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Kids' Beanies & Headbands

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Buy by head size, not age, and pick a hat that stays over the ears when your child runs.

Guide

Kids' Beanies & Headbands

Under a ski helmet, a thin hat with no bobble. For the playground, one without long ties. For toddlers, a balaclava-style hat is handy because it stays put.

Key points

  • Measure head size around the widest part, just above the eyebrows and ears.
  • The edge must cover the ears fully and stay down while your child plays.
  • Under a ski helmet, thin and without a bobble, or the helmet won't sit firmly.
  • Long ties and cords can catch on slides and climbing frames.

Which kids' hat for which day?

UseWhat mattersYour pick
Nursery and school runWhat mattersOn and off quickly, ears coveredYour pickLined knit or fleece beanie
Sledging and snowWhat mattersLong hours out, wet snowYour pickHat with ear flaps or a balaclava-style hat
Ski schoolWhat mattersThe helmet has to sit firmlyYour pickThin helmet liner with no bobble
Autumn walkWhat mattersWarm on the climb, windy on topYour pickHeadband or thin technical beanie
Pushchair and carrierWhat mattersBarely moving, wind on the neckYour pickBalaclava-style hat covering neck and ears

What to look for

QuestionIn shortWhy
Which size?In shortBy head sizeWhyMany children's hats are sized by head circumference in centimetres. If your child is between sizes, go for the larger one.
Knit, fleece or merino?In shortMerino, fleece when dampWhyFleece dries fast and is easy to wash. Fine merino stays warm when damp and barely itches. Unlined chunky knit lets the wind through.
Bobble or no bobble?In shortNone under a helmetWhyA bobble pushes the helmet off the head. For nursery and walks it's down to taste.
Ties under the chin?In shortBetter withoutWhyA balaclava-style hat or a snug ribbed band stays on without ties. Long ties can catch on play equipment.

Frequently asked questions

When does my child need a hat?

There's no set temperature. Feel the back of the neck: if it's sweaty, your child is too warm. If the ears are cold, the hat is missing.

Can my child wear a hat under a ski helmet?

Yes, as long as it's thin and has no bobble. Adjust the helmet with the hat on: it must sit firmly and not wobble when your child shakes their head.

What is a balaclava-style hat?

A hat with an attached neck piece that pulls over the head. It leaves only the face free, replaces a scarf and is hard for small children to pull off.

How do I wash a knitted hat?

Follow the care label, usually a wool or hand-wash cycle with wool detergent. Dry it flat and away from radiators, or the knit loses its shape.

Last updated: November 2026

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