Kids’ sun protective clothing and hats protect young skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Also, sun damage accumulates over a lifetime, so it’s essential to start early to protect kids from developing sun-related skin conditions later in life.
Wearing sun hats is especially important for babies and toddlers who have yet to grow a full head of hair. Not only does a good sun hat protect the top of the head, a hat with a brim and a neck flap will shade the face and neck.
Some sun protective clothing makers report the ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, of their sun hats. A hat with a UPF of 30, for example, allows only 1/30th of ultraviolet radiation to penetrate to the skin.
Here are some inexpensive sun hats for babies, toddlers, and older kids. All are available for $15 or less from Web retailers.
Baby and Toddler Legionnaire Style Sun Hat
Sungrubbies.com sells a cute, Legionnaire-style hat (with a brim and neck cape) in newborn, infant, and toddler sizes (see photo below). With a UPF of 50, the nylon, cotton, and polyester hat is water resistant, has an adjustable chin strap and is machine washable. Royal blue color. Price: $12. Shipping is $4.95.
Coolibar Sun Hat
Coolibar.com’s Child All Sport Hat (pictured below) features legionnaire styling and a light fabric that won’t slow an active child down on a hot, sunny day. The hat also features an internal terry band, a hidden elastic draw cord for sizing, and a 50+ UPF rating. Hand wash. Available in tan, stone, white, and navy and in sizes S/M (2-8) and L/XL (10-16). Price: $14. Shipping is $5.95.
Newborn Girls’ Twill Sun Hat
The fashion-forward infant is ready for summer with the Newborn Twill Floral Hat from Childrensplace.com (seen in the photo below). Made of 100-percent cotton, the hat is khaki with pink embroidered accents on the outside with a pink floral lining. The adjustable chin strap has two snaps. Sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months. Price: $6.50. Shipping is $5 for any a size order, so be sure to check out the website’s sale section for additional deals.
Camo Sun Hat for Boys
Who says sun hats have to be prissy? The camouflage Little Hunter Sun Hat from Babyonce.com is as boyish as they come. The cotton-poly hat features an elastic strap under the brim for adjustability and a UPF rating of 50+. Two sizes: baby (fits babies up to 2 years) and kid (fits 2 – 5 year olds). Price: $13.95. Free first class shipping.
Handmade Tulip Sun Hat From Etsy.com
The precious, handmade Tulip Sun Hat for girls from SewFierce’s Etsy shop features a bright strawberry-and-cherry cotton print with a white linen lining. SewFierce also takes custom orders. Size B hat fits up to 21.5” head circumference. Price: $7.50. Shipping is $2.50 within the U.S.
All of the hats listed above are designed for comfort as well as fashion. Start covering infants' heads every time they venture outside. Kids who don sun hats at a young age are more likely to keep wearing them as they grow older.
Judith Zwolak - Judy is a mother of two and a freelance writer living in South Dakota. Raised by notoriously frugal parents, she comes by her family ...
