Protecting your toddler from the sun’s strong and effective rays should be the first priority of a responsible parent. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the USA, and all it takes is one case of blistering sunburn during childhood to almost double a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.
For their immediate and future health, baby sun hats are the ultimate in sun protection for children of all ages. Unlike sunscreen– which is only suitable for your baby’s skin from six months onwards–a baby bucket hat will keep your baby safe from the sun from the moment they’re born.
What’s more, the adorable array of baby hats out there makes it easy to find one that offers your little one the perfect combination of style and sun protection. Let’s take a look to find out more!
The Challenges of Protecting Your Baby From the Sun
Sun protection is crucial for babies and toddlers as their skin is delicate and can easily become damaged by the sun’s powerful UV rays. But protecting your children from the sun can present several challenges.
The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) state that newborns should not wear sunscreen until they are at least six months old. This is because their skin is delicate and cannot yet process the chemicals in sunscreen. As a result, they’re much more susceptible to sunscreen side effects such as rashes and other skin irritations.
And, while a baby’s eyes are sensitive to the sun, getting them to wear sunglasses for more than a few minutes at a time is near impossible!
The Benefits of Baby Sun Hats
For older babies and children, sunscreen and sunglasses can offer added sun protection. But, along with keeping them in the shade, the most effective way to protect all babies from the sun is with UPF 50+ sun wear and baby sun hats. Here are some of the specific benefits of baby sun hats:
- Shade your baby’s head, neck, and face from the harsh sun
- Stop the sun’s harmful rays from touching your little one’s sensitive skin
- Protect your baby’s eyes from the sun
- Prevent heatstroke and overheating
- Cut the chances of your baby developing skin cancer in the future
Why Baby Bucket Hats Are Best
There are all kinds of fashionable baby clothes and hats out there to choose from with both style and sun protection in mind. But the best toddler girl hats by far are bucket hats.
Unlike baseball caps, bucket hats shade the neck and ears, both of which are sensitive areas for a baby or small child. The wide brim of a bucket hat makes this design far better for preventing sunburn than baseball caps and other styles of baby headwear such as turbans, visors, and flat caps.
Another advantage of bucket hats is that they often come with a tie or adjustable strap to hold them in place. No matter how cute or fashionable your little one looks in their new sun hat, there’s a good chance they’re going to want to try and pull it off. The strap of a bucket hat presents an extra challenge for babies which ensures that this style of hat stays on for longer.
Baby bucket hats also come in a wide range of colors, designs, and sizes, making it easy to find the right fit for your baby! And their soft, breathable fabric makes bucket hats a lot easier to wear for long periods than straw hats and similar wide-brimmed headwear.
What to Look for When Buying a Baby Bucket Hat
Choosing the right sun baby bucket hat is important to ensure that your little one stays protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for a baby bucket hat:
- Choose a baby bucket hat that covers their head, face, and neck
- Look for baby sun hats with wide brims as these also offer better protection from direct sunlight for their eyes and face
- A thin strap or adjustable tie makes your baby bucket hat a lot easier to keep in place
- Opt for a bucket hat made from a lightweight, breathable material
- Ensure that the sun hat has a UPF rating on the baby sun hat of 50+
When you find a suitable baby bucket hat, we’d also recommend going up a size or two. This ensures that the hat fits on your baby’s head without being too tight. And, if it is a little loose at first, the chin strap or tie will keep it in place.
Top Baby Bucket Hat Trends
Sun protection is by far the most important consideration when shopping for a baby bucket hat. But you also want one that looks good. Here are some top baby bucket hat trends to inspire you when you’re browsing baby hats:
- MatchyMatchy – Take the cuteness factor up a few notches by matching your baby’s sun hat to their swimwear
- Gingham – This summer staple always makes a statement. But, while a full-on gingham outfit can be a little too cutesy, topping off a casual look with a gingham sun hat is the perfect way to shine a light on your baby’s summer style
- Mom & Me – Make sure everyone knows who the momma is by getting matching bucket hats for you and baby! There are lots of adult brands that also make fashionable baby clothes so it’s easier than you might think to kit out your mini-me in the same styles you love
- Club Tropicana – Nothing says summer like prints featuring pineapples, flamingos, or palm trees
- Summer Shades – You want to avoid baby hats in dark colors like black and dark blue since they absorb heat. But if patterns aren’t your thing, colors like turquoise, lemon yellow, and coral are still super summery
Your Guide to Baby Bucket Hats
As this guide shows, a baby bucket hat is the ultimate sunny-weather accessory for your little one. As well as ensuring that your baby is on-trend, they’re the best baby hats when it comes to sun protection, ease of wear, and comfort! Want more top tips and news updates? Check out our other blog posts for all the latest on everything from apartment cleaning mistakes to pursuing a career in sales.
