Winter is coming is not just a catchphrase from Game of Thrones; it is a reality. Because of their underdeveloped immune systems, babies and toddlers are the most vulnerable to catching a cold, especially when the temperature rapidly drops during winter. Unless you are living on a tropical island or a Mediterranean coastal town, you will want to make sure your kids stay warm. Here is everything you need to know about buying the best winter hats for toddlers, including our top 13 picks.
How To Choose The Best Winter Hats For Toddlers
Picking your baby’s hats is not just about matching it with their closed toe sandals. Don’t pick a beanie just based on its appearance. Yes, all kids – and even adults – will appreciate a Pikachu hat, but will Pikachu’s superpowers be enough to keep your children warm. Let’s talk about some key features a high-quality winter hat should offer.
The Material
The type of fiber is one of the most essential features when choosing the best winter hats for toddlers. Most winter hats are either made of natural or synthetic materials, both of which have pros and cons.
The raw material of wool hats is the natural fiber from the fleece of sheep. The main advantage of a wool hat is its superior insulative value and resistance to water and sweat. As your kids head remains warm and soft, the hat will also allow the scalp to breathe, which will regulate the moisture. That said, wool hats are generally more expensive than their counterparts. You should also consider whether or not your child is allergic to animal fibers, and avoid using it if he/she gets itchy. Last but not least, you need to keep in mind that wool hats require special laundering, i.e., hand wash.
If you want an affordable hat with natural material, cotton is the best alternative. Because they are plant-based, their production vastly contributes to the conservation of animals. A cotton hat is just as durable, soft, and warm as wool. On the plus side, these are machine-washable, unlike wool hats. However, they are prone to shrinking at high-temperature washing.
Containing synthetic fiber, acrylic hats come with more reasonable prices, and they fall no short of wool hats in keeping the head warm. In addition, they last much longer than a wool hat, retaining their shapes and colors even after frequent washing. The only downside is that acrylic is not a breathable material, so get ready for your child to sweat.
If you find yourself in a dilemma over the choice of fabric, you will be happy to know that there are also winter hats that combine both synthetic and natural fibers. These hats are like the perfect child that acquires the best features of the parents – the water-resistance of cotton or wool, and the stretchiness and durability of acrylic.
The Type/Form
Aside from the material, the best winter hats for toddlers come in many types and shapes. In the kids’ section, you will mostly see knitted beanie hats stapled at the top with a bobble. It is a popular choice not only because the bobble provides extra protection for the crown of the head but also because a bobbled beanie hat suits most face, especially the oval ones.
Then, you also have the option of a trapper or aviator hats. You must be familiar with aviator hats if you have been to Russia, or Scandinavian countries with severely cold winters. The biggest advantage of a trapper hat is that it has flaps on the side for covering the ears. Some trapper hats will even have strings to connect the ends of the flaps below the chin, ensuring complete protection from the cold airflow.
Another popular choice is a beanie with bobbles (poms) and earflaps, which is somewhere between a beanie and a trapper hat. If you are buying a hat with earflaps, make sure it has chinstraps or a hook-and-loop strap to secure the hat over your kid’s head.
If you are living in or traveling to a very cold area (e.g., a ski resort), we suggest that you prefer trapper hats for your toddlers over the conventional beanie hats. However, if your area experiences mild winters, a trapper hat will turn your child’s head into an ocean, so opt for a beanie hat instead.
The Size
Choosing the right size of winter hats for your toddler can sometimes be harder than knitting it yourself. Winter hats are divided into two categories in that aspect. Some winter hats are quite stretchy, which means they have one expandable size that fits all ages and stretches as your child grows. Other hats have different sizes available for different age groups.
When it comes to child growth, the exceptions can outnumber the standard, meaning that it is not always a good idea to buy a hat based solely on your child’s age group. Firstly, you should measure your child’s head circumference and compare that with the dimensions of the hats. Then, you should always check out the product reviews on Amazon. We can guarantee that 90% of the complaints will be about sizing issues, but it can help you decide whether you should buy a smaller or a bigger hat.
FURTALK Winter Knit Beanie Hats (404)
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The best winter hats for toddlers needs to have an adjustable design for maximum comfort. Furtalk‘s Winter Knit Beanie Hat fits the description perfectly. Because they are made 100% of soft acrylic material, children can use them for many years as they grow and develop. The Faux fur pom at the top makes your child look more stylish while providing extra warmth, but it is also easily-detachable. In fact, the hat comes with a zipper bag to keep the pom when you remove it.
Pros:
- Super-stretchy, suitable for all children of ages 0-6
- Double-line made 100% of soft acrylic
- The pom, made of Faux raccoon fur, is easily removable.
- Easy-wash in delicate, suitable for hand-washing, except for the fur
Cons:
- It doesn’t cover the ears, especially in girls with bulky hair.
- The faux fur can disrupt the balance if your baby is learning to walk.
