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A Guide to Baby Hats
Also: Baby Girls Hats
Besides being simply adorable, baby hats are an important part of any little one's wardrobe. Available in a wide variety of styles and designs, making for the absolutely perfect accessory any time of the year, but especially during both the summer and winter months.
Infants and toddlers have such precious and delicate skin that needs extra protection, and baby hats make it simple to keep the little ones not only comfortable, but also safe from the elements, and always in style.
A Variety of Baby Hats
For baby boys, newsboy-style caps, fishing hats, beanies, and baseball caps are popular choices, while bonnets and sun hats are usually the favorites for baby girls.
- Baby Bonnets: No layette is complete without the ever essential baby bonnet. Some bonnets are kept in place with elastic woven into the inside of the hat for a fit that's both snug yet comfy, while others are sweetly tied under the chin.
- Caps: Caps for babies include many different types, such as those that are knitted for the youngest of infants, as well as a wide selection of baseball and novelty caps featuring sport's teams and a host of beloved children's characters. Many caps also come in unisex designs and patterns, making them ideal for parents of multiples.
- Sun Hats: Sun hats with wide brims are ideal for babies of all ages as the soft skin on their faces and heads should always be fully protected, even while out and about on overcast or cloudy days. Some sun hats also feature flaps that hang down the sides and back of the hat for extra protection, and lightweight fabrics that are also light in color are best for this type of baby hat.
There are also several styles of babies hats that are made from sun protection factor (SPF) fabric, making it even easier to keep baby safe from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Specialty Hats: Whether they are for weddings, religious ceremonies, for the holidays, or simply just for fun, specialty hats encompass so many different types of headwear for babies that you're sure to find the perfect one for just about any kind of occasion you can think of. Coordinating sets, usually including the baby's hat, booties, matching mittens and sometimes even little socks, always make for the perfect gift for a new mother.
What to Consider When Shopping for Baby Hats
In addition to the obvious "cute factor," there are a few other things to take into consideration before choosing from the many baby hats you'll find in stores and online, such as the materials used and the size.
- Material: Choose from everything from fleece and cotton to polyester and wool, or even organic materials, such as 100% cotton that's grown using a chemical-free, environmentally friendly process beginning right with the seeds. Fabrics and materials that are also dyed using non-toxic or natural coloring agents are also worth considering, particularly for babies with allergies or extra sensitive skin. Machine washable and dryable are both must-haves when it comes to babies hats, unless, of course, the hat is handmade, crocheted or features some type of embellishments like flowers.
- Season of the year: One of the most important aspects of caring for an infant is making sure their body temperature is adequately regulated. Which means keeping baby warm and cozy during the winter, and cool and protected from the sun during the warmer months.
- Size: Some baby hats are made just for newborns, while others are sized by months similar to the way clothing is sized, and still others are simply labeled as either small, medium, or large.
Here are some measurements and sizes to keep in mind when shopping for baby hats:
Sizes by head circumference:
- Newborns: 13 to 14 inches
- Babies three to six months: 14 to 17 inches
- Babies six to 12 months: 16 to 19 inches
- Toddlers 12 months to three years: 18 to 20 inches
Sizes by age and weight:
- 0-3 months: Up to 14 pounds
- 0-6 months: Up to 18 pounds
- 6-12 months: 18 to 24 pounds
- 12-18 months: 24 to 28 pounds
- 18-24 months: 28 to 32 pounds
A general rule of thumb is that a baby hat that's a little bit on the big side is much better than one that's too small. Remember that babies, unfortunately, grow very quickly, seemingly in the blink of an eye, so be sure that the hat you choose will be enjoyed and not outgrown in just a short month or two.