or sweating off all of that good ol’ sunscreen. And you may want to save your baby’s chubby cheeks and often-hairless scalp from the goopy stuff all together.
We’ve found some pretty awesome hats that provide great sun protection, are super breathable and – here’s the kicker: your kids will actually want to wear them.
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BEST EVERYDAY
Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Impulse Cap
This hat is perfect to throw on for those everyday outdoor activities – bike riding, slip ‘n’ sliding, playgrounding – you name it, the Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Impulse Cap will keep them protected. It blocks 98+% of UV rays but the ultra lightweight microfiber fabric, mesh ventilation and moisture wicking inner band will help keep your kid cool. The adjustable strap at the back guarantees a nice snug fit, and the reflective trim will keep your child safe even when the sun sets.
Available in 2 colors; one size
BEST FOR A LONG DAY AT THE BEACH
Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Play Hat
This hat has long been a favorite of our Founder and her family who spend summers on Cape Cod. It offers UPF 50+ with a large foam-based brim that won’t flop in their face, and floats if it happens to come off while swimming. The back veil protects their neck from the sun, but also lays flat against their head for comfy stroller rides. The adjustable band and SmartStrap Breakaway Chinstrap help provide the perfect fit, but the strap will detach with a firm tug to avoid becoming a hazard.
The Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Play Hat is water repellent and stain resistant, and we’ve even thrown it in the washing machine numerous times with great results. Mesh side panels will keep your little one cool, and it is so light-weight that they’ll even forget it’s on. This one is a must-have for anyone spending a lot of time on the beach or in the pool this summer.
Available in lots of fun colors and prints for boys and girls; sizes: infant (XS), baby (S), child (M) and youth (L)
BEST FOR MAKING YOUR BABY IRRESISTIBLE
FLAP HAPPY FLOPPY HAT
This UPF 50 hat has a wonderful large brim that will protect your baby’s face and neck, and allows you to tie the chin strap to fend off those tiny grabbing hands. It comes in an adorable array of colors and materials (we can’t resist the seersucker and eyelet ones), and its only downfall is that your baby won’t be able to escape the grandma-pinching-cheek-affect it causes every time they have it on. It’s just too darn cute!
Available in a variety of colors, prints and fabrics for girls and boys; sizes XS-XL
BEST TAKE-ANYWHERE
Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Sun Tripper Hat
The Sun Tripper Hat is perfect for a summer full of new adventures. In addition to the UPF50+ sun rating, mesh ventilation panels, and internal wicking sweatband, this hat has some pretty niffy features. The brim of the hat acts like a clamshell, folding in half for compact packing, or for sliding into a back pocket. There’s also a hidden pocket inside where they can store their allowance money or secret treasures.
Available in 5 colors; sizes child (M) and youth (L)
BEST FASHION
Coolibar Girls’ Ribbon Bucket Hat
Sometimes the little ladies in our lives request (OK, are pretty darn adamant about) a hat that offers a bit more in the style department than your average cap. Enter Coolibar’s Ribbon Bucket Hat – it provides maximum style (happy girl), with maximum UPF 50+ sun protection (happy mom). It features an internal sweat band to keep them cool, and an elastic string that adjusts for the perfect fit. Your princess can look hip and be protected all summer long.
Available in 2 colors; one size (best to fit ages 4-8)
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