A quality sun hat does more than just look cute; it shields fragile skin from UV rays, prevents painful burns, and keeps heatstroke at bay. But the wrong hat will just end up on the ground (or lost in the ocean) within five minutes.
To help you win the sun safety war, we tested top-rated options to find gear that stays put. These picks offer serious shade, breathable fabrics, and smart straps, so your kids can play all day while you worry a little less.
- UPF 50+ sun protection fabric
- Adjustable
- Corrosion resistant eyelets
- Water-resistant
- One-handed drawcord adjustment
- Floating foam-stiffened brim
- Water-resistant & breathable
- Wicking and quick-drying
- Breakaway removable chin cord
When Should Kids Wear Sun Hats?
You should start using a sun hat immediately. Newborn skin is thinner and more absorbent than adult skin, making it highly susceptible to burns and sun damage.
Most modern hats come with chin straps (snaps or drawstrings) to keep them secure, so you don’t have to chase a hat down the street every time a breeze blows.
Early sun safety is critical for long-term health. A single severe sunburn during childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life (1).
Pro Tip
Keep the hat habit going as long as possible. If you start young, your child is more likely to accept the hat as a normal part of going outside.
Buying Guide
Any hat is better than no hat, but specific features make a huge difference in protection and comfort. A standard baseball cap leaves ears and necks exposed, which is why purpose-built sun hats are superior.
Here are the features to look for:
A UPF Rating
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is the clothing equivalent of SPF in sunscreens. It tells you exactly how much UV radiation the fabric blocks.
A UPF rating of 50 plus is the gold standard. This means the fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s rays, allowing only 1/50th of the radiation to touch the skin (2).
While regular cotton hats offer some shade, they don’t block UV rays as effectively as fabrics treated or woven for UPF protection. Always check the label for that 50+ seal.
A Back Flap
The back of the neck is a prime spot for sunburns, especially for kids with short hair. A “legionnaire style” hat with a back flap solves this problem completely.
This flap covers the neck and usually the ears, which are common sites for skin damage. Since ears are often missed during sunscreen application, physical coverage from a flap is your best defense against future skin issues (3).
A Wide Brim
A generous brim acts as portable shade for the face and nose. Look for a brim that is roughly 3 inches wide for toddlers and kids.
You can choose a 360-degree brim (bucket style) for all-around protection or a stiffened front brim if your child prefers better visibility. Just ensure it is wide enough to cast a shadow over the nose and cheeks.
A Chin Strap
A sun hat is useless if it falls off. A chin strap is essential for babies who pull hats off and for active kids playing on windy beaches.
Safety is key here. Look for a “breakaway” clip on the strap. This safety feature ensures the strap pops open if it gets snagged on a playground or tree branch, preventing any risk of choking.
Moisture Wicking Material
Kids sweat a lot when they play. A cotton hat can get heavy and soggy quickly.
Look for synthetic blends like polyester or nylon that feature a moisture-wicking sweatband or liner. These fabrics pull sweat away from the skin and dry fast, keeping your child cooler and happier for longer.
Product Reviews
We’ve rounded up the top sun hats for every age, style, and budget to keep your kids covered.
Tuga Girls Reversible Bucket Sun Hat
Best Sun Hat For Girls
This hat offers two looks in one, which is perfect for opinionated toddlers. You can flip between a bright, fun print or a solid color with a patterned brim to match different swimsuits.
It isn’t just about style; the fabric boasts a UPF 50 plus rating, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays. The material is lightweight and chemically safe, making it a great pick for sensitive skin.
The adjustable chin strap is removable, giving you flexibility for calm days or windy beach trips. Plus, the brim is wide enough to shade the face without flopping into your child’s eyes.
Our Ratings
SwimZip Unisex Wide Brim Sun Hat
Best Baby Sun Hat
Finding a hat that fits a growing baby can be tough, but SwimZip solves this with dual adjustability. It features a chin strap and a head strap to dial in the perfect fit for growing noggins.
The safety breakaway chin strap gives parents peace of mind, preventing choking hazards during play. With a UPF 50 plus rating and a structured wide brim, it offers maximum shade coverage.