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JAN&JUL Fleece-Lined Winter Hat
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Jan&Jul Winter Hats boast the perfect combination of cute design and superb protection. The sherpa-fleece lining will keep your baby warm while absorbing the sweat to keep the head dry at all times. This premium-quality product is perfect for extreme cold, as it helps to cover the ears and even the back of the neck. In case your child moves around a lot, you can tie the chinstraps to keep it securely in place.
Pros:
- Perfect coverage for the head, including the ears
- Keeps the head warm with soft sherpa-fleece lining
- Chinstraps to secure it on the head
- The stretchy material lasts for years
- Super-cute design with two ear-like poms
Cons:
- There are two versions, one for 6-24 months, and one for ages 2-6. The version for small babies is not too stretchy, so you will most likely have to buy a bigger hat in 1-2 years.
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Exemaba Winter Hats (CU)
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If you can’t decide between the acrylic and the woolen winter hats, you can always opt for the ones that implement both materials. Exemaba should be on top of your list, as the fleece lining of its winter hats contains 60% acrylic and 40% cotton. This ratio is just ideal for preserving heat and alleviating sweat and smell. The infant beanies of Exemeba also combine the designs of bobbled beanies and trapper hats, which guarantee absolute coverage of neck, hear, and ears. Thanks to the chinstraps, it will never fall off your child’s head no matter how strong the wind blows.
Pros:
- 60% Acrylic – 40% Cotton, regulates heat and moisture
- Covers the head, the neck, and the ears
- Can be secured via chinstraps
- Suitable for infants up to age 2
- Available in five different colors
- Unconditional refund up to 60 days
Cons:
- Some clients complained that it started to coe undone after a few wears
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N’Ice Caps
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As trooper hats are becoming more popular amongst adults and kids, N’Ice Caps‘ trooper hats are fast-rising in the market. These fuzzy hats stand out not only for their variety of fashionable looks but also for the double-layered sherpa fleece lining, which makes them naturally water-resistant. No matter how wet the outer layer gets, the inner layer will always stay dry and protect your toddler’s head. This type of fleece-lining also enhances protection against cold and wind. Oh, have we mentioned that they come with a pair of mittens in the kit?
Pros:
- Double-layered fleece-lining for double warmth and double insulation
- Up-turned brim for eye protection
- Coverage of ears and neck
- Available in four sizes: 3-6 months, 6-24 months, 2-3 years, 4-7 years
- Hook-and-loop chin straps
Cons:
- It might be tricky to find the right size for your infant
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Durio Soft Warm Knitted Baby Hats
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Durio‘s beanies combine cotton and polyester instead of sticking to one material. We really like this feature because it makes these beanies wearable in winter, as well as spring and fall with unpredictable temperatures. The soft knitting is quite stretchy and lightweight, so it will not cause any pressure on your infant’s head, even when they are growing fast. When it comes to color, you will have both the classic neutral colors like grey and navy and bright colors like pink and purple.
Pros:
- Soft and breathable combination of polyester and cotton
- Suitable for 6-36 months
- Stretchy and lightweight
- Variety of colors to choose from
Cons:
- It may be a bit too big for small babies of 6-10 months
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Zutano Baby Cozie Fleece Furry Hat
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A furry hat is always the best option if you are living in a winter wonderland. Zutano‘s furry hats blend cotton and polyester on the outside while adding an extra layer of faux fur on the inside for a snuggly feeling. The velcro closure of the furry ear flaps ensures that even a hurricane won’t blow the hat away, let alone your child trying to remove it. Whether your toddler is only 6 months or 4 years old, you will still be able to find the right size for them. Last but not least, the denim tones will pair beautifully with almost every outfit they wear.
Pros:
- Cotton-polyester mixed lining
- Faux fur lining for extra warmth
- Ear-flaps
- Hook-and-loop closure at the chin
Cons:
- Measure your toddler’s head circumference before ordering, as the recommended size for the age can run small. Some customers stated that it only fitted the head when they purchased one size up.
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Azarxis Kids Balaclava Fleece
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Imagine a hat that also functions as a mask or a scarf. It would come in quite handy if you were to go camping or skiing with your little one. Azarxis‘ winter hats boast a brilliant design, where you can adjust the hat in any way you like. The internal anti-fog mask prevents the face from frostbite while filtering the air to protect your toddler against pollution. Yet, it can be removed in the flap of a finger when you don’t need it. Azarxis’s hats also work as a hoodie, where you can tuck it easily into the coat to secure it. With the durable material comprising thick fleece and polyester, your child will always remain warm and healthy in this waterproof and windproof hat.
