Kids often love outdoor adventures, but the sun can be pretty harsh on their delicate skin. Too much sun exposure, especially for kids, can cause sunburns, heat stroke, or even long-term skin damage. That’s why sun protection is more than just slathering on sunscreen – it’s about comprehensive protection.
Kids’ sun hats with neck protection are essential for shielding both their skin and heads from the sun.
Breathable materials like cotton or straw help keep them cool by allowing airflow, even during active play. The key is to combine comfort with fun designs that kids will love to wear.
Recommended: Go Here To Learn How To Choose The Perfect Sun Hat For Your Child
Choosing the Right Sun Hat with Neck Protection
Finding the right sun hat for your child means balancing protection and comfort.
Look for wide brims and neck flaps that offer full coverage, like Jan & Jul’s 100% cotton Adventure Hats with UPF 50+—perfect for keeping kids safe on sunny days.
Kids Cotton Adventure Hats | Pink Daisy
Keep your child cool and protected with the Jan & Jul Kids Cotton Adventure Hat in Pink Daisy.
Crafted from 100% breathable cotton, this sun hat offers 50+ UPF protection without any harmful chemicals.
Its wide brim and generous neck flap ensure complete coverage, while the Gro-With-Me® design features an adjustable head drawstring and chinstrap for a secure, comfortable fit.
The break-away safety clip adds an extra layer of security, making it perfect for all your little one’s outdoor adventures.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
Green Sprouts is another brand that makes sun hats with neck protection for babies and toddlers.
i play. Toddler Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat, White, 2T-4T
The i play. by Green Sprouts Toddler Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat is designed to keep your little one safe and comfortable during sunny adventures.
Featuring UPF 50+ protection, this lightweight hat shields your child’s head, neck, and eyes from harmful UV rays.
The breathable, quick-dry fabric ensures comfort during active play, while the adjustable tie strap keeps the hat securely in place.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Here is another flap hat from Green Sprouts in sizes for babies and toddlers.
UPF 50+ Eco Flap Hat
The Green Sprouts UPF 50+ Eco Flap Hat is a thoughtfully designed sun hat for babies and toddlers, offering complete protection and comfort for outdoor activities.
Key Features:
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection: Blocks 97.5% to 99+% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, safeguarding your child’s delicate skin.
- Eco-Friendly Material: Made from sustainable recycled polyester, reducing environmental impact during production.
- Full Coverage Design: Features a wide front brim and extended neck flap to shield the face, ears, and neck.
- Comfortable Fit: Lightweight, quick-drying fabric with a moisture-wicking liner keeps your child cool and comfortable.
- Adjustable and Safe: Equipped with an adjustable chinstrap featuring a breakaway safety clasp and an internal elastic toggle for a secure and customizable fit.
- Certified Safe: Meets STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, ensuring the hat is free from over 350 harmful substances.
This hat is recommended by Parents magazine as one of the best baby sun hats, particularly for younger babies, due to its effective sun protection and adjustable features.
Overall, the Green Sprouts UPF 50+ Eco Flap Hat combines safety, comfort, and style for summer outings.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Recommended Reading: Toddler Boy Bucket Hats: A Must-Have For Summer Adventures
A Neck Flap is A Great Add-on to Consider
It provides that extra layer of protection against UV rays sneaking in from the back. Kids often forget to reapply sunscreen, so having a physical barrier is a huge plus.
If you are looking for a kids sun hat with a neck flap for boys, then this safari style hat has a wide brim with a long neck flap and 50+ UV protection.
Home Prefer UPF 50+ Boys Sun Hat with Neck Flap Wide Brim Summer Beach Bucket Hat for Boys Girls Toddler Kids Safari Hat
The Home Prefer UPF 50+ Boys Sun Hat in Bright Blue is a lightweight, breathable hat designed to keep kids cool and protected during outdoor activities. It blocks 98% of UV rays.
Featuring a wide brim and a detachable neck flap, it offers coverage against harmful UV rays.
The adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit, making it ideal for active play.
Crafted from quick-drying polyester with mesh vents, this hat provides excellent airflow to keep your child comfortable on sunny days.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Here is another kids sun hat that features a wide brim and an extended neck flap with a rating of UPF50+. Perfect for protecting kids’ face, ears, and neck from getting sunburned.
Rosoz Kids Sun Hat with Neck Flap UV Protection Summer Toddler Beach Hat Unisex Ponytail Hat Wide Brim Fishing Hat
The Rosoz Kids Sun Hat with Neck Flap is designed to keep children cool and protected during sunny outdoor adventures.
Made from lightweight, breathable polyester, it features a wide brim and extended neck flap for UPF 50+ sun protection.
The built-in ponytail hole accommodates various hairstyles, and the adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit.
Its quick-drying, foldable design makes it perfect for beach days, hikes, or park outings.
Where To Buy: Amazon
ZOORON is another brand that makes kids sun hats with a neck flap and a wide brim for maximum sun protection.
ZOORON Kids Sun Hat with Neck Flap UPF 50+ UV Protection Wide Brim Breathable Fishing Safari Beach Summer Hat for Boys Girls
The ZOORON UPF 50+ Sun Hat in Army Green is a versatile, unisex hat designed for optimal sun protection and comfort during outdoor activities.
Crafted from lightweight, breathable nylon, it features mesh side vents that enhance airflow, keeping kids cool on hot days.
The sun hat is also designed with an internal moisture wicking sweatband for absorbing sweat when kids play outside.
The wide brim and extra back coverage provides excellent coverage for the face and neck, while the reinforced structure ensures it maintains its shape.
