Smiling infants in baby summer hats are one of the cutest things in the world, but hats do much more for small children than provide great accessories. The right kind of hat during the summer can prevent sunburn and potentially save your child’s life. Infants and young children can develop sunburn before parents even begin to feel the heat. This is true of babies who are bald as well as those who have a full head of hair. Covering baby up with a cute hat can prevent sun from glaring on his or her head, neck, face and ears.
Sunburns do more than cause a fussy baby. Some short and long-term issues that can develop from too much sun include:
• Heat stroke,
• Fever,
• Dehydration,
• Blisters and burns,
• Increased risk of skin cancer, and
• Skin blemishes and wrinkles later in life.
Where and When are Baby Summer Hats Necessary?
The sun shines year round, so if you are going to be outdoors any time of year, baby may need a hat. Baby summer hats are great for late spring and early fall as well as for the warm months of summer. When baby is 6 months or younger, it is best to keep him or her from direct sun light if possible. After 6 months, baby should wear a hat if you will be outdoors more than fifteen to twenty minutes, even if it is a cloudy day.
It is especially important to keep a hat and sunscreen on baby while spending the day at the beach, park or in a location where there is not much shade. Sun light is usually strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so you will want to ensure baby is well covered during those times.
What are the Best Type of Baby Summer Hats?
There are many choices when it comes to summer hats for baby. You want to choose hats that provide maximum shade without make baby hot and uncomfortable.
Cute baseball caps are great, especially if baby will be riding in a partially covered stroller. The problem with baseball caps is that they shade the front of the face without protecting ears and the back of the neck.
If baby will not have any shade beside what is offered by his or her hat, it is best to use a hat with a complete brim. Fishing-style hats, cowboy hats and walking hats all provide shade around the complete head. A floppy brimmed hat usually provides the most comfort, as it will not restrict baby’s ability to lay his or her head back for a short nap or rest.
No matter what type of hat you choose, some coverage is better than none. You should also try to keep a hat on toddlers and older children when possible. Although baby summer hats alone will not protect against sunburn, they are a great addition to cute outfits that allow baby to enjoy outdoor time in safe and healthy ways. If you enjoy this article on baby summer hats, then please checkout our other information in the left sidebar or the top of the page.