Best Toddler Sun Hat Reviews 2020
Regardless of the weather, toddlers love to play outside and have fun. As a parent, the first instinct you have is to protect your child. Although many parents don’t realize the impact that UVA and UVB rays have on a toddler, it is recommended to wear sun hats on young children. We researched the sun hat market and narrowed the search to five of the best toddler styles and brands. Below, you will learn about these chosen products and the importance of having a sun hat for your toddler.
Best Seller – Connectyle Kids UPF 50+ Bucket Sun Hat with UV Sun Protection
- Soft and breathable polyester,UPF 50+ protection blocks 98% of UV Rays
- 6.5cm foldable floppy brim will help shield your kids skin and offers extra protection
- Hat Circumference: 50cm-54cm/19.7"-21.3", fits most children ages 2-6
Last update on 2021-12-23 at 10:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Connectyle kid’s sun hat is designed with soft and breathable polyester material with mesh side vents for exceptional airflow. It also comes with a built-in wicking sweatband to collect any internal moisture. The bucket-style sun hat provides UPF 50-plus protection that blocks 98 percent of UV rays away from your child’s face, head, neck, and chest area.
The mesh sun hat provides a chin strap that fastens with velcro to help keep the hat from falling off and in place. The fact that the sun hat is made out of soft fabric makes it great for packing and taking along to the beach or other summer vacation spots. The Connectyle sun hat has strong and durable seams that hold this precious sun hat together. This design is machine washable, but it is best to let air dry due to the velcro on the chin strap.
Features:
- Mesh side vents
- Soft and breathable polyester material
- Internal wicking sweatband
- UPF 50-plus protection
- Fastener chin strap with velcro closure
- An elastic drawcord with a toggle at the back
- 6.5 centimeters foldable floppy brim
Verdict: The Connectyle kid’s sun hat circumference fits most children ages from four to eight. The elastic drawcord with a toggle, at the back, makes it simple to adjust the hat sizing from 54 centimeters to 51 centimeters quickly. The design comes in many different colors to match any child’s wardrobe, and through this option, along with other features, it has been shown to be the best seller on the sun hat market.
Pros:
- Provide superior airflow to keep your child’s head cool
- It blocks 98 percent of UV rays
- Has a toggle for easy adjustability
Cons:
- The floppy rim design moves around in the wind causing less protection from the sun rays.
Top Pick – i-Play Flap Sun Protection Hat, UPF 50+
- Extra neck coverage, stay-put tie strap
- Quick-dry material for active play
- Wicking liner for comfort
Last update on 2021-12-23 at 10:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
This flap sun protection hat is designed by i-Play. The sun hat is made from 100 percent polyester fabric with AZO-free dyes. It also is formaldehyde-free as well. The headwear cap brim design is uniquely shaped to not only shade your child’s head, face, and eyes but also has material that drapes down over the neck for added protection. The sun hat can easily be adjusted to fit any small child by using the tie strap below the chin and tightening the elastic drawcord.
This i-Play design offers UPF 50-plus with a high rating that blocks 97.5-99-plus percent of UV radiation away from the skin. This wick away sun hat design is water friendly and is machine washable. The sun protection hat provides breathability, to the head of a child, for a cooler and comfortable feel. This fabric design is available in seven different amazing colors, such as navy, aqua, lavender, and royal blue. The sun hat is rated as the top pick in the sun hat market.
Features:
- Tie strap under the chin and elastic drawcord
- 100 percent polyester
- UPF 50-plus with high rating; breathable fabric
- Blocks 97.5 -99-plus, percent of UV radiation
- AZO-free dyes and formaldehyde-free
Verdict: The i-Play design sun hat fits young children from newborn up to a size 4-toddler with a head circumference of a 14-inch to a 21-inch. It has a lightweight naturalist design that doesn’t weigh down on a young child’s head. Instead, it is very comfortable to wear for an all-day adventure in the sun.
Pros:
- It is AZO-free dyes and is also formaldehyde-free
- Blocks almost 100 percent of UV radiation
- Uniquely designed to protect the neck, eyes, head, and face
- Can be adjusted as your child grows
Cons:
- Easy for kids to take off leaving them unprotected
Best Value – HUAANIUE Baby Toddler Sun Protection Hat UPF 50+ Flap Hat
Last update on 2021-12-23 at 10:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The HUAANIUE toddler sun hat is made with swimwear fabrics making the design more skin-friendly. The breathable material and quick-drying aspect of this design will keep your child’s head dry and comfortable. The HUAANIUE design has a baseball-cap brim for protection of the face and eyes; it also offers a long neck flap for protection of the neck and ears. The lightweight HUAANIUE design makes it easy to fold and pack for a trip to the beach, picnic, or playground.
