Few things are cuter than a baby in a floppy hat. More importantly, a sun hat can help parents prevent burns without relegating kids to the shady areas of the playground. Here are five brimmed hats to keep your child cool. — Nicole Feliciano
Coolibar Chlorine-Resistant Infant Bucket Hat - $16
On average, we receive 80% of our lifetime sun exposure before the age of eighteen. Thanks to this adorable hat, your baby will be off to a sun-smart start. Coolibar's clever hat is perfect for infants who'll be spending time at the beach. Shunning Lycra (it breaks down in water and sun), the designers opted for a polyester "Suntech" fabric with four-way stretch. A two-and-a-half-inch brim keeps baby's sensitive neck and ears hidden from the sun. The adjustable Velcro strap allows for a snug fit.
Sun Hats : Runners-up
Flap Happy Original Flap Hat - $12
Necessity really is the mother of invention. Soon after giving birth to her blonde-haired son, the founder of Flap Happy researched best-selling Australian hats and came up with her unique design. Not much has changed in the twenty years the brand's been around, but Snyder keeps things fresh by offering dozens of new prints each year, such as this laughing lobster. Made of 100% cotton, Flap Happy Original has a wide brim and a five-inch back flap.
Tuga Sunwear Reversible Bucket Hat - $12
This hat scores points for great prints, bold colors and versatile design. A wide four-inch brims keeps noses and necks out of harms way, and the adjustable drawstring strap can be used on either side of the hat or removed. Tuga hats' sturdy brims can even be turned up for a sassy summer look. We're sold on most anything reversible — it doubles the options for a child's the summer wardrobe. If you're planning a boating excursions, this is the hat for you; the UPF50+ fabric can get wet and still retain its protective properties.
Sunday Afternoons Toddler Play Hat - $24
Although this is one of the bulkier hats we tested, we admire its craftsmanship. And since it's available in fifteen color and print options, there's probably a hat that your child will agree to wear. Built-in mesh panels allow air to circulate, keeping little heads cool. When you've got a long hike planned and you're unsure of the terrain, you'll be comforted by the hat's serious coverage — a six-inch veil for the neck, a four-inch brim and certified 50 UPF. Even if your summer plans include a rafting trip, you won't lose this hat — it floats!
Cabana Life Reversible Sun Hat - $19
Cabana Life founder Melissa Papock knows a thing or two about skin care — she's a melanoma survivor. Believing that form and function can co-exist in beachwear, she set out to design stylish clothing with built-in sun protection. (A typical cotton shirt provides an SPF of five; compare that to the 50+ UV protection you'll get from Cabana Life.) A favorite in the beach collection is the children's 100% cotton reversible sun hat. Choose from a variety of sweet prints and versatile solids, like the mint and ecru floral combination.