The temperatures are finally rising, which means summer is right around the corner. If you are enjoying the sun with small children, it's just as important to make sure their heads and necks are protected as it is to apply sunscreen to their skin. If your kids are anything like mine, trying to find a hat that they will actually wear can be a chore, but this summer season, there are some adorable options for boys and girls. As you shop for all of your summer gear, be sure to check out some of the best UV hats for babies.
Whether you're at the beach, the playground, or in your own backyard, exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (or UV) rays can be extremely harmful to your child, causing sunburn and even skin cancer. As Banana Boat notes, the most harmful time of day is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., which for most kids is prime time for play. And that means it's even more important to cover them up.
Try one of the hats on this list on your baby this summer so you can spend less time worrying about sun damage, and more time having lots and lots of outdoor fun. By fall, your baby might actually forget that they don't like to have their heads covered.
1Brightly Ruffled
Sun & Surf Ruffle Hat, $13, L.L. Bean
The cutest part of the sun and surf ruffle hat from L.L. Bean is the ruffled neck protector flap.
2Buckets Of Fun
Patagonia Baby Sun Bucket Hat, $29, Patagonia
Patagonia's baby sun bucket hat completely covers your tot's head, and includes a chin strap to keep it on when the wind picks up. If that wasn't enough, it's also reversible.
3Safari Ready
Co-Op Paddler Hat, $25, REI
This paddler hat from REI is lightweight, but it goes above and beyond to protect your little ones from the sun's rays. It even has a polyester headband to keep sweat out of their eyes.
4Protect Their Neck
Co-op Sahara Flap Hat, $17, REI
The sahara flap hat from REI includes a cape to protect the back of your little one's neck, which can be rolled up when not in use.
5Pretty In Paisley
Youth Zipline Hat, $25, North Face
Most people associate The North Face with winter gear, but their youth zipline hat is the perfect summer accessory to keep your kids safe and cool.
6Get The Party Started
Youth Party in the Back Hat, $25, North Face
Another one from The North Face, the youth party in the back hat is like giving your kid a colorful little mullet to protect them from the sun's rays.
7Safe For Swim
Sun Smarties Girl Swim Hat, $10, Montgomery
This sun-smart swim hat from One Step Ahead keeps protecting your kids even when they are swimming.
8One Cool Cap
Sun Smarties Boy Flap Hat, $10, One Step Ahead
This flap hat from One Step Ahead is a great way to keep your little surfer dude safe and cool.
9Ruffles Galore
Girls Ribbon Hat, $24, UV Skinz
The girls ribbon hat from UV Skinz will coordinate perfectly with just about every sundress and romper in your little one's summer wardrobe.
10Favorite Flapper
Unisex Baby Solid Flap Sun Protection, $13-$27, Amazon
This flap hat with ties from Diapers.com protects baby's head and neck from all angles.
11Best For The Beach
Speedo Kids UPF 50+ Bucket Hat, $15, Amazon
Speedo's UV bucket hat keeps baby's head cool and covered while he makes sandcastles.
