11 best baby sun hats you can buy in 2023

IT'S never too early to start planning for summer, so we've hunted down the best baby sun hats that will protect your baby's head from the rays – and look adorable too.

Whether you're planning a holiday somewhere tropical or you're preparing ahead for summer days, a good sun hat is a must to have on-hand in your baby's wardrobe.

And from bonnets and buckets to legionnaire hats that also cover the neck, there's an endless choice of baby boy sun hats and baby girl sun hats that make this summer essential as cute as they are practical.

Opt for sun hats with UV protection to protect your baby's delicate skin – although of course, it goes without saying that it's best to keep your little one out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the rays are at their strongest.

Meanwhile, features like chin straps will ensure the hat stays firmly in place – especially as little ones are probably going to be inclined to throw it straight off!

Hopefully, though, the plethora of fun prints, patterns, and colours should be eye-catching enough to keep them intrigued – who could resist cute little animal ears?

Below, we've rounded up the best baby sun hats.

Best baby sun hats at a glance

Best organic fabric: Purebaby Organic Cotton Monkey
Best floral hat: M&S Collection Kids' Pure Cotton Floral Sun Hat
Best with animal ears: Kids' Pure Cotton Bear Sun Hat
Best value pair: H&M Cap and Sun Hat
Best baby sun hat with chin strap: H&M Cotton Sun Hat
Best swim hat: Boden Printed Sun-Safe Swim Hat in Bonnie Blue Crab Stripe
Best for neck protection: KIDLY Label Recycled Sun Hat
Best for a personal touch: My 1st Years Personalised Floral Denim Bucket Hat

1. Purebaby Organic Cotton Monkey Business Hat

Purebaby Organic Cotton Monkey Business Hat, £20 from John Lewis - buy here

Go bananas for this charming sun hat with – you guessed it – banana embroidery, plus some cute little monkeys.

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It's made from organic cotton so it'll feel ultra-soft and breathable on your baby's head.

We love that there's a matching dungaree too: cute!

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2. M&S Collection Kids' Pure Cotton Floral Sun Hat (0 - 12 Mths)

M&S Collection Kids' Pure Cotton Floral Sun Hat (0 - 12 Mths), £8 from M&S - buy here

This pure cotton hat from M&S has a beautiful pastel lilac hue with an all-over floral motif and yellow trim that gives it plenty of style and detail.

There's an adjustable chin strap under the chin with velcro fastening to make sure that it fits your baby securely, as well as elastic at the back – so it won't go flying off anywhere, should there be any light breezes.

It's also equipped with Sun Smart UPF50+ fabric which helps to protect your baby from UV rays.

3. M&S Collection Kids' Pure Cotton Bear Sun Hat (3 Mths - 6 Yrs)

M&S Collection Kids' Pure Cotton Bear Sun Hat (3 Mths - 6 Yrs), £7 from M&S - buy here

Another M&S hat with UV-protecting Sun Smart UPF50+ technology, this one is pretty irresistible with its embroidered bear face and ears.

It's made from pure cotton and comes fully lined, with velcro chin strap fastening and an elasticated back for a snug fit.

It goes right up to ages six too, for the sweetest sibling coordination.

4. H&M Cap and Sun Hat

H&M Cap and Sun Hat, £8.99 from H&M - buy here

You can't go wrong with this two-pack of hats from H&M for under £10. Bargain!

The sun hat is a cheery cotton poplin bucket style, with practical chin ties and an elephant print to add a splash of fun.

It also comes with a baseball style cap, finished with cute little ears and a cotton sweatband to keep them cool in the sun.

'Great for shielding baby from sun and she can't take off the bonnet due to the straps!' writes one happy shopper.

5. H&M Cotton Sun Hat

H&M Cotton Sun Hat, £3.99 from H&M - buy here

Sometimes you've just got to keep it classic: and this white sun hat with a wavy brim is exactly that.

The design is timeless but still looks ultra-fresh with the cotton weave, which is great for ventilation.

Also available in powder pink or blue, it's a bargain at under £5. 

6. Boden Printed Sun-Safe Swim Hat in Bonnie Blue Crab Stripe

Printed Sun-Safe Swim Hat in Bonnie Blue Crab Stripe, from £13 from Boden - buy here

Keep your baby sun-safe in the water with this fun swim hat from Boden.

Featuring a crab and stripe motif, it's undeniably adorable – but also super practical thanks to the longer sections which will protect their neck and provide extra shading.

A must for the beach or paddling pool this summer.

7. Wide Brimmed Hat in Blue Stripe Flowers

Wide Brimmed Hat in Blue Stripe Flowers, from £17 from Boden - buy here

This wide-brimmed hat is prettiness personified: we love the stripe pattern and floral pieces which give it such an English countryside feel.

It's the perfect accessory for popping on your baby girl this summer when you're going out for a stroll with the pram.

The sizing starts from 0-6 months and goes up to 5-8 years – ideal for big sisters wanting to match their baby sis.

8. KIDLY Label Recycled Sun Hat

KIDLY Label Recycled Sun Hat, £15 from Kidly - buy here

If you're looking for an eco-friendly sun hat option for your baby, this one by KIDLY is made from recycled polyester.

The UPF 50+ protection means it's sun-safe and it can also be worn in the water thanks to the quick-drying swimwear finish.

We're obsessed with the choice of prints but this palm tree style is at the top of our list: talk about 'cool baby' vibes.

9. Splash About Legionnaire Hat - Crocodile Swamp

Splash About Legionnaire Hat - Crocodile Swamp, £17 from Baby Central - buy here

Baby boys and toddlers will look super cute in this legionnaire hat emblazoned with crocodile illustrations.

Designed to be worn in and out of the water, it's equipped with UPF 50+ sun protection, with long coverage at the back of the hat to help keep their neck out of the sun.

There's even matching UPF 50+ swimwear to 'snap' up: from a baby wrap and wetsuit to a coordinating jacket.

10. My 1st Years Personalised Floral Denim Bucket Hat

Personalised Floral Denim Bucket Hat, £10 from My 1st Years - buy here

If you're looking to bring a custom touch to your baby's sunhat collection (or are after a thoughtful gift), you'll love this denim bucket hat.

Featuring floral embroidery trim – for an additional £5, it can be personalised with pink embroidery of up to 12 characters.

The chin strap is secured with velcro too, for a nice and secure fit.

11. Mamas & Papas Striped All-Over-Print Swim Hat

Striped All-Over-Print Swim Hat, £10 from Mamas & Papas - buy here

The stripe pattern of this swim hat by Mamas & Papas is ideal if you're looking for something gender-neutral for your baby: it's stylish and totally timeless.

The soft foam cap and lining is perfect for delicate skin, whether you're shopping for 0-3 months or up to 3-4 years.

Plus you can match it with everything from the coordinating wetsuit to a vest and matching knicker swimset.

Do babies need sun hats?

Sun safety applies at any age, so yes – it's best to be prepared with a sun hat for your little one, so you can keep their delicate skin shaded and cool when you're out and about.

What is the best sun hat for babies?

As most of us have probably learned from experience, areas of the skin like the tops of the ears, browbone, nose, neck and shoulders are most prone to sunburn – so the more your baby's sunhat provides coverage in these areas, the better.

Look out for wide-brim sun hats and legionnaire styles with long sections around the back, as well as anything that says UPF50+, as this is the maximum sun protective rating for fabrics.

Sun Vouchers is your one-stop shop for every deal and discount code currently available from your favourite online retailers. Don't click 'buy' until you've checked Sun Vouchers for a discount code to apply to your basket.

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