Do newborns need to wear hats?

Whether or not newborns need to wear hats is a common question for new parents. The short answer is yes, newborns should wear hats whenever they are outdoors or in cold indoor environments. Wearing a hat helps regulate a newborn’s body temperature and protect their head and ears from the elements. Continue reading for more details on why newborns need hats and tips for choosing the right newborn hats.

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Why do newborns need to wear hats?

There are a few key reasons why it is recommended for newborns to wear hats:

Newborns lose heat quickly – A newborn’s body is not yet able to effectively regulate its own temperature. Their heads in particular lose heat rapidly. Wearing a hat helps retain heat and keep their head warm.
Thin scalp skin – A newborn’s scalp skin is very thin and underdeveloped. This means it provides little insulation to the head. A hat adds an extra protective layer to help keep heat in.
Large head to body ratio – Proportionally, newborns have much larger heads compared to their bodies. Since the head releases a lot of heat, it needs extra coverage to retain warmth.

Cannot generate heat by shivering – Newborns lack the ability to shiver and generate heat that way. They rely fully on external warmth from blankets, hats, and skin contact.
Vulnerable to hypothermia – Due to all these factors, newborns are at high risk of becoming hypothermic if their heads are not kept warm. Hypothermia is very dangerous for infants.

Wearing a hat is an easy way to provide additional insulation for a newborn’s head and reduce heat loss. Even when indoors, it helps them maintain a warm, stable body temperature.

When should newborns wear hats?

Newborns should wear hats in the following situations:

Outdoors – Anytime a newborn is outdoors, they should wear a hat. Even if it is not very cold, a hat protects from wind chill and sun exposure.
Cold weather – When temperatures dip below 70°F (21°C), a hat should be worn to protect from cold air. The colder it is, the more important a hat becomes.

Air conditioning – If the indoor temperature is cool due to air conditioning, a lightweight hat should be worn.
Sleeping – Newborns should wear a hat when napping or sleeping. Their movements stir up air currents that make their head colder.
Travelling – Wearing a hat in a car seat or baby carrier adds warmth during transport.

Balding head – If a newborn is losing hair from their head, a hat prevents excess heat loss.

A good rule of thumb is to put a hat on any time your baby’s head feels cool to the touch. Chilly ears are also a sign that a hat is needed. If your head needs coverage, so does your newborn’s!

How should newborn hats fit?

For a hat to properly retain heat and protect their head, it needs to fit the newborn correctly. Here are tips for getting the right newborn hat fit:

Snug but comfortable – The hat should fit snugly so it does not slip off. But it should not be uncomfortably tight.
Covers ears – Choose a hat style that fully covers your newborn’s ears to keep them warm.
Does not restrict – Make sure the hat does not constrict your newborn’s head or limit motion.

Room to grow – Buy hats a little big so they will fit for the first few months as your baby grows.
Not too big – An oversized hat can slide down and not properly cover the crown and ears.
Hat ties – Use ties or straps to adjust fit and provide a snug yet comfortable fit under the chin.

The best way to ensure proper fit is to try hats on your newborn and adjust accordingly. Check that their ears are covered and the hat stays on without slipping over their eyes or squeezing their head.

What fabrics are best for newborn hats?

The material a newborn hat is made from affects its warmth, comfort, and breathability. Here are some top fabrics for newborn hats:

Cotton – Natural soft cotton is gentle on newborn skin. It provides good warmth and absorbs moisture.

Wool – Wool retains heat well to keep their head warm and is naturally moisture-wicking.
Cashmere – Luxurious cashmere is ultra-soft, warm, and breathable. But it requires delicate care.
Fleece – Soft, plush fleece insulates excellently. It dries quickly if it gets wet.

Acrylic – Acrylic is a synthetic material that mimics wool’s warmth at a lower cost.
Polyester – Lightweight, stretchy polyester makes good adjustable hat straps that stay put.

