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The best kids’ winter hats cover the ears, stay on through sledding and snowball fights, and feel soft enough that kids actually keep them on. Hats are also one of the easiest winter gifts and stocking stuffers: inexpensive, useful and fun when they come with bear ears or a pom-pom. We compared expert picks, owner reviews and specs to choose ten warm hats for babies, toddlers and big kids, from simple beanies to waterproof trappers and helmet-friendly balaclavas.
Part of our Baby & Kids Buying Guides.
Quick picks
Price ranges: $ under $20, $$ $20-$35, $$$ $35+.
| Product | Best for | Price range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Baby Furry Friends Fleece Hat | Best overall for little kids | $$ | See price |
| Carhartt Kids’ Acrylic Watch Hat | Classic beanie | $ | See price |
| L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Fleece Hat and Mitten Set | Hat and mitten set | $$ | See price |
| Zutano Furry Fleece Trapper Hat | Cozy trapper | $$ | See price |
| JAN & JUL Cozy-Dry Trapper Hat | Waterproof snow play | $$ | See price |
| The North Face Kids’ Suave Oso Beanie | Soft faux-fur fleece | $$ | See price |
| Smartwool Kids’ Merino Cuffed Beanie | Merino wool warmth | $$ | See price |
| Columbia Tiny Animal Beanie II | Plush animal ears | $$ | See price |
| Turtle Fur Kids Shellaclava | Under a ski or sled helmet | $$ | See price |
| Deux par Deux Peruvian Knit Hat | Big kids, extra ear coverage | $$ | See price |
1. Patagonia Baby Furry Friends Fleece Hat: Best Overall for Babies and Toddlers
The Bump names this its top toddler winter hat, and it is easy to see why: the soft polyester fleece is warm without being bulky, the double-layer hem adds extra warmth around the ears, and the little bear-cub ears make it a favorite gift. It comes in eight colors and sizes from newborn to 5T.
Key specs
- Style: fleece beanie with bear ears
- Material: polyester fleece, double-layer hem
- Sizes: newborn to 5T
- Machine washable
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Parents love the softness and cute ears; the most common note is that sizing runs a bit big.
2. Carhartt Kids’ Acrylic Watch Hat: Best Classic Beanie
A mini version of the iconic workwear beanie, this rib-knit acrylic hat is stretchy, comes in a huge range of colors and is one of the most affordable picks here. It is a great everyday hat for school drop-off and an easy stocking stuffer for older kids who want to match a parent.
Key specs
- Style: cuffed rib-knit beanie
- Material: acrylic
- Size: one size
- Machine washable
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Owners like the durable knit and colors; a few say it fits tight on kids with bigger heads.
3. L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Fleece Hat and Mitten Set: Best Hat and Mitten Set
This set solves two winter problems at once. The hat uses double-layer fleece at the ears and crown, and a hook-and-loop chin closure makes it hard for toddlers to pull off. The mittens clip together and work on either hand, so there are no mismatched mornings. It makes a great all-in-one gift.
Key specs
- Style: fleece hat with chin closure, plus mittens
- Material: polyester fleece, double layer at ears and crown
- Sizes: 6 months to 4T
- Machine washable
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Parents say it actually stays on and the mittens are easy to put on; some find it too warm for milder winter days.
4. Zutano Furry Fleece Trapper Hat: Best Cozy Trapper
Zutano’s trapper pairs a fleece exterior with a furry lining and long ear flaps, closed with a Velcro chin strap. Both The Bump and Lucie’s List recommend it for babies and toddlers, and it comes in lots of colors. It is very warm, which is great for cold climates and less so on mild days.
Key specs
- Style: trapper with ear flaps
- Material: cotton and polyester fleece, furry lining
- Sizes: 6 months to 4T
- Velcro chin strap; machine washable
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Owners praise the ear coverage and coziness; overheating on warmer days is the main caveat.
5. JAN & JUL Cozy-Dry Trapper Hat: Best for Wet Snow Play
Most fleece hats soak through in wet snow; this one has a waterproof shell with taped seams and Thinsulate lining. Ear flaps fold up or down, a toggle adjusts the fit, and a hook-and-loop chin strap keeps it in place. It is a smart choice for snowman-building and slushy days.
Key specs
- Style: waterproof trapper with ear flaps
- Material: polyester shell, Thinsulate lining, taped seams
- Sizes: 6-24 months up to 2-5T
- Adjustable toggle and chin strap; machine washable
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Parents say heads stay dry through snow play; sizing up is the frequent advice.
6. The North Face Kids’ Suave Oso Beanie: Best Faux-Fur Fleece Beanie
Made from 100 percent recycled raschel fleece with a pom-pom on top, the Suave Oso is incredibly soft and goes with everything. Sizes run small to large, so it suits a wide age range. It has no strap, so it is better for kids who will keep a hat on by themselves.
