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Protecting your baby's skin in the sun is really important.
Babies are far more at risk of damaging or burning their skin than we are, so the first thing is to make sure they wear a good SPF 50 sun cream. Even then, they need to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest.
They also need to wear appropriate clothing, and that's where sun hats some in, as they can protect your baby's face and neck. So if you're packing for a holiday or just a trip to the park, make sure an effective hat is on your list.
Our Top Choice
Ami&Li Tots Sun Protection Hat
Parents rate this as the best sun hat for baby because it ticks all the boxes: it has a wide brim for better protection against the sun's harmful rays, it's a great fit thanks to the toggle, and it's lightweight. The chin strap is good for those who need it (in other words, it helps keep it on) but you can also remove it if your child prefers not to use it. We also like the sizes because you really get your money's worth; the first size fits up to nine months but then the next one up goes up to four years, because of its adjustable design.
- Price: £19.99
- Adjustable chin straps
- Adjustable buckle for head circumference
Best For Families On A Budget
Peacocks Baby Blue Hat With Ears
This cute baby sun hat is so adorable! We love the ears design and the neutral colours which will go with most baby outfits. The brim isn't the widest so we wouldn't advise wearing this when the sun is strong, and as always SPF 50 sun cream is needed alongside wearing this sun hat, but it's brilliant value as a lovely addition to a baby's summer wardrobe.
- Price: £3
- Sizes available up to 18 months
- Cute ears design
Best UPF 50 Sun Hat
JoJo Maman Bébé Kids' Flap Hat
This UPF 50+ hat offers 98% protection at blocking UVA rays, so you can be confident that your baby's skin is protected where it is covered by the hat. This hat is made with a cotton lining and is lightweight, but our favourite feature is the elasticated fit, so it will go snugly on your baby's head even if there are those pesky sea breezes to contend with. Sizes are available from newborn up to six years, so it's one of the best sun hats for babies as well as toddlers and children.
- Price: £12
- Elasticated fit
- Flap offers good protection for neck
Best Straw Hat
Tu Straw Cloche Sun Hat With Bow
Straw hats are a nice addition for a summer holiday, and this one from Tu hardly breaks the bank. We love the cute cream bow, and the wide brim should keep their face, neck, shoulders and the top of their back in the shade. This hat takes up quite a lot of space but it might still be worth considering for its stylish, wide shape, and it's a bargain price, too.
- Price: £6
- Available in sizes from one year
- Embellished with cream bow
Best Broderie Sun Hat
M&Co White Broderie Sunhat
This traditional baby sun hat is perfect for younger babies. It's lightweight and the fluted brim (giving it a bucket hat shape) will help protect your baby from the sun. We love the little heart shapes on what is a gorgeous little baby girl sun hat. We also think that it would make a lovely gift for a summer baby for a very reasonable price.
- Price: £5.99
- Fluted brim
- Heart design
Best For The Beach
Gifts Treat Kids' Legionnaires Hat
We reckon this is one of the best baby hats for sun protection. It's great for the beach as it is quick drying (and therefore handy for babies who love splashing around) and the visor and wide flap offer UPF 50 protection for your baby's face, ears and neck. Parents also love the elasticated fit, which means it's more likely to stay on despite your wriggly baby's best efforts!
- Price: From £8.49
- Sizes available from six months
- Foldable flap
- Size adjuster back
Best Character Hat
Joules Hatattack Character Hat
This is definitely one of the best baby sun hats around when it comes to looks. We love the 3D 'claws' on the brim in particular. For those sunny days (though we suspect your child will want to wear it inside as well as out), the brim should keep the sun's rays away and the material is of great quality, too. We think this is a brilliant baby boy sun hat, though girls will love it too.
- Price: £4.95
- Chin strap for ages up to two years
- 3D claws
Best Reversible Sun Hat
Vbiger Kids' Sun Protection Hat
This is a great summer hat for both babies and toddlers. Available in sizes from one year old and up, we reckon it's the best sun hat for toddlers in our list. It's got an adjustable chin strap so it should stay on, and the wide brim (which can even be turned up to change up its look) offers protection over the front and back of your child's head. If you want two designs and great sun protection, then this bucket hat could be the answer.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for the best baby sun hats, why not take a look at our round up of the top kids' beach shoes or this list of the best baby wetsuits and swimsuits.
- Price: From £6.99
- Wide brim
- Adjustable chin strap

Written By
Becky Gamester-Newton
Despite living in London for more than 10 years, Becky is a countryside lover at heart. After growing up in the Yorkshire Dales, she relocated to the capital to continue her journalism career before finally settling in West Sussex in 2019. Mum to a chatty toddler (and a middle-aged cat), if she's not being forced to sing nursery rhymes she can be found watching live sport with a nice cup of tea.
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