The most important factor is that the fabric feels smooth and comfortable against your newborn’s sensitive skin. Avoid rough textures like burlap that could irritate.

What are the different styles of newborn hats?

There are many cute hat styles to choose from for newborns. Here are some of the most common options:

Beanie – A stretchy, close-fitting beanie is a go-to basic hat for newborns.
Stocking cap – Stocking caps have a cuff that folds over the ears for extra warmth.

Knot hat – These have a knot or bow at the top for a decorative touch.
Earflap hat – Earflaps tie under the chin to secure the hat and cover the ears.
Animal hat – Fun animal designs like bears, foxes or lions make cute newborn hats.

Sun hat – Wide-brimmed sun hats shade a newborn’s delicate skin from the sun.

In addition, many hats come with design elements like pompoms, buttons, embroidered patterns or hair accents. Choose styles based on your preferences and the level of warmth needed.

Tips for keeping newborn hats on

Since newborns often wriggle and squirm, it can be tricky to keep hats on their tiny heads. Here are tips to get your newborn’s hat to stay put:

Ensure proper fit – A hat that is too loose is likely to slip off. Make sure it is snug but not tight.
Use hat ties – Secure ties or straps under the chin to prevent the hat from sliding backwards.
Try mittens – Putting mittens over your newborn’s hands prevents them grabbing and removing the hat.

Distract with toys – Keep your newborn occupied with toys and activities so they are less likely to fuss with their hat.
Pull over ears – Gently tug the hat over your newborn’s ears for additional security and warmth.
Check often – Routinely check that your newborn’s hat is still on and re-adjust as needed.

Getting in the habit of putting your newborn’s hat on any time you go outside or enter a chilly room will help keep it in place. With time, your baby will get used to wearing a hat.

What safety precautions are needed with newborn hats?

While hats are important for newborns, special safety precautions should be followed as well:

Supervise use – Never leave a newborn alone wearing a hat. Always supervise your baby when they have a hat on.

Avoid ties – Do not use hats with ties or straps when your baby is napping or unattended in a car seat or carrier.
Remove for sleeping – Experts recommend removing hats when putting your newborn down to sleep in their crib.
Avoid head covering – Do not pull hats down so they fully cover your newborn’s face or head. This poses a suffocation risk.

No drawstrings – Do not use hats that cinch with a drawstring under your baby’s chin due to strangulation hazard.
Watch for overheating – Check your newborn’s temperature and remove hats if they seem too warm or are sweating.

Following basic safety practices will allow you to use hats to keep your newborn warm and comfortable without any increased risk.

When can you stop using newborn hats?

There is no set age when you should stop using hats for your baby. Factors like environmental temperature, head hair growth, and physical development help determine when your child no longer needs a hat. Here are some general guidelines:

2-3 months – Babies start naturally regulating body temperature better around this age.
Lots of head hair – Once your baby has thick head hair, hats are not as vital for warmth.

Warmer weather – When outdoor temperatures are consistently warmer, hats are only needed sporadically.
Dislikes hats – If your baby fusses or resists wearing hats, they may not need them any longer.
Moving head – When your baby can intentionally turn their head side to side, they have more ability to warm their uncovered head.

It is a good idea to bring a hat on outings until at least 6 months of age in case your baby gets chilled. Trust your instincts – if your baby seems uncomfortable without a hat, keep using them as needed.

Conclusion

Hat use is strongly recommended for newborns to regulate their temperature and keep their head, ears and body warm. Hats should be worn whenever a baby is outdoors or in cool indoor environments. Choose snug-fitting hats in soft, breathable fabrics. Safety precautions like supervision and removal during sleep are important. With the proper hat habits, parents can keep their newborn cozy and protected from the cold. As babies grow and develop, hats typically can be discontinued between 2-6 months of age depending on climate, hair growth, and physical maturation. By answering common questions, parents can make informed decisions about using hats to keep their precious newborns comfortable and healthy.