Best newborn hats (not just cute — functional)
Newborns lose heat through their heads. Here are the 5 hats that actually stay on, fit a newborn dome, and work indoors, outdoors, and in the car seat.
Gear · Apparel
TL;DR
Newborns need hats for the first 4 to 8 weeks indoors (especially during sleep in cooler rooms — though never in the bassinet) and any outdoor outing. The 5 best: KicKee Pants knot hat (snug, soft), Burt's Bees beanie (basic and cheap), Lalaby hat (modern), L'ovedbaby cap, and a sun hat for outdoors (Twinklebelle). Skip hats for in-bassinet sleep — overheating is a SIDS risk.
Important. Do not put a hat on baby in the bassinet or crib. The AAP recommends against any head covering during sleep, as overheating is a known SIDS risk factor. Hats are for awake time and outings.
Building a full newborn registry? See our free registry builder.
Why newborns need hats
Newborns lose heat through their heads at a much higher rate than adults. A baby's head is proportionally larger relative to their body (about 20% of body surface area, vs 9% for adults), and their thermoregulation isn't yet effective.
For the first 1 to 2 weeks of life, hospital staff usually have a hat on baby almost continuously. After discharge, hats are necessary anytime baby is:
- Outdoors in temperatures below 70°F
- In a cool indoor environment (under 68°F)
- Just after a bath, while skin is still damp
- In the car seat in cooler weather
Hats are not needed (and not safe) during sleep in a bassinet or crib, even if the room is cool. Use a sleep sack for warmth instead.
How a newborn hat should fit
A good newborn hat:
- Snug enough not to slide off. Newborn heads are roughly 13 to 14 inches in circumference. A hat designed for 0 to 3 months should fit this range.
- Soft fabric that doesn't irritate. Cotton or merino blend. No itchy synthetics, no rough seams.
- No pom-poms, bows, or charms that can fall off. Choking hazard.
- Stretchy band. Should give as baby's head grows.
- Covers the ears. Ears lose heat too.
A hat that needs constant readjustment isn't doing its job. Find one that stays put.
The 5 best newborn hats
1. KicKee Pants Knot Hat (Newborn)
The "knot" design (a top knot tied at the crown) is universally cute and serves a purpose: it cinches the hat so it stays snug. Bamboo or cotton fabric, soft hand feel.
Price: $14 to $18. Size: newborn (0 to 3 months).
Best for: indoor and casual outdoor use. Doesn't have ear coverage for cold weather.
2. Burt's Bees Newborn Beanie
The basic, affordable cap that most parents end up with. Soft organic cotton, classic shape, comes in multi-packs of 3 for under $20.
Price: $15 to $20 for 3-pack. Size: newborn or 0 to 3 months.
Best for: workhorse daily hat. Replace as they get stretched out.
3. Lalaby Newborn Hat
Modern minimalist design in muted neutrals. Stretchy ribbed fabric. Stays in place better than most.
Price: $20 to $28. Size: 0 to 3 months.
Best for: parents who want a styled newborn look without sacrificing function.
4. L'ovedbaby Organic Cotton Cap
Soft, breathable organic cotton with stretchy band. Pediatric dermatology-friendly for babies with sensitive skin or eczema.
Price: $14 to $18.
Best for: babies with sensitive skin or eczema. Indoor wear.
5. Twinklebelle Sun Hat (for outdoor)
For outdoor use, a sun hat with UPF protection and a wide brim is essential. Twinklebelle's sun hat covers ears, has a chin strap, and fits newborns from 0 to 6 months.
Price: $20 to $25. UPF 50+.
Best for: any outdoor time. Pairs well with stroller and carrier.
Add hats to your registry the right way
The registry builder includes 5 newborn hats (cotton beanie, knot hat, sun hat) in the essentials section. Free.
Open the registry builderWhat to skip
- Hats with bows or rosettes. Choking hazards if they come off.
- Wool or scratchy synthetics. Skin irritation.
- Hats with strings or ties that aren't quick-release. Strangulation hazard.
- Hats that compress fontanelles. Newborn skull has soft spots. Hats that fit too tightly can interfere.
- Cute "headbands" with bows. Restrict blood flow to scalp if too tight. Many pediatricians and OTs recommend avoiding them.
Hats for specific situations
Going home from the hospital
The hospital usually provides a hat for the trip home. Use it. If they don't, a soft cotton beanie works.
First doctor visits
Cotton beanie or knot hat. Layer with a light blanket. Pediatrician's office is often cool.
Car seat in cool weather
Hat is okay, but don't bundle baby in a heavy coat inside the harness — affects car seat fit. Coat goes on after baby is buckled, or use a car seat cover that wraps over the harness.
Cold-weather outings
Layered hat with ear coverage. Pair with a swaddle or bunting. Hat over swaddle, not under.
Bath time afterward
Baby is most vulnerable to heat loss immediately after a bath. Hat goes on as soon as baby is dried, especially if room is below 70°F.
Sunny outings (any temperature)
Wide-brim UPF hat. Newborns under 6 months should stay out of direct sunlight, but if they're exposed, the hat is essential.
The summer "hats indoors?" question
In summer when indoor temps are 70 to 76°F, newborns don't usually need a hat indoors. Watch for cold cues (cool to touch on chest, fussiness, hands or feet noticeably cold) and add a hat if needed.
For outdoor summer time, switch to a brimmed sun hat. Heat loss isn't the issue; sun protection is.
How many hats do you need?
For newborn weeks:
- 3 to 5 cotton beanies. Daily rotation, spit-up happens.
- 1 to 2 warmer hats for cooler weather.
- 1 sun hat for outdoor use.
Total: 5 to 8 newborn hats. They grow out of these in 2 to 3 months, so don't overinvest.
When baby outgrows newborn hats
Most newborns fit "0 to 3 months" hats until around 2 to 3 months. By 3 to 6 months, they need a "3 to 6 months" size, and so on. Re-buy as needed — outgrown hats don't fit.
Many babies stop tolerating hats around 6 months when they can pull them off. That's developmentally appropriate. By that age, indoor hats aren't usually needed anyway.
Care and washing
- Wash before first use. Removes manufacturing residues.
- Cold or warm water, gentle cycle.
- Air dry or low heat. High heat can shrink and reduce stretch.
- Replace when stretched out. A loose hat doesn't keep heat.
Safe storage in the diaper bag
Keep one hat in the diaper bag at all times. AC in restaurants and shops can be aggressive. A backup hat is a small thing that prevents a chilly baby from a perfectly ordinary outing.
What about a hat to fix newborn cone head?
Hats don't reshape a newborn's head. The "cone head" from birth resolves on its own in 1 to 4 weeks. Tight hats can actually be uncomfortable on soft fontanelles, so don't use them for cosmetic reasons.
For information on cone head timing, see our newborn cone head guide.
The bottom line
Hats serve a thermoregulation function for newborns. Get 5 to 8 in the first months: a mix of basic cotton beanies, a knot hat, a warmer hat for cool weather, and a UPF sun hat for outdoor. Keep them out of the bassinet. Replace as baby grows.