Choosing the right sun hat protection for your child
With Boxing Day Sales slashing prices, now might be a good time to invest in a new sun hat for your young Possum. Google “what to look for in a kid’s sunhat” and you’ll find about 485 million results. Everyone is an expert on sun hats for kids! But for the real experts, visit Cancer Council website or download their sun protective hats info sheet.
Summarising some of the 485 million websites, and taking direction from Cancer Council NSW, the best sun hats for children seems to come down to the following four considerations.
Fit. Choose a size that stays on their head well; too small & it will be hot & uncomfortable, too big and it will slip & obstruct their vision. Measure the circumference of your little possum’s head where the brim will sit (above the eyes and ears) with a piece of string, then measure the string. This will take the guess work out of sizing - especially important if buying online.
Coverage. Many hats provide deceptively little coverage. A good hat should create shade for the full face, sides of face and back of neck. Don't be fooled by those cute bucket hats that provide very little shade for the face!
Drawstring chinstrap. An adjustable drawstring helps the hat stay put, no matter what the weather or adventures. Keep an eye on the string as it could become a choking hazard.
Construction materials. If you can see light through it, it’s not going to provide the highest level of sun protection. If your heart is set on a straw hat, look for a tight weave that blocks rays. Hats can be made of UPF fabric, which stop UV radiation reaching precious skin.
☀ For boys and girls hats we’ve had Toshi hats across the years. They are wide brimmed and comfortable. You can find them online or at a shop near you. Their website has a ‘Stockists’ option on the menu at the bottom that is searchable by State.
☀ We’ve also loved OObi hats for girls. They have wide brims, are well made so the brim doesn’t flop into eyes, & some styles have a ponytail hole that helps them stay on active heads!
☀ If you’re happy to buy online, there’s some beautiful small companies that design hats for our scorching southern hemisphere sun. Here are a few of our favourites.
☀ This blog was inspired by a long time Three Sun Possums customer who has found a marvellous sunhat for her son & shared the information with us. We wanted to pass it along to you!
From Sarah
“My son owns a Solbari kids hat and it’s outstanding. The flap at the back completely covers right up to the neckline of your shirts so one less place that requires sunscreen.”
☀ Send us an email and let us know which hats your kids love wearing! ☀