Key specs
- Style: pom-pom beanie
- Material: recycled raschel fleece
- Sizes: small to large
- Machine washable
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Owners call it plush and comfortable; younger toddlers pulling it off is the most common complaint.
7. Smartwool Kids’ Merino Cuffed Beanie: Best Merino Wool Hat
Merino wool stays warm, breathes well and is far less itchy than ordinary wool, which makes it great for active kids. Smartwool’s double-layer cuffed beanie comes in bright prints, and Tales of a Mountain Mama reports one lasting five years of hard use. It is a gift that gets handed down.
Key specs
- Style: double-layer cuffed beanie
- Material: merino wool and polyester
- Bright prints and colors
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Parents praise its warmth and longevity; a few kids find any wool scratchy.
8. Columbia Tiny Animal Beanie II: Best Plush Animal Hat
With a sherpa exterior, fleece lining, animal ears and an adjustable slip-through chin strap, the Tiny Animal II is cute and practical. Reviewers say it stays on and keeps cheeks warm. It is better for moderate cold than for frigid, windy days.
Key specs
- Style: plush beanie with animal ears
- Material: polyester sherpa with fleece lining
- Adjustable slip-through chin strap
- Infant and toddler sizes
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Parents love the look and that it stays put; some wanted more warmth for harsh winters.
9. Turtle Fur Kids Shellaclava: Best Balaclava for Helmets
For skiing, sledding and skating, a helmet is the safest choice, and a thin balaclava underneath keeps heads and cheeks warm. Turtle Fur’s double-fleece Shellaclava has a sleek shell head that fits easily under helmets and a plush neck section, with new prints each season.
Key specs
- Style: balaclava
- Material: double-layer fleece
- Low-profile head fits under helmets
- Plush neck
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Ski families say it keeps faces warm on cold lift rides; some kids need time to get used to the feel.
10. Deux par Deux Peruvian Knit Hat: Best for Big Kids
This wool-blend knit hat has a polar fleece lining, long ear flaps with tassel ties and a pom-pom, and it comes in sizes from 2-4 years all the way to 14-16 years. That range makes it one of the few cozy earflap hats that older kids can still wear. It is pricier than basic beanies.
Key specs
- Style: earflap knit hat with pom-pom
- Shell: 30% wool, 30% nylon, 40% acrylic; polar fleece lining
- Sizes: 2-4 years to 14-16 years
- Machine washable
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Parents like the warmth and classic look; the price is the most common hesitation.
How to choose kids’ winter hats
- Ear coverage comes first. Look for extended sides, ear flaps or a double layer around the ears. Trappers and earflap hats cover the most.
- Pick a style that stays on. For babies and toddlers, a chin strap or hook-and-loop closure makes a huge difference. Older kids usually do fine with a snug beanie.
- Match warmth to the weather. Acrylic, cotton and thin polyester are cooler; fleece, wool and faux fur are warmer. For wet snow, a waterproof shell keeps heads dry.
- Wool vs. fleece. Merino wool is warm and breathable but some kids dislike any wool; fleece is soft and almost always tolerated.
- Plan for helmets. For skiing, sledding or skating, use a helmet and a thin balaclava underneath instead of a bulky hat.
- Get the size right. Fit varies by brand: some run large, others snug. Check the size chart, and size up for growing kids or larger heads.
- Check for overheating. Feel under the hat or at the chest; if your child is sweaty, switch to a lighter layer.
FAQ
What is the warmest type of winter hat for kids?
Fleece-lined trappers and waterproof insulated hats like the JAN & JUL Cozy-Dry Trapper are among the warmest, since they cover the ears and block wet snow. Merino wool beanies are also very warm for active kids.
How do I keep a hat on a toddler?
Choose a hat with a chin strap or hook-and-loop closure, such as the L.L.Bean Mountain Classic set, the Zutano trapper or the Columbia Tiny Animal II. A correct fit also helps; hats that are too big slide off easily.
Should kids wear a hat under a ski or sled helmet?
Bulky hats can affect helmet fit. A thin balaclava designed to go under helmets is a better choice. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s fit instructions.
Are winter hats safe for babies to sleep in?
Hats are for outdoor warmth. Follow your pediatrician’s guidance on safe sleep and avoid letting babies overheat indoors.
Related guides
- Kids’ Winter Essentials: Coats, Boots and Cold-Weather Gear
- The Best Kids’ Winter Gloves
- The Best Kids’ Snow Boots
- The Best Kids’ Snow Pants
- Baby & Kids Buying Guides
Sources
We compared expert recommendations and owner reviews from The Bump, Lucie’s List and Tales of a Mountain Mama, plus manufacturer specifications. Owner feedback is summarized in our own words from public reviews. Photos courtesy of Unsplash.