The Importance of Sun Hats for Babies and Toddlers
Even on a typical UK summer day of 20–25°C, the UV index can reach 3 to 5 — enough to burn a baby's skin in minutes. Their face and scalp are the most exposed and the most vulnerable, with thinner skin and less melanin than an adult's.
Here's what the NHS actually advises, when to start, and what to look for in a hat.
What the NHS recommends
The NHS advises keeping babies under six months out of direct sunlight altogether. Their skin is too delicate for sun exposure, and sunscreen isn't generally recommended for the very youngest babies either — shade and clothing do the work instead.
For older babies, the guidance is a combination of shade, protective clothing, a hat that covers the head, face and neck, and a high-SPF sunscreen on any skin left exposed. No single measure is enough on its own.
Understanding UV levels in the UK
The UK's UV index regularly reaches 3 to 6 between May and August, and it can reach 3 on a cloudy day — UV passes through cloud far more readily than most people assume. Once the index hits 3, sun protection is worth taking seriously.
A useful rule: it's about UV, not temperature. A bright, breezy 17°C day in June can carry more UV than a muggy 24°C day in September.
When to put a hat on
| Conditions | What to do |
|---|---|
| UV index below 3 | Low risk. Hat optional, though it's a good habit. |
| UV index 3–5, or bright and sunny | Hat on. Seek shade between 11am and 3pm. |
| UV index 6+ | Hat, shade, covering clothing and sunscreen on exposed skin. Limit time outdoors at midday. |
| Cloudy but bright | Hat on — UV penetrates cloud. |
What to look for in a baby sun hat
Coverage
A wide brim or a legionnaire-style flap that shades the face, ears and back of the neck. The ears and neck are the spots most often missed and among the most commonly burnt.
Breathability
Babies overheat quickly and can't regulate their temperature well. A hat that traps heat creates a different problem from the one you're solving. Cotton muslin is a good choice here — it's light, soft on delicate skin, and lets air move rather than holding heat against the scalp.
Fit
A hat that slides off leaves gaps, and a hat that's too tight gets pulled off within minutes. Look for adjustable sizing, and check it regularly — head circumference changes fast in the first two years.
Washability
It will be dropped, chewed and worn while eating ice cream. Machine washable is not optional.
Our baby sun hat
Our Baby Sun Hat is made from 100% cotton muslin — chosen for breathability and comfort, so it stays on rather than being pulled off within five minutes. It comes in six sizes from 0 to 24 months and three soft shades: baby lemon, baby blue and baby pink.
What it does is provide physical shade for the face, scalp and neck, and stay comfortable enough for a baby to actually wear. Used alongside shade, covering clothing and sunscreen on exposed skin, that's the combination the NHS recommends.
Browse the full range in baby sun hats.
Signs your baby has had too much sun
- Redness, warmth or tenderness on the skin — which can appear hours after exposure, not immediately.
- Unusual irritability or drowsiness.
- Squinting, turning away from the light, or fussing outdoors.
- Fewer wet nappies than usual, which can indicate dehydration.
If your baby is sunburnt, is under six months, or seems unwell, contact your GP or NHS 111. Sunburn in a baby is treated as more serious than in an adult.
Daily habits that help
- Plan outings before 11am or after 3pm where you can.
- Use the pram hood and seek natural shade — but note that a pram covered with a blanket can get dangerously hot inside.
- Loose, long-sleeved cotton covers more skin than sunscreen ever will.
- Offer extra milk or water in hot weather.
- Keep the hat in the changing bag permanently, so it's never the thing you forgot.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a baby wear a sun hat?
From birth. Our sizes start at 0 months. For babies under six months the NHS advises staying out of direct sunlight entirely, so the hat is one part of that rather than a substitute for shade.
Do babies need a sun hat on cloudy days?
Often, yes. UV passes through cloud, and the UK's UV index can reach 3 on an overcast summer day. If it's bright enough to squint, it's bright enough for a hat.
What temperature should a baby wear a sun hat?
It isn't really about temperature — skin damage comes from UV, not heat. A cool, bright day can carry a higher UV index than a warm, hazy one. Check the UV forecast rather than the thermometer.
Can I put sunscreen on a newborn?
The NHS advises keeping babies under six months out of direct sun rather than relying on sunscreen. For older babies, use a high-SPF, high-star-rating sunscreen on skin that clothing doesn't cover. Speak to your health visitor or pharmacist if unsure.
What size sun hat does my baby need?
Measure around the head just above the ears. Our hats come in six sizes across 0 to 24 months. If between sizes, size up — a slightly loose hat with an adjustable fit lasts longer than a snug one outgrown in a month.
Also worth reading
For summer days out, see our travel tips for parents with babies. And if you're heading to the beach or garden, our silicone beach bucket folds flat for the changing bag.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Follow current NHS sun safety guidance, and speak to your health visitor, GP or pharmacist about your own baby.