Our favorite feature for water lovers is that this hat floats. If your toddler tosses it into the pool or ocean, it stays right on the surface for easy retrieval.
Our Ratings
Outdoor Research Kid’s Rambler Sun Hat
Best Big Kid Sun Hat
Older kids often refuse “babyish” hats, but the Rambler offers a cool, adventurous style that looks right at home on a hike or a dig site. The solid colors are neutral and easy to pair with regular clothes.
It offers a UPF 30 rating, which is decent for casual use, though not the highest on our list. The standout feature is the stiffened brim; it holds its shape against the wind and won’t flop down, keeping visibility clear.
Internal moisture-wicking bands help manage sweat during intense play. It also includes an adjustable drawstring and a breakaway chin cord for safety.
Our Ratings
i Play Baby and Toddler Sun Hat
Best Wide Brim Sun Hat
This is a classic staple in the baby gear world for a reason. The extra-wide brim provides superior shade for the face, ears, and neck, backed by UPF 50 plus protection.
Available in a variety of solid colors, it coordinates easily with any outfit. The material is lightweight, quick-drying, and machine washable, which is a huge plus for messy outdoor play.
It features a simple tie strap under the chin, which is soft against the skin but harder for babies to pull off than Velcro. An adjustable toggle at the back of the head helps you customize the fit as your child grows.
Our Ratings
Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat
Best Sun Hat With a Chin Strap
If you have an active kid who is hard on gear, the Helios is a rugged choice. It offers UPF 50 protection and is built to withstand serious outdoor abuse.
The external drawcord lets you snug up the fit with one hand. The chin strap is removable, making it versatile for both windy summits and calm backyard lounging.
It shines in hot weather thanks to a moisture-wicking headband and breathable design. The brim is wide enough for protection but flexible enough to handle rough-and-tumble play without getting in the way.
Our Ratings
Dinosaur Flap Hat
Best Sun Hat For Boys
This hat wins points for its neck coverage and fun design. The long back flap (legionnaire style) ensures the neck and ears are completely shielded from the sun, which is vital for kids with short hair.
Made from swimsuit-style material, it is lightweight, stretchy, and dries incredibly fast. The breathable fabric prevents overheating, and the long front bill shades the nose effectively.
It boasts a UPF 50 plus rating and works just as well in the pool as it does at the park. Be sure to check the size chart carefully, as the fit is grouped by age.
Our Ratings
Twinklebelle Toddler Sun Hat
Best Toddler Sun Hat
Also known as Jan & Jul, these hats are famous for their “Gro-With-Me” smart design. The head toggle allows you to tighten the hat significantly, meaning you can buy a size up and let your child grow into it over several seasons.
Made from 100% cotton, they are breathable and gentle on sensitive skin or eczema. The UPF 50 plus rating ensures top-tier protection.
The brim is reinforced to stay lifted, so your toddler can see clearly while playing. Plus, it packs down flat, making it easy to shove into a diaper bag or stroller pocket.
Our Ratings
FAQs
Is a Sun Hat Better Than Sunscreen?
Both are necessary. A sun hat provides physical shade and doesn’t wear off, but it can’t block reflected light from sand or water. Sunscreen protects the areas the hat misses.
Is Nylon or Polyester Better for a Sun Hat?
Both are excellent choices. They are durable, quick-drying, and often treated for higher UV protection. Polyester tends to be slightly more durable, while nylon is often softer and stretchier.
Is a Bucket Hat Better Than a Cap for Sun Protection?
Yes. A baseball cap leaves the ears and neck completely exposed to the sun. A bucket hat provides 360-degree shade, protecting the face, ears, and neck simultaneously.
How Do You Keep a Baby’s Sun Hat On?
Distraction is key. Put the hat on while they are engaged in a toy or snack so they don’t notice it immediately. Also, look for hats with soft, comfortable chin straps that don’t dig in.
What Type of Sun Hat Is Best?
The best hat is one your child will wear. Ideally, it should have a wide brim (at least 3 inches), UPF 50+ fabric, and a safety breakaway chin strap.
How Do I Measure My Child’s Head for a Hat?
Use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of their head, just above the eyebrows and ears. Compare this measurement in inches or centimeters to the manufacturer’s size chart.
