13 best sun hats for babies and toddlers (that they’ll actually keep on their heads)

We’re longtime fans of Zutano for their super fun prints and unparalleled quality. (Seriously, their stuff lasts decades.) And call it sorcery or just expertly crafted design, but babies actually leave this hat on their heads. Made from GOTS certified 100% organic cotton, this sweet gender-neutral sun hat features a sturdy, just-wide-enough brim and offers 30+ UPF protection. It’s got a bit of stretchiness to keep it snug but not tight and can easily be thrown in the wash when needed.

As longtime fans of Babiator’s innovative (and adorable!) toddler-proof sunglasses it’s no surprise we’re instantly fans of their new bucket hats. The brim is wide enough to protect your babe’s sweet little face but not so wide that it obstructs their view. (In our experience the wider brims get the most yanks from easily irritated littles.) It’s also made with a lightweight, quick-dry UPF 50+ material to keep them protected in the water and out and features a comfy, cinchable strap to keep it in place.

The Finnish brand Reima is one of our favorites for well-made, innovatively-designed outdoor clothing for kids. In this case, it’s the super lightweight UPF 50+ Sunhat which offers 50+ UPF protection, generous neck coverage and an elastic back to keep it in place even on the most active toddlers.

Parents and editors swear by this versatile hat from Sunday Afternoons because it checks ALL the boxes. Made from breathable, water repellent nylon with a mesh vent, it can go everywhere from the playground to the pool without turning them into a sweaty mess or getting so waterlogged they won’t wear it. And while it’s available in sizes from newborn through youth, the design offers plenty of customization, adjusting easily with a wide cinch strap at the back and a breakaway clasp under the chin to keep it in place. A wide brim and back flap keeps the sun off their face and neck and the UPF 50+ rating offers the most protection possible. Get ready to get stopped by every other parent on the beach who wants to know what magic keeps your kids’ hat on without complaint.

Sun protection with a side of personalization! The wide-brimmed UPF 50+ Ruffle Swim Hat from RuffleButts comes in a ton of colors to coordinate with their adorable bathing suits and can be customized with your little one’s name or initials. It’s also incredibly well made from a blend of nylon and spandex which performs great in the water and dries quickly when swimming time is over.

(If you’re looking for less ruffley style, check out their Sun Protective Hat instead.)

Simple and lightweight, the sun hat from i play by Green Sprouts is a top-rated option for newborns up to age four. The 50+ UPF rated material dries quickly and features a liner to wick sweat and keep them comfortable even on the hottest days. It also has an easy-to-adjust toggle at the back to customize the fit and ties under the chin while the ample brim and back flap keeps the sun off their face and neck. Bonus! It’s totally machine washable—just be sure to air dry it to preserve the life of the UPF coating.

Simple and sweet with a comfy fit, the cotton-lined Baby Sun Hat from Minnow is a favorite for first beach adventures. It’s available in a range of colors and patterns that perfectly coordinate with their adorable swimsuits–including darling family matching styles! And if you want to make it even more special, you can opt to have it personalized with their name or initials.

With 33 years under their belt, it’s no surprise that Flap Happy makes some of the best sun hats on the market (hence you’ll find them on this list more than once.) This particular style is great for playground adventures and farmer’s market strolls and comes in a color or pattern to match every outfit. Since it’s made from 100% cotton they won’t get too hot or cranky and the UPF 50+ rating keeps them well protected from the rays.

With a solid 5-star rating, this breathable bucket hat from Babylab is hard to beat. The mesh sides are awesome for those sweltering July days (or for kids that just run hot) and the stiffer fabric means it won’t flop into their eyes while they’re playing and splashing. It’s rated to UPF 50+ and comes in three sizes (and four colorways) to fit from newborn to 4T.

For that classic wide brim style, we recommend this top-rated sun hat from Siero. It’s lightweight and easy to stash in your diaper bag and features a drawstring in the band to customize the fit. It’s also UPF 50+ and comes in a handful of sweet colors.

When it comes to fashion, best to keep options open, right? This fun hat from Exemaba is the most versatile design we’ve seen offering both a removable flap that easily snaps on and off and an adjustable, detachable chin strap. It’s easy to pack, offers 50+ UPF protection and can be cinched around the head to customize the size. Available in fun prints like fruit and excavators that dissenting toddlers can appreciate, this is one they might even ask to wear.

Another 5-star pick, the Jan & Jul Gro-With-Me Adventure hat is well-loved by both parents and littles. The lightweight, breathable and water-repellent design is perfect for the poolside or tromping through the woods and comes equipped with a sweat-absorbent band to keep them comfy. The wide brim doesn’t collapse when it gets wet and the design adapts to fit them for at least a couple of summers. Even better? It’s available in sizes that fit all the way up to age 12.

This adorable number is actually two hats in one! Patagonia’s high-quality reversible design is made from lightweight and breathable nylon with a velcro chin strap to keep it in place on windy days (or, more likely, when your little Houdini tries to worm their way out of it). It’s available in several solid colors, some fun patterns, and in true bucket hat style, the brim can be worn up or down.

If you’ve got a little fish on your hands, this is the sun hat you’ve been searching for. Made from recycled plastic bottles, it performs wet or dry with a hook and loop chin strap to keep it in place. It comes in a ton of vibrant colors with a size range that fits newborns through big kids.