The unique color pattern of a minivan, palm trees, anchors, and the saying surfs up is ideal for active little boys. There are many other fabric designs to choose from as well, such as aqua flower, royal shark, hot pink, and sealife. These unique feature designs give buyers a valuable sun protection hat for a good price and are rated the best value on the sun hat market. The HUAANIUE design provides toddlers with a maximum UPF 50-plus UV sun protection.
Features:
- Lightweight and simple to fold
- Made from swimwear fabrics
- Baseball-cap brim and long neck flap
- UPF 50-plus UV sun protection
- Hand wash; hang dry
- Fits head circumference of 19.2-22 inches
Verdict: The HUAANIUE toddler sun hat fits a head circumference of 19.2-22 inches and is recommended for 2-4-year-olds. The sun hat is easy to maintain through machine washing and hang drying; it will stay dirt-free. This lightweight design provides your little one with UPF plus UV sun protection.
Pros:
- Has breathable fabric and is skin-friendly
- The material quickly dries when the sun hat gets wet
- Provides children with UPF 50-plus UV sun protection
- It protects the face, ears, and neck from the sun
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide a chin strap for windy days
- Kids can easily take off sun hat leaving them unprotected
Runner Up – Baby Sun Hat Adjustable – Outdoor Toddler Swim Beach Pool Hat Kids UPF 50+
- SUN PROTECTION - Made with UPF 50+ sun protection polyester fabric and wide brim for the best sun protection coverage for babies, toddlers...
- ADJUSTABLE AND REMOVABLE - Both the head strap and the chin strap are adjustable to easily create the best fit possible, the chin strap is...
- LIGHT WEIGHT AND BREATHABLE - For maximum comfort & protection.suit for fishing, safari, travelling, camping, boating etc
Last update on 2021-12-23 at 10:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Exemaba outdoor toddler sun hat is made from UPF 50-plus sun protection polyester fabric. This sun hat comes with a mesh lining that provides maximum breathability comfort and protection. The 2.5-inch wide brim design provides the best sun protection to the face and eyes. The toddler sun hat is designed with a head strap and chin strap for flexible adjustability. Sometimes chin straps bother children under the chin.
To avoid this, with this design, you can remove the chin strap altogether. The blue shark design will catch any child’s attention, and you are sure to see them on a crowded beach. There is a total of 11 different character designs made, such as a whale painted on pink colored material, dinosaurs walking on a white and light blue material pattern, or swan painted on a light pink material. This archaeologist design is rated as the runner up in the sun hat market because of its unique outfit style and great features.
Features:
- 2.5-inch wide brim for the best sun protection
- Made with UPF 50-plus sun protection polyester fabric
- Breathable for maximum comfort and protection
- Both the head strap and chin strap are adjustable
Verdict: The Exemaba sun hat design fits babies, toddlers, and kids with a head circumference of 18.9 to 21.3 inches. It is great for keeping your child cool while playing outside or during a vacation to the beach. Wearing this sun hat on your child will make them feel like an explorer such as cartoon characters Diego and Dora, the explorer.
Pros:
- 11 different color design options that peak a toddlers interest
- Chin strap is removable for different wear options
- Adjustable head strap to create the perfect circumference fit
Cons:
- The design runs small, so order a size larger
Also Consider – Simplikids Sun Hat 50+ UPF Sun Protection Wide Brim Bucket Hat
Last update on 2021-12-23 at 10:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Simlikids sun hat, for toddlers, is made from high-quality fade-resistant polyester fabric that provides ventilation on both sides to keep your child cool. It also has a moisture wicking sweatband built-in to the design to collect excessive sweat. The Simlikids brand recommends to hand wash the sun hat in cold water and then lay it out to dry for best cleaning results. This sun hat has a great packable, compact design for easy travel and storage.
The bucket hat has adjustable straps for head circumference and neck to provide a secure fit. The lightweight design is strong and durable, but it also is very soft to the touch and comfortable to wear. This cute little sun hat offers UPF 50-plus UV ray sun protection. The UPF 50-plus label is the highest UV protection certification available for material, meaning it blocks 98 percent more of cancer-causing UV rays from penetrating through the material to your child’s skin.
