The Best Baby Hats Aren’t Just Cute — They Also Shade Mini Faces From the Sun

The Jan & Jul Aqua Dry Bucket Hat has everything you could want out of a baby sun hat: It’s made of water-resistant polyester, stays put with a breakaway chin strap, and features a wide, bucket-style brim. But my favorite feature might just be the fact that it’s designed to grow with your child — the interior toggle adjustment around the hat’s base means you’ll get plenty of use out of it for years to come (ultimately saving you money). 

Parents love that this not only keeps their baby protected from UV rays while splashing in the water, but that they don’t have to worry about the shape of the hat changing. Even those in the WTE community who didn’t go with the “Aqua-Dry” version still highly recommend Jan & Jul overall for the brand’s consistent fit and functionality. 

If you’re traveling with your baby, this adorable sun hat is designed to fold up flat, so you can jam it into a suitcase or bag without having to worry about it getting crushed. Another great travel perk? Some of the color options can be turned inside out for multiple outfit combos! It’s also crafted from a UPF 50+ swim fabric (a blend of nylon and stretchy spandex) that parents say is soft and quick-drying, further proving it’s a must-have for beachside vacays. The adjustable tie chin strap, generous brim, and lightweight feel will make it easy to wear (and look super cute in family photos to boot).The knit hat does run small, so older babies and toddlers may need to size up to ensure a better fit.

While nearly every hat I recommend comes with some form of ties or straps for a secure fit, this sun hat also features an adjustable head circumference and an anti-choke chin strap, so it grows with your baby and stays secure without feeling too tight. Another notable detail: the water-friendly material, making it a great pick for the beach or pool. It even floats in the water! Parents also love that it folds up easily without losing its shape, and that the eyelets are corrosion-averse, meaning they won’t wear or rust from salt air or ocean spray. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a matching hat and swimsuit set for the summer — SwimZip has plenty to choose from for the whole family!

This ultra-light hat checks all the boxes for sun protection without weighing your baby down. The long neck flap and wide front brim provide full coverage for your baby’s face, neck and ears, a boon if they’re particularly sensitive. Plus, the UPF 50+ rating will give you peace of mind during sunny summertime strolls and other outings. It’s soft enough for easily-irritable skin and dries quickly after splashing in the water. Just be sure to double-check sizing, as some reviews note that it runs a bit snug.

This hat from Target won me over for its baby-friendly style and parent-approved budget. Made from a lightweight, yet tightly woven recycled polyester, it’s perfect for warm weather. The 50+ UPF rating means your little one will be protected from the sun, and the wide brim delivers great shade coverage. Plus, the price point makes it easy to grab a backup — just in case one gets soaked or lost on vacation (it’s happened to us!). 

While there isn’t a chin strap, the elastic back provides a snug enough fit and the easy pull-on design was preferred amongst fussier babes. Plus, the fun look has successfully convinced little ones to keep it on. Choose from a cute pink bear or a fun shark design — you really can’t go wrong with either one!

If your baby is always on the move, this Patagonia sun hat is one of the few that can keep up. The six-panel, safari-style hat includes a soft, moisture-wicking headband to keep sweat at bay while offering full UPF 40+ protection. The adjustable chin strap helps it stay put, even in the windiest conditions, and the brim is one of the biggest on this list, featuring the addition of elastic to maintain its shape. Like all Patagonia acessories, it’s made with recycled materials (a blend of nylon and fishing nets, making it a feel good purchase) and built to last — ideal if you’re planning to pass it down like I did with my boys’ summer hat.

Not to mention, it’s super stylish. “This is a great baby hat, and in all honesty, I’m a little jealous Patagonia doesn’t have these hats for adults!,” one parent writes. 

Finding a summer baby hat that your baby won’t move around can be a struggle, but this 100% cotton hat solves that problem. It’s fully lined (great for sensitive skin kiddos!) and has adjustable ties that keep the hat snug and secure. The comfy muslin material and design allow for plenty of airflow to prevent overheating and ensure your little one stays cool and comfortable. The brand’s website notes the hat provides 360-degrees of sun protection thanks to a UPF 50+ rating and wide brim that fully covers your baby’s head and ears.

There’s no doubt that this bucket hat will keep your baby protected and stylish through the summer, but what truly sets it apart is the lightweight design. The hat is made from a soft linen shell with a 100% cotton liner and side vents, so it’s breathable — perfect for spending time outdoors in the summer. The brim is nice and wide to keep your little one’s entire face and neck shaded, while tie straps make it easy to adjust the fit. Parents love how affordable this hat is (under $10!) and the range of neutral color options.

How cute would your little girl look lounging on the beach in this bowed and ruffled cap? Pl;us, she’ll be protected thanks to UPF 50+ sun protection built right into the soft cotton fabric and extra-wide brim. Some parents do say it runs a bit big, but the adjustable toggle on the chin strap helps keep it firmly in place — no beach breeze will get the best of your babe! 

The top seller on Amazon, this MaxNova sun hat is also a top recommendation in the WTE community. It comes in a variety of colors and has an adorable smiley face design. The quick-dry material and interior mesh lining make this pick great for wearing at the pool, beach or the lake. Not only does it offer UPF 50+ sun protection, but it also stays securely on your baby’s head thanks to an interior drawstring above the brim and a toggle chin strap. Simple, cute and protective — what more could you want for your baby boy?