Protecting Your Child's Head This Summer: Everything You Need to Know About Sun Hats

As the temperature rises and the days get longer, sun protection becomes a hot topic for parents everywhere. We think about sunscreen, light clothing... but the head deserves special attention too. A good hat is often the simplest and most effective way to prevent sunburn or heat exhaustion. The key is finding the right style and making it a daily habit.

Here is our guide to navigating the world of kids' summer headwear, so this season can be all about outdoor fun, worry-free.

Why Protecting Your Child's Head From the Sun Matters

Children's skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. Their scalp, ears, and neck are especially exposed to UV rays when they play outdoors. And the skin damage caused by sun exposure in childhood can have long-term consequences.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the UV index in Canada is at its highest between May and August, and unprotected exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. carries the greatest risk. Wearing the right headwear is one of the basic protective measures recommended for the whole family.

The good news: with the right pieces, protecting your child from the sun does not have to be a chore.

Which Type of Hat Should You Choose?

Not all styles offer the same level of protection. Here are the main options, along with their key advantages.

The Wide-Brim Hat

This is the gold standard for sun protection. Its wide brim covers not only the forehead and ears, but also the neck and shoulders. Perfect for the beach, the park, or any extended time in direct sunlight. For younger kids, look for a model with a chin strap so it stays put even in a breeze.

The Bucket Hat

Trendy and practical, the bucket hat is loved for its relaxed look. It provides solid coverage for the face and ears, is usually lightweight, and tucks easily into a bag. A great option for day outings.

The Baseball Cap

A cap offers good protection for the forehead and eyes, but leaves the ears and neck exposed. It works best for shorter activities or when paired with a well-applied sunscreen.

The Beach Hat

Designed for water-filled days, this style is often made from quick-drying fabric with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating. A must-have for pool days or time near the water.

What to Look for When Choosing

Beyond style, here are the key things to evaluate before committing to a model:

1. Brim width: the wider, the better. A brim of at least 7 to 8 cm is recommended for effective sun coverage.
2. Fabric: go for something lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant if your child tends to splash in every puddle (or pool) they come across.
3. Fit: a hat that stays on is a hat that protects. Models with a chin strap or adjustable band are ideal for active kids.
4. UPF rating: some hats display a UPF certification confirming their ability to block UV rays. UPF 50+ is the benchmark to look for.

What Deux par Deux Has to Offer This Summer

Finding headwear that is both functional and stylish is not always easy. That is exactly why we put just as much thought into our hat collections as we do into the rest of the wardrobe.

For boys, our collection of hats and caps for boys features styles built for movement, play, and exploration, with bold designs and fabrics suited to full days of adventure.

Girls are equally well covered: our collection of hats and caps for girls includes everything from tropical-print bucket hats to wide-brim beach styles, all designed in Montreal with the Deux par Deux spirit we know and love.

And if you are in full vacation-planning mode, take a look at our complete guide on how to dress your child for summer, from head to toe.

Tips for Getting Your Child to Actually Wear Their Hat

Let's be honest: convincing a child to keep a hat on their head can feel like a sport in itself. Here are a few strategies that tend to work:

• Let your child choose: a hat they picked themselves has a much better chance of staying on.
• Start the habit early: the younger you introduce headwear as part of the routine, the more natural it becomes.
• Lead by example: kids imitate adults. If you wear your hat, they are more likely to follow suit.
• Make it fun: "You look like an explorer!" or "That's your superhero hat" often works better than you might expect.

What About Babies?

The littlest ones need even more careful attention. Before 6 months, direct sun exposure is not recommended at all. For babies who are starting to move around, a soft hat with a neck flap is ideal. The fabric should be gentle against the skin and breathable enough to prevent overheating. Our baby boy accessories and baby girl accessories collections include hats and caps designed for little ones from 3 to 24 months, made with the same attention to detail as the rest of our line.

At every age, the right hat is a simple but powerful ally for enjoying sunny days with peace of mind. With the right accessories and a solid sun-safety routine, summer can truly be the happiest season of the year.