Nothing ruins a good beach day like a pesky, preventable sunburn. After all, you’ve got sandcastles to build and little sea creatures to find! From the latest styles to total SPF coverage, keep those precious noggins out of the sun with our picks for the best functional and stylish sun hats. Scroll down to see our favorites.

Noggins Sun Hats

Noggins

These hats are not only made of UPF 50+ fabric, they offer lightweight and effective coverage for the face and necks of your little sun-soakers. Billed as "the sun hat that will stay on" they have an adjustable chin strap with a safety release buckle as well as an adjustable feature to make it fit just right. There's a mesh lining, too, to help kiddos stay cool. 

$19.95. Available in blue camo and pink butterfly, at veyokids.com 

Wallaroo Bucket Hat in Maui

Wallaroo Hats

Who says sun hats have to be monochrome? The Wallaroo Hat Company makes an array of hats that fit kids as young as 3 mos., up to 5 years. They are UPF 50+ and made to block 97% of UV rays, and have the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Approval. Add to that some serious style and variety and you've got a great choice for the under six crowd. We love this Hawaiian inspired print! 

Get one at wallaroohats.com,  $20

 

Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat in Reptile

Sunday Afternoons

Sunday Afternoons are meant to be spent at the beach, right? We love all their styles, but this reptile print hat might be our fave. With a wide brim keep rays at bay, a comfy sweat wicking liner that will withstand any type of excitement and an adjustable strap to keep everything in place, plus UPF 50+ material! They come in a ton of other patterns, too! 

Available at Sunday Afternoons, $26.

Kids Ribbon Fedora from the Gap

GAP

Get your dapper dude (or dudette) ready for a sunny day out with this stylish fedora from Gap. It's lightweight (100% paper) and will keep their heads cool while deflecting the glare. There's no UPF in this hat so it's better for being out-and-about than a day at the beach. 

Find it at gap.com, $19.95

Handmade Bucket Hat

Designed by a mom for a friend whose son just can’t keep his hat on, this reversible, denim topper is kid-tested and mother approved. We love the measurements of this sunshade---the brim lands right above eye-sight---so kiddos can be protected and still see all!

Available at Etsy, $30.

Floppy Sun Hat by Flap Happy in Red Dot

Flap Happy

Pair this cheerful topper with a picnic in the sun. It’s UPF 50+, and the generous brim provides protection for her sensitive ears and neck.

Available at Flap Happy, $16.95.

Reversible Baby Bucket Hat from Patagonia

Patagonia

This reversible sun bucket hat from Patagonia is UPF 50+ and made to stay right on that little sweet head to prevent sunburn and overexposure. The fabric is wind and water resistant and dries quickly, plus it packs small so you can aways keep it on hand. The chin-strap is adjustable and the brim protects head, face and neck. 

Get it patagonia.com, $29

Coolibar Kid's Surfs Up All Sport Hat

For serious sun coverage, keep them shielded in these All Sport toppers that are rated UPF 50+ and come with an attached drape to protect the neck. It’s travel friendly, meaning you can crush it up in your beach bag when it’s time to go.

Available at Coolibar, $22.

UV SKinz Girls Ribbon Hat

VSkinz

For the little ladies up to age 5, this hat shades eyes, ears and necks. The ruffled ribbon design will make your girlie-girl happy while the SPF 50+ coverage gives Mom and Dad confidence that  their sun-loving kiddo has complete coverage. We love the added bonus of a bendable brim, making for easy on-the-go storage.

Available at UV Skinz, 23.95.

— Amber Guetebier & Emily Warman

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The Best Swimsuits for Kids 

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