Baby and Toddler Hats in Australia: Sun Hats and Swim Hats
The right baby hat depends on the job: sun, swimming, wind or warmth. Most Australian parents need a sun or swim hat first, so this guide starts there. You'll find how to choose a hat for a baby or toddler in Australia, how to get the fit right, how a hat fits into a wider sun-safety plan, and which of our hats suit which age.
Quick Answers
What is the best hat for a baby in Australia?
A wide-brimmed or legionnaire-style sun hat that shades the face, ears and neck, fits snugly and stays on. For swimming, choose a hat made for water with UPF 50+ fabric and a chin strap.
When can a baby wear a sun hat?
From the first outings. For babies under 12 months, shade and clothing do most of the work, and a hat is one layer of that.
Is a cap enough for a toddler?
A cap shades the face but not the ears or neck. A wide brim or legionnaire flap covers more. Add sunscreen and shade.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure around your child's head above the eyebrows and compare it with the size chart. A hat should be snug enough to stay on in wind, with room to grow only slightly.
Why a Hat Matters (and What It Can't Do Alone)
Australian sun-safety guidance is built around layers: clothing, a hat, shade, sunscreen and sunglasses, plus avoiding the middle of the day. A hat is an important layer for a baby, but not the whole plan. Cancer Council has the current guidance, and your child health nurse can advise on sunscreen for young babies.
- Under 12 months: keep babies out of direct sun as much as possible, using shade, clothing and a hat
- Toddlers: a hat plus clothing, shade and sunscreen. Hats get pulled off, so choose one your child will tolerate
- Check the UPF. A hat sold as UPF 50+ has been made to a sun-protection rating. A plain cotton hat may not be rated, so read the label
Types of Baby and Toddler Hats
| Hat | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-brim sun hat | Beach, park, pram walks | Shades face and neck. Needs a chin strap to stay on |
| Legionnaire hat | Hot days and active toddlers | Flap covers ears and neck |
| Swim hat | Pool, beach and water play | Made for water. Look for UPF 50+ and a secure strap |
| Cotton cap | Everyday toddler wear | Shades the face only. Combine with other sun protection |
| Beanie | Cool mornings and winter | For warmth. Not a sun hat |
| Bonnet | Newborns and young babies | Soft and gentle. Check it ties safely |
Our Baby and Toddler Hats
We stock swim hats for babies and young toddlers, and cotton caps for toddlers and older children. Stock is small, so if a print is sold out, check back soon.
Swim hats (6 months to 2 years)
Our swim hats are made from repurposed recycled plastic bottles, with UPF 50+ sun protection. An adjustable toggle and a soft chin strap hold them in place.
A calming Pacific wave print. UPF 50+, adjustable toggle and soft chin strap.
A soft, dreamy lilac. UPF 50+, adjustable toggle and soft chin strap.
A fresh, airy sky blue. UPF 50+, adjustable toggle and soft chin strap. Very limited stock.
A cheerful daisy print in the larger size. UPF 50+, adjustable toggle and soft chin strap.
Cotton and cord caps (approx. 2 to 6 years)
Our Skwosh kids caps are cotton or corduroy, size 54, and suit approximately ages 2 to 6. They have an adjustable strap at the back. Every head is different, so measure your child's head to check the fit. Caps shade the face, so pair them with other sun protection.
- You Little Ripper Cotton Cap — Blue — $34.95
- Easy Tiger Cotton Cap — Mustard — $34.95
- You Beauty Cotton Cap — Green — $34.95
- Dog House Cotton Cap — Brown — $34.95
- Yeah Nah Cord Cap — Tobacco — $34.95
- Little Ripper Cord Cap — Navy — $34.95
- Happy Chappy Cord Cap — Carbon — $34.95 — very limited stock
Looking for a hat for a baby under 6 months or a wide-brim sun hat? We don't currently stock one, so use shade and clothing for the youngest babies.
How to Get the Fit Right
- Measure. Use a soft tape around the head, above the eyebrows and ears
- Check the snugness. You should be able to fit a finger under the band. The hat shouldn't slide over the eyes
- Test it. Tilt your child's head forward. A well-fitting hat stays put
- Check the strap. It should sit comfortably under the chin, not tight against the throat
- Re-check as they grow. A hat that fitted in September may not fit in January
Getting a Baby to Keep a Hat On
- Introduce it indoors first, for a few minutes at a time
- Put one on yourself. Toddlers copy
- Choose a print or character they like
- Keep a spare in the pram and the car
- Take it off when baby is asleep in the pram or car, and never leave a strap around a sleeping child's neck
Hat Safety Checks
- Avoid long ties or cords. A soft chin strap that sits comfortably is a better choice
- Check there are no loose decorations, buttons or small parts
- Wash according to the care label and re-check the strap and stitching regularly
- Don't rely on a hat alone. Combine it with shade, clothing and sunscreen
A Hat in the Beach Bag
A hat belongs in every beach and pool bag. For the full checklist, see our baby beach essentials guide, and pair a swim hat with a wet bag for the damp things afterwards. Browse everything in our baby and toddler beach essentials collection.
Hats as Gifts
A swim hat is a good summer baby gift because it doesn't depend on a season of clothes sizes. Our Little Beach Bum Bundle lets you build a beach set with a swim hat, wet bag and more. See also our newborn gift sets guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hat for a baby in Australia?
A wide-brimmed or legionnaire-style hat that shades the face, ears and neck and stays on. For swimming, a UPF 50+ swim hat with a chin strap.
When can a baby wear a sun hat?
From the first outings. For babies under 12 months, shade and clothing do most of the work, and a hat is one layer.
What does UPF 50+ mean?
UPF is a rating for fabric that shows how much UV radiation it blocks. UPF 50+ is the highest category. Our swim hats are UPF 50+. A hat is still just one layer of sun protection.
How do I know what size hat my baby needs?
Measure around the head above the eyebrows and compare it with the size on the product page. Our swim hats come in M (6-12 months) and L (1-2 years).
Do you sell caps for babies?
Our caps are size 54 and suit approximately ages 2 to 6. For babies and young toddlers, we stock swim hats in sizes M and L.
Can a baby wear a hat to sleep?
It's best to remove hats and anything around the neck before sleep. Red Nose safe sleeping guidance recommends keeping a baby's head and face uncovered while sleeping.
Gear up for a sun-smart summer.
Shop Beach EssentialsSun-safety information is general guidance. Check Cancer Council for current advice and your child health nurse for questions about your baby. Tiny Moments Co is an Australian-owned small business. Prices current as of October 2026.