Baby Hats are a great way to keep your little one warm, stylish, and cute. They come in a variety of styles and are often made from soft materials that your baby will love wearing.
Whether your child is going to school or spending their days outdoors, a baby hat is an essential accessory for their wardrobe. Not only do they keep their head warm, but hats also protect their ears and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Hats Are Not Necessary in the First Days After Birth
There is a misconception that newborn babies need to wear hats right after birth, but that is not the case. The fact is that most babies don’t regulate their temperature like adults do, so it’s best to let them feel the air and determine if they need a hat.
When to Put a Hat on Your Newborn
Some babies, particularly those born prematurely or with low birth weights, may need a hat in the hospital. This is because newborns don’t have the body heat to compensate for their sudden drop in body temperature, and a hat helps them conserve their precious heat.
In addition, a hat helps your baby keep their hands and feet warm, which is especially important for your newborn’s development and wellbeing. When they’re born, your baby’s hat nose and hands are not fully formed. This makes it difficult for them to use their hands and feet to stay warm.
While they’re in the hospital, nurses will often offer your newborn a newborn hat. This will help them keep their head warm and a good temperature during their first days at the hospital, says Dr. Eboni Hollier, an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
If your newborn has a hat, they may have more energy and become more alert, she says. They will also be more likely to sleep through the night, she adds.
Newborns don’t need to wear hats indoors either, but they might still be comfortable in one if it’s very cold outside. Just make sure you don’t put them in a hat while they’re sleeping, she recommends. The hat could fall off during the night and potentially cover their face.
You might also want to use a hat during your pregnancy and while you’re breastfeeding, she says. It will help to keep your baby’s head warm, and it will help them to keep their milk at the right temperature for nursing.
Don’t forget to keep your baby’s ears warm with ear muffs or an over-the-head hat, too. A hat can prevent your baby’s ears from overheating, which can cause a painful earache or even a cleft lip.
When to Buy a Hat for Your Baby
If you’re looking for a cute hat for your newborn, consider getting one that’s made from a warm material, like fleece or wool. Most hats are lightweight, so your baby won’t feel hot when they’re wearing them, and they will be easy to clean.