An adjustable chin strap and rear drawstring offer a secure, customizable fit.
Its foldable design makes it easy to pack, making it an ideal companion for hiking, fishing, gardening, or beach outings.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Material Matters Too
Materials matter. Opt for fabrics known for UV resistance, like tightly-woven synthetics. They don’t just block the sun but also hold up well in active play and frequent washing.
Adjustable Straps Or Drawstring Offer A Comfortable Fit
It’s also crucial to make sure the hat fits snugly without being too tight. Adjustable straps or drawstrings can be lifesavers, ensuring the hat stays put even when the wind picks up or during active play.
This cotton adventure hat from Jan & Jul features a Gro-With-Me® design with a fully adjustable head drawstring and chinstrap.
Kids Cotton Adventure Hats | Little Diggers
Keep your little explorer protected and comfortable with the Jan & Jul Cotton Adventure Hat in the “Little Diggers” print.
Crafted from 100% breathable cotton, this hat offers UPF 50+ sun protection without the use of harmful chemicals.
Its wide brim and generous neck flap provide excellent coverage, while the Gro-With-Me® design ensures a perfect fit as your child grows.
The adjustable head drawstring and chinstrap, along with a break-away safety clip, keep the hat secure during all their adventures.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
Top Recommendations for Sun Hats with Neck Protection
Choosing the right sun hat can be tricky, but these top picks offer both style and UV protection.
Look for breathable, lightweight materials like polyester blends that dry quickly and keep kids cool during sunny adventures.
Jan & Jul
Jan & Jul Cotton Adventure Hats are known for their thoughtful, kid-friendly design that combines sun protection, comfort, and safety.
Their hats offer kids:
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection (without harmful chemicals)
- Breathable 100% Cotton for all-day comfort
- Gro-With-Me® Design with adjustable head drawstring and chinstrap for a snug, growing fit
- Break-Away Chinstrap for added safety
- Wide Brim & Neck Flap for full sun coverage
Here are some more to choose from:
This cotton adventure hat would be suitable for boys or girls in a ‘Juniper Green’ color.
Kids Cotton Adventure Hats | Juniper Green
Keep your little one cool and sun-safe with the Jan & Jul Cotton Adventure Hat in Little Diggers.
Designed with a wide brim and generous neck flap, this hat offers excellent UPF 50+ protection, while the soft, breathable cotton ensures all-day comfort.
Perfect for outdoor play, its adjustable fit and break-away chinstrap make it as secure as it is protective.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
Kids Cotton Adventure Hats | Strawberry
The Jan & Jul Kids Cotton Adventure Hat in Strawberry is a lightweight, breathable sun hat designed for children aged 0–12 years.
Made from 100% cotton, it offers UPF 50+ sun protection without the use of harmful chemicals.
The hat features Jan & Jul’s signature Gro-With-Me® design, including an adjustable head drawstring and chinstrap with a breakaway safety clip, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit as your child grows.
Its wide brim and neck flap provide ample coverage, making it ideal for sunny outdoor adventures.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
Another adventure hat that I like from Jan & Jul is this Jungle Safari hat.
Kids Water Repellent Adventure Hats | Jungle Safari
The Jan & Jul Kids Water Repellent Adventure Hat in Jungle Safari print is a versatile sun hat designed for active kids.
Crafted from lightweight, quick-dry polyester with a Bionic-Finish® Eco DWR coating, it offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
The hat features an extra-wide EVA brim and a generous neck flap for comprehensive coverage.
Its Gro-With-Me® design includes an adjustable head drawstring and chinstrap with a breakaway safety clip, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
Jan & Jul also makes Sun Soft Baby Caps that are 100% cotton with a neck flap and soft brim to gently protect babies skin.
Sun Soft Baby Caps | White
The Jan & Jul Sun Soft Baby Cap in white is a lightweight, breathable sun hat designed for infants and newborns.
Made from soft, stretchy 100% cotton jersey, it offers UPF 50+ sun protection without the use of harmful chemicals.
The cap features a soft brim and neck flap to shield your baby’s face, ears, and neck from the sun.
An elastic at the back and simple neck ties ensure a secure fit, while the absence of adjusters or clips makes it comfortable for babies lying on their backs.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
green sprouts
Another popular brand that makes sun hats for babies and toddlers with neck protection is green sprouts.
green sprouts Baby Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat
The i play. by green sprouts Baby Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat in White is a lightweight, quick-drying hat designed to keep your baby safe and comfortable during sunny outings.
Made from 100% polyester, it offers UPF 50+ protection, shielding your baby’s face, ears, and neck from harmful UV rays.
The hat features an adjustable drawstring for a secure fit and a moisture-wicking liner to keep your baby cool.
Its foldable design makes it easy to pack for on-the-go adventures.
LOTS of colors to choose from for girls and boys.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Involve Your Child In The Process
When considering the variety of styles, don’t shy away from letting kids choose. Involving them gives them a sense of ownership and increases the chances they’ll actually wear it. Many brands now make brightly colored or patterned hats that kids love, and you can still keep an eye on those UV ratings.
Weigh The Benefits Versus The Cost
Looking at cost, there’s usually a decent choice between budget-friendly and premium options. While you don’t always have to go for the priciest ones, investing a little more can sometimes offer longer wearability and better protection. Weigh the added features against the price to see what fits best for your situation.
Check Maintenance Tips For Care
To keep these hats in tip-top shape, make sure to check out maintenance tips provided by manufacturers. Many hats are machine washable, but a quick rinse can also do wonders. Proper care helps extend the life of the hat, keeping your child shielded for future adventures.