Pros:
- Versatile design
- Removable anti-fog mask for facial protection and filtering the air around
- Covers the ears and the neck
- Can be tightened or loosened easily via its drawstring
- Waterproof and windproof
Cons:
- Prone to dust and mud-stains, needs regular washing
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Connectyle Toddler Hats
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From its reasonable price to its high-quality fabric and design, Connectyle is one of the top sellers of best winter hats for toddlers on Amazon. Made 100% of acrylic, this cute beanie hat has a double-layered fleece lining that keeps the head warm and cozy. This fleece lining extends into the ear flaps for extra warmth, while the lightweight chinstraps help to keep it on your child’s head without added pressure. You will find Connectyle hats in three different sizes – small for 6M-12M, medium for 1T-3T, and large for 3T-6T. If you are not sure which size is the perfect fit, you can always check out their elaborate size specifications.
Pros:
- Double fleece lining for extra warmth
- Earflaps with chinstraps
- Available in three sizes and many colors
Cons:
- The chinstraps can fall short for thick or curly hair
- Shrinks considerably when exposed to chemical detergent
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Funky Junque
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Aside from the quality of the material, the best winter hats for toddlers should be fashionable for your little angel. If you want to accentuate your child’s cuteness, look no further than Funky Junque‘s pom beanies. The special thick and ribbed knit makes these hats adorable, cuddly, and stylish like no other winter hat. This unisex beanie offers plenty of stretches thanks to the soft acrylic, so your child can comfortably wear it at any time between the ages of 2 and 7. Unlike some acrylic beanies, it allows you to wash on delicate in a cold cycle, and hang to dry.
Pros:
- Flexible and suitable for any child between ages 2-7
- Soft acrylic material
- Durable – retains the color and the shape even when washed along with other baby laundries
- Unisex – offers a variety of color choices
Cons:
- Will run loose for infants younger than 2
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Winterlace Beanies
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With Winterlace‘s Kids Winter Beanies, let your little one glow like a rainbow! Their palette consists of bright and warm colors, and you can even order a pack of 12 beanies for unbelievably reasonable prices. The double-layered acrylic beanies of Winterlace will insulate the head perfectly while still leaving room for the child’s growth. It doesn’t have earflaps, but its cuffed design allows you to pull it down slightly to cover your ears and neck. Accommodating all head shapes, these colorful hats make an excellent Christmas or birthday present for your kids.
Pros:
- One size to fit them all! (between ages of 1-7)
- Soft and warm acrylic
- Can extend down to cover the ears and the neck
- Affordable- offers specials, such as a 12 pack for 20 USD
- Warm colors
Cons:
- A moldy smell that goes away after washing (remember to wash it first right after the purchase)
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Somaler
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How can a winter hat feel so light on the head, and yet shield you from the cold and harsh winter flawlessly? The answer lies in Somaler‘s winter hats. Knitted 100% with cotton and wool, these hats cover the hair and the ears with a toasty warm feeling. The wool pom adds to this feeling and creates a cuteness overload, but you can easily detach it if your child doesn’t like it. Somaler’s toddler beanies are available in two sizes, M for 6M-24M and L for 2T-6T, both of which are stretchy enough for prolonged use.
Pros:
- Unisex, has four color options: pink, khaki, white, and grey
- Double-layered fleece
- Earflaps with chinstraps
- Stretchy, available in two sizes
- The pom can be detached easily at the metal snap on top
Cons:
- Only suitable for hand wash
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Bienvenu Puppy Caps
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Multifunctional caps are among the best winter hats for toddlers. Bienvenu‘s Puppy Cap poses a fantastic example that serves as a winter hat, hoodie, and scarf. The high-quality material comprises 80% acrylic and 20% cotton, which provides insulation and sweat-resistance for the child. Its fashion is also innovative; instead of a single pom, the Bienvenu Puppy Cap has two puppy ears that will make your cutie-pie look all the more adorable. Despite covering the head, the ears, and the neck, it will leave plenty of room for your child’s growth, so you won’t have to worry about buying a new winter hat for many years to come.
Pros:
- Soft material made up of both acrylic and cotton
- Cute design with puppy ears
- Multifunctional
- Stretchy
- Has several color options
Cons:
- Runs on the big side
- Has no fleece-lining on the inside (which would have helped for extra warmth)
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Duoyenee Baby Beanies
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The best winter hats for toddlers are the ones that boast excellent quality while remaining skin-friendly and eco-friendly. Your child might occasionally have skin irritation problems from winter hats, but with Duoyenee Baby Beanie, that threat is off the table. Free of allergen dyes, fluorescent agents, and formaldehyde, Duoyenee eliminates any possibility of allergic reactions. With two bear pom on top and earflaps on the sides, it shields the face from the most freezing temperatures and the strongest winds. What’s also amazing is that they have three sizes that meet the needs of babies at different stages of growth. Overall, Duoyenee’s Baby Beanies deserve a top spot on your shopping list for your toddler
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic, dye-free, and odorless
- Premium cotton and acrylic lining with soft fleece
- Earflaps with chinstraps
- Three sizes – S(0-6 M), M(6-12 M), L(12-36 M)
Cons:
- Only available in neutral colors
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