Features:
- Wide brim shades the face, ears, and neck
- UPF 50-plus UV ray sun protection
- Ventilation network on both sides
- Moisture-wicking sweatband
- Made out of high-quality fabric
- Adjustable strap for head circumference
Verdict: The Simplikids Sun hat offer three different sizes a small, medium, and large ranging from 20.1-inch to 21.7-inch in head circumference with a brim sizing of 2.7-inch for the small and medium sizes. The larger size sun hat has a 2.8-inch brim size. The brim shades your toddler’s neck, ears, and face from the harsh sun, giving them a longer playtime outside. These nine solid color sun hats are great for toddlers who like playing outside or enjoy daily trips to the beach; that is why most parents have also considered this design.
Pros:
- Block 98 percent of cancer-causing UV rays
- Foldable and packable, compact design
- Adjustable for a quick fit in no time
Cons:
- The chin strap is removable
Best Toddler Sun Hat Buying Guide 2020
Material
You will want a sun hat for your child that has breathable material. Polyester and cotton fabrics are great for air circulation, so your precious toddler will remain comfortable and happy. Some sun hats are designed with a small amount of mesh material for extra airflow.
A Chin Strap
Having a chin strap makes it possible to keep your child’s sun hat longer. Many toddlers don’t mind having a sun hat on while playing outside. In fact, if taught, children understand why the sun hat should be worn on hot summer days. Some under the chin straps are tied while others have a drawstring cord that can help hold the sun hat in place on strong windy days. Either option is great for closing the sun protection hat.
A Back Flap
Back flaps are design to protect the back of the neck from developing sunburn. Young toddler girls that have long hair don’t typically need this feature, but those who have short hair would benefit from the back flap, including little boys. Some sun hats developers take it one step further and extend the material for additional coverage over the ears.
A Wide Brim
Having the right size of brim is important. If the brim is to short or not wide enough, it could leave part of your child’s face exposed to the sun, especially the nose. If the brim is long and wide enough, it will protect your child’s entire face from the sun.
Color
The color of a sun hat is an important aspect when trying to keep your toddler cool. Dark colors attract the sun and trap in the heat, making your child hotter. Whereas, light colors reflect the heat while keeping your child cooler. It is best to stick with lighter color patterns, so your toddler can maintain a comfortable body temperature.
What to Look for in a Toddler Sun Hat
As parents, you already know too much sun is not in the best interest of your child, in particular when it results in painful blisters or sunburn. This is even more challenging when your little one has fair skin. It is recommended that sun hats with wide and long brims are the ideal style that will protect your toddler in the face, ears, and eyes. To protect the neck of your toddler from getting sunburn, choose a sun hat that has a back flap to the design. Here are a few features to consider looking for in a toddler sun hat.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)
UPF is similar to the SPF that is used in sunscreens. The main difference is that UPF pertains to clothing, not a lotion. The UPF rating tells the consumer how well ultraviolet radiation is blocked from the user. For instance, if the rating on the sun hat is 50-plus, then over 50 percent of the sun’s UV radiation will be blocked from the user’s skin. Even though you can purchase a sun hat without a UPF rating, there will not be as much protection from the sun. However, having a sun hat that has no UPF rating is better than not having one at all.
A Moisture Wicking Barrier
Children sweat eventually when playing outside partly because of the warm weather, but also because most are actively running around burning off energy. As a parent, you may be content to sit under a shade tree, sipping on a refreshing drink while you supervise your toddler running around playing. However, sitting under a shade tree normally doesn’t work well for a child, but a sun hat with an absorbent headband inside will help to collect the moisture on your child’s forehead and keep your toddler much cooler.
Airflow
Wearing a hat can contribute warm and sweatiness on your toddler’s head along with them obviously running around. Having a sun hat that provides plenty of airflow will help to cool your toddler down and comfortable. When choosing a sun hat for your toddler, look for one with light material for better airflow.
The Dangers of UVA and UVB Rays
It is essential to protect your toddler from harmful UVA and UVB rays with a sun hat. Children are more susceptible to environmental threats. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is filtered through sunlight into the atmosphere. Children are at high risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Epidemiological studies show, if someone was exposed to the sun a lot as a child, melanoma might develop later in life. The RAD “Who Unit of Radiation and Environmental Health” recommends using cover-up, such as a sun hat to protect your toddler from the harmful rays.
How to Find Your Toddler the Perfect Sun Hat
Every child’s facial features are different; that’s what makes them unique. Choosing a hat that shades the entire face is important, so we broke it down a little bit to help you with your search. Children that have a wide forehead, wide cheekbones, and strong jawline can pull off a great look with a round, soft, or slouchy hat style. It will perfectly balance the strong angles of your child’s face while shading all the important features that stand out.
