When researching the best winter hats for kids, we took comfort, material, and care instructions into consideration. We also spoke with board-certified pediatrician Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP; Rebekah Diamond, MD, a New York City-based hospital pediatrician and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University; and Jessica Madden, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University and the Medical Director of Aeroflow Breastpumps, to learn more about what makes a high-quality winter hat. Whether your kiddos are playing in the snow or waiting for the school bus on a chilly day, a warm winter hat makes all the difference. Here are the best winter hats for kids that will keep your little ones bundled up and cozy this winter. The Carhartt hat comes in sizes zero up to 14 years old. The hats run true to size and fit comfortably over the head and ears. Kids will love the soft, stretchy design that’s just like the hats for grown-ups, with the classic wide, fold-up cuff and small logo. While it is made from polyester, it’s not itchy or irritating at all, and the material is durable and cozy. Plus, the hat is reasonably priced, so it won’t break the bank to buy a high-quality hat for your kiddo this winter. Price at time of publication: $15 From muted colors to stripes to cable knit, you’re sure to find a hat that your kiddo will enjoy. This hat looks and feels like it costs more than it does, and some colors are available with matching scarves for an additional fee. Price at time of publication: $15 Made from high-quality recycled materials that won’t lose shape or shrink, this hat does run a little large, so keep that in mind when selecting the best size for your kiddo. The over-the-ear beanie stays on snugly to keep little heads warm, and it’s available in multiple colors and patterns. Plus, it’s got an adorable sprout on top for extra cuteness. Price at time of publication: $39 Price at time of publication: $27.95 Price at time of publication: $39 Since the hat is tightly knit, it won’t come off easily, and it has a soft cotton lining that won’t irritate their skin. Plus, it’s reasonably priced, so it’s a good option if your kiddo is prone to tossing things out of their stroller. Price at time of publication: $16 The outer cover of the hat is made from warm fleece and the inside is lined with soft faux fur that won’t irritate your little one’s skin. Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $12 Made from 100 percent wool, the hat is very on-brand for Acne, whose modern, conceptual minimalism is instantly recognizable. Thanks to the warm material and the snug ribbed brim, your little lamb will be cozy for all kinds of winter adventures. Price at time of publication: $100 We love that each knit hat comes with two pairs of matching mittens, because if there’s anything that gets lost around the house and in the car, it’s mittens. Each hat is lined with soft fleece, has earflaps, and features some kind of decorative element like a pom pom or little fins. The mittens have ribbed cuffs to keep out the cold (and keep them snugly on a squirmy little one’s hands). Price at time of publication: $18 In addition to speaking with experts, we reviewed over 100 hats and sets while researching this list, looking for picks that are warm, fit snugly, and look cute to boot.
What to Look For in Winter Hats for Kids
Materials
When selecting a winter hat for your little one, find a material that won’t irritate their skin. “There are some materials that should be avoided when dressing kids and babies for winter,” Dr. Alexander tells Verywell Family. “These include wool and other scratchy fabrics. These can irritate their skin and make them uncomfortable.” Instead, choose soft fabrics that are cozy and warm, such as cotton or fleece, she says. “These will be gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.” “Also, for babies, in particular, watch for strings and tassels,” says Dr. Madden. “[Baby] hats should not have ribbons, ties, or other pieces that hang down due to a risk of strangulation.” “I avoid dangling strings or other things that could get caught or tied around the neck for little babies,” adds Dr. Diamond.
Comfort
As anyone who’s struggled to keep a hat on a kid knows, a winter hat has to be comfortable. In this case, we looked for options that are lined with fleece or other soft fabric, as those textures are cozy and warm. Of course, you know your child the best, so keep their texture and fabric preferences in mind (assuming they’re old enough to express them).
Care Instructions
When shopping for any outwear for kids, including winter hats, it’s crucial to check the washing directions before buying. Many of our picks can be machine washed and dried, but there are hand wash only hats as well. As always, you know your lifestyle best, so keep your cleaning preferences in mind while shopping.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Tanya Edwards is an experienced parent, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. She has written for such outlets as Parents, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Huffington Post, CNN Underscored, and more. “Choose a hat that fits snugly,” she explains. “This will help to keep them warm without being too tight." Wool is the warmest material, followed by fleece and other poly blends. The level of warmth you need depends on the climate where you live and how much your child will be out in the elements. If you’re somewhere with blustery wind and cold, Dr. Alexander recommends a hat with a brim. “This will help to protect their face from the wind and cold.” In addition to finding a hat that fits snugly, “You can also put the hat on backwards or sideways," says Dr. Alexander. “This can help to block the wind and keep their face warm.” You’ll also want to mind overheating, especially with babies, says Dr. Madden. “Newborns and infants are at risk of overheating due to immaturity of their ability to regulate their body temperature (thermoregulation) and the fact that they are not old enough to be able to remove a layer of clothing by themselves if they feel hot,” she explains. “If a baby’s neck feels warm to the touch [or] if you notice they are sweating, these are signs that they are too warm.”
