How to Choose the Best Summer Hat for Babies and Children
Summer has a funny way of sneaking up on us.
One minute you're popping out for a quick walk, and the next you've spent half the day in the garden, stopped for an ice cream on the way home and somehow ended up at the park too.
It's those ordinary little days that often become the memories we look back on.
And if you're anything like me, one of the first things you grab before heading out the door is a hat.
Not because it completes the outfit (although that's always a bonus!), but because it's one of those everyday essentials that makes sunny days that little bit easier.
So how do you choose the right one?
What should you look for in a children's summer hat?
Not all hats are created equal, especially when they're being worn by busy little explorers.
When choosing a summer hat for your baby or child, I always think about four simple things.
-Coverage
A wider brim can help shade little faces, ears and necks while you're out enjoying the sunshine.
If you're spending time outdoors, whether that's at the park, on holiday or simply in the garden, choosing a hat with good coverage is a great place to start.
-Breathable fabric
Warm days call for lightweight fabrics.
Natural fibres like cotton are comfortable to wear and help little ones stay cooler while they're busy playing.
-A comfortable fit
Let's be honest... if it's uncomfortable, it probably won't stay on for very long!
A hat that's lightweight and easy to wear is much more likely to become part of your child's everyday routine.
-Something they'll actually want to wear
Children often have favourite things.
Sometimes it's a pair of wellies.
Sometimes it's the same jumper every single day.
A personalised hat quickly becomes one of those special pieces because it feels like it belongs to them.
Bucket hat, cap or bonnet?
One of the questions I'm asked most often is which style to choose.
The answer really depends on your little one and what they'll be wearing it for.
Baby bonnets
Perfect for younger babies, bonnets offer gentle coverage while feeling light and comfortable to wear.
They're lovely for pram walks, holidays, family days out and those first sunny afternoons in the garden.
Browse our personalised baby bonnets here:
Bucket hats
Bucket hats are brilliant for active toddlers and younger children.
Their all-round brim helps provide extra shade while they're busy exploring, making them a great choice for parks, beaches, holidays and outdoor adventures.
Children's caps
Caps are often a favourite with older children.
Easy to throw on before heading out, they're perfect for everyday wear, summer holidays and weekends spent outdoors.
Even better, having their name embroidered on the front means they're easy to spot at nursery, clubs or on holiday.
Why choose a personalised hat?
Of course they look lovely.
But personalisation isn't just about how something looks.
There's something quite special about seeing your child's name stitched onto something that's just theirs.
It makes everyday pieces feel a little more meaningful.
And years later, when it's tucked away in a memory box, it's often those small details that bring back an entire season.
Enjoying sunny days safely
A good hat is just one part of enjoying warmer weather with little ones.
Pairing a comfortable hat with lightweight clothing, shade where possible and sunscreen on exposed skin helps make days outside more comfortable for everyone. Advice on protecting children in the sun recommends using a combination of shade, suitable clothing, hats and sunscreen rather than relying on one thing alone.
Made for the moments you'll remember
Some of the best childhood memories aren't the big occasions.
They're afternoons chasing bubbles across the lawn.
An ice cream after the park.
Collecting shells on holiday.
Watching them proudly insist on carrying their own bucket to the beach.
Those are the moments our personalised hats are made for.
Not just for one summer, but for the memories that stay long after it's been folded away.
Explore our collection
Whether you're looking for a personalised baby bonnet, a children's bucket hat or an embroidered cap for summer adventures, you can explore our full collection here: