Does a Newborn Need to Wear a Hat?
Hats are undoubtedly cute accessories for your baby, but do they really need to wear them? Parents worldwide have different perspectives on whether or not they should let their newborn babies wear hats.
Experts say that when the babies are delivered, they are warm and need to be covered immediately so they don’t catch cold. But again, the hat is necessary only if the outside temperature is cold.
This blog post will guide you on whether or not you should make your newborn wear a hat and what benefits they hold for your baby. We’ll also show you some of our best-selling cute infant hats ready to ship.
So, let’s dive into the subject!
Why do newborn babies need hats?
Newborn babies lose a lot of the heat from their heads; this is why hospitals provide you with an infant hat once your baby is born, but the weather is an important factor that plays a major role in deciding whether to make your baby wear a hat.
Many cultures believe hats help correct the odd shape of the skull, whereas others take it as a standard practice to make their baby girls wear hats to ensure they stay warm.
As said earlier, newborns lose heat from their heads, which makes them vulnerable to cold; therefore, wearing a hat helps them maintain a stable body temperature. This is important, especially during the first few days of newborn babies.
Moving on to another important factor, the delicate skin babies have. Their soft and sensitive skin needs protection against sun, wind, and cold. This is important in areas where the weather can be harsh.
Where can you find high-quality hats for your newborn?
Before we dive deeper into the subject, I want to break some good news to all new mommies-to-be. Jenni Kidz has a range of comfortable and high-quality baby hats and apparel that are perfect for infant’s skin.
You will get options like:
- Sun Hat
- Beach Hat
- Detachable Pompom Hat
- Outdoor Hat
- Solid Knit Hat (with and without ears)
- Caps
$14.99 CAD
Our uniquely designed ball caps are lightweight, adjustable and breathable. Your child will love the fun colours and cute embroidered motifs. A great way to protect them from the sun in style! Lightweight, breathable and adjustable Exceptional quality embroidery 95%… read moreKids UPF50+ Ball Cap - Monster Orange | FlapJackKids
You can pick out any hat according to the weather or for indoor/outdoor activities. Each hat is made with love and top-quality material, and you can choose whatever suits your baby the best. Because of Jenni, your infant’s comfort comes first!
$32.99 CAD
Sporty yet funky YO YO YO! There's a style full of sports balls at last! Get their adrenaline pumping by wearing this cap! Easily adjust the hat with a snapback closure that will grow with your child. Made with UPF50 fabric, it… read moreJock Snapback Hat - Sky Blue | Headster
Factors to consider while choosing the right hat for your baby
As a new mother, your concerns would revolve around every single consideration that ensures your baby's comfort, well-being, and safety. So, this section will detail some important factors you need to consider while selecting a hat for your newborn.
Choosing the right material
The first consideration highlights the importance of soft and breathable fabrics. Babies, especially newborns, have delicate skin, so they need extra caution. You can go for options like cotton, bamboo fabric, or anything soft (probably organic or hypoallergenic materials) that will help regulate your newborn’s body temperature while being gentle on their skin.
Choosing the right size
Now, once you have decided on the hat's material, you need to consider its size. The general size is 14” (36 centimeters) head circumference, and the height should be 6” (15 centimeters}. This gives your baby a cozy and comfortable feeling, rather than it being too tight to restrict blood flow or too loose to fall off.
How long should new born wear a hat?
If you decide how long your newborn should wear a hat, different conditions need to be met. For starters, this decision depends on the environment and individual needs. Every newborn should wear a hat for the first few days, as it helps regulate body temperature.
Temperature influence
Once your baby comes home, the indoor temperature helps you decide whether or not you should leave the hat on your baby. If you live in areas like Texas or the Middle East, you can avoid using hats or go for a lightweight, breathable cap that does not overheat your baby. If you live in cold regions like the northern US, Canada, or Russia, you must always wear a warm material hat (like woolen or fleece).
Benefits of making your newborn wear a hat
Let’s go through some of the benefits you must consider while making this crucial decision on newborn hats:
1. Prevention of hypothermia: Newborn babies can quickly become hypothermic; therefore, wearing a hat provides a layer of insulation to protect them from significant temperature drops.
2. Temperature regulation and skin protection: A warm hat in a cooler climate keeps your baby warm, whereas a lightweight hat in a warmer environment protects your child against air conditioning. In addition to this, it also protects your newborn’s skin against harmful UV rays and windburns in the summer.
Should newborns wear hats to sleep?
Wearing a hat gives the newborn the impression of gentle pressure and warmth of the womb, boosting comfort and security. This helps ensure their peaceful sleep, and when babies feel secure and comfortable, they tend to take longer naps, which is healthy. Besides sleep, making your baby wear a comfortable hat helps them remain calm in stressful situations.
One thing to note is that if the weather is extremely hot, you shouldn’t put your baby to sleep with a hat on, as it can increase the risk of overheating, leading to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you want them to wear a hat, go for a lightweight material and keep monitoring their condition.
What are the downsides of making your newborn wear hats?
While wearing hats provides warmth and protection to newborns, there are some downsides that you need to consider to ensure your baby remains comfortable and safe.
1. Overheating your baby’s body temperature
Newborns have an immature temperature regulation system, and overheating can have severe consequences. Therefore, you must monitor your baby and look for signs of flushed skin, excessive sweating (damp skin and hair), skin rash, or rapid breathing. If you notice any of these signs, you must immediately monitor your baby’s room temperature, check the temperature regularly, and switch to a breathable fabric. Lastly, you remove the hat when unnecessary, especially in a warm environment.
2. Skin Irritation
Newborn babies have delicate and sensitive skin, and when your baby faces discomfort, his skin will have rashes, dry patches, or redness on the scalp or forehead. This can be caused by either the allergic material or the hat being too tight. Choose a soft, hypoallergenic fabric material to address this and moisturize the skin.
What are alternate ways of keeping your newborn warm?
If you’re unsure about hats, switch to swaddling techniques or layering clothing. To help regulate their temperature, you can choose lightweight, breathable blankets and clothing from Jenni Kidz. Another method is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and use warm bedding.
When to remove the hat of your newborn?
In the early stages, a hat helps regulate a newborn’s temperature. Still, as your baby adapts to the natural temperature, you must reduce the use of hats, especially if you live in warmer regions. This encourages your baby to have natural exposure, but remember to provide a safe environment. While trying to remove your baby’s hat, you must monitor his condition and adjust clothing as needed.
FAQs about newborns wearing hats
Newborn parents are insensitive about any topic involving their child's health and safety. We have compiled some common queries with expert insight to help you make a balanced decision.
When should my baby stop wearing a hat?
A baby must wear a hat for the first few days after birth. Once you bring your baby home, if the temperature is warm (68 – 72oF / 20 – 22 oC), you don’t need to use the hat.
Are there any specific times you need to put the hat on my baby?
If you take your baby outdoors in cold/windy or warm weather, you must put on a hat to protect them against UV rays or windburns. Lastly, after bathing your baby, you must make your baby wear a hat immediately as their hair dries to prevent hair loss.
How do I choose the right hat for my baby during different seasons?
For winter, you need to make your baby wear hats made of wool or fleece, which should cover his ears. As for summer, go for lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo.
Final thoughts
Lastly, you need to understand that while hats can help regulate your baby’s body temperature, they might also lead to overheating or skin irritation. Therefore, you need to consider environmental conditions, hat material, size, and your newborn’s needs.
The ultimate goal is to prioritize your child’s comfort. By staying attentive to changing weather and your baby’s changing body temperature and needs, you can make an informed decision about whether or not your baby needs to wear a hat.
Share your region in the comment section below so we can help you find the perfect fit for your newborn!