A child with a longer than wide face with a round chin would be better to stick with a hat that has flared, wide brim, and a low crown to be sure all areas are shaded from the sun. Those children who were blessed with a wide as is long face with a round chin can pull off any angular hat for full sun coverage protection. Children that have a wide forehead, wide cheekbones, and tapered chin will be able to wear pretty much any type with ease with a medium-size brim for sun protection.
We hope these suggestions will be of assistance to you in your search for your little one’s sun hat. There is one thing to remember though these are only suggestions, not mandatory styles to get your child. As a parent, follow your gut instinct on which style you think will work for your toddler.
Frequent Asked Questions
When should kids start wearing sun hats?
Sun hats are ideal from the first day your child comes home from the hospital and should be worn until your child can make the decisions for themselves. By wearing a sun hat on your children at a young age, it will teach the importance of protecting the face, ears, and neck from the radiation found in the sun.
How does the chin strap fasten on most toddler sun hats?
The chin straps of a toddler sun hat have several different ways to secure it. The most common way is by tying the straps into a bow like you would your child’s sneakers. Other chin straps are closed with velcro or with a toggle. All these strap closures will be able to secure a sun hat to your little one’s head.
How should you care for a toddler sun hat?
Most sun hats are machine washable, but there are some brands that suggest you hand wash them. When it comes to drying, sun hats are recommended to air dry; this is to help to keep the UPF coating from wearing off too quickly. All fabrics develop wear-n-tear naturally and do breakdown over time, and sun hats are no different. To be sure you are cleaning your child’s sun hat properly, read the washing direction on the inside tab.
Wouldn’t a sun hat make my toddler hot?
It can, if you don’t buy a sun hat that has breathable fabric, your toddler’s head could definitely get warm under heavy material. To keep your child cool while protecting them from the UV rays of the sun, choose a light polyester fabric.
Why is it necessary to get a toddler sun hat?
Protecting your toddler from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun will, in fact, help to keep them healthy in years to come. A sun hat can help you to protect your child from UVA and UVB rays, skin cancer, and potential sunburn. All these are the reason why a sun hat would be ideal for getting your toddler. For more information about why a sun hat is recommended, refer to our section “The Dangers of UVA and UVB Rays,” in this review.
Are toddler sun hat adjustable?
Yes, sun hats are adjustable. Use the toggle to adjust the circumferences around your toddler’s head for the perfect fit. The chin strap also can be adjusted to ensure the ideal fit on your toddler’s head.
How do you begin shopping for the best sun hat for your toddler?
First of all, you need to determine which style would shade your toddler’s face the most. Would it be a bucket sun hat or one with a wide brim? You should also consider the fabric it is made out of as you would want it to be breathable to keep your child’s head cool. If you plan to be taking your toddler to the beach, you will want a sun hat that can withstand a salty breeze, quick-drying material, the ability to get wet without damaging the UVA and UVB protection of the material.
Can a sun hat really protect my toddler from sunburn?
Yes, a sun hat can protect against sunburn. However, the only place a sun hat can protect against sunburn is where it can shade the skin, such as the face, ears, and sometimes the neck. Always choose a sun hat that gives you the most shade coverage for your toddler.
How do you tell which size sun hat to get?
The best way to know for sure is to measure the circumference of your child’s head. You will also need to look at the sizing on the hat you plan to purchase for your toddler. Another feature that would be beneficial to have in a sun hat to ensure its sizing would be adjustability.
What are the best sun hat brands for toddlers?
There are many good quality brands available on the market. The best sun hats that we have found to protect your toddler are i-Play, Connectyle, HUAANIUE, Exemaba, and Simplikids. If you look above in this review, you will find five of the best sun hats on the market for 2020.
Conclusion
This ends our review of the best toddler sun hats for 2020. Let’s face it toddlers love to be outside, whether it be playing at the park or going on vacation to the beach. A child’s entire reason for being outside is to have fun. Having your toddler wear a sun hat will only allow them to have fun longer without the concern of a sunburn or health risks from the UVA and UVB rays. In the buying guide, you have learned why it is important for your toddler to wear a sun hat.
We looked at different types of criteria, which include the best features, to make it easier for you to decide on a sun hat for your toddler. If you’re looking for a sun hat style that covers your toddler’s head, ears, and neck, then you might want to consider the i-Play Flap Sun Protection Hat, which is the top pick in this review.