Think of a chunky cable-knit sweater made into a hat. The cables are stitches crossed over each other, so they look like twisted rope. The bottom edge folds up into a cuff, and the warmest ones have a soft lining inside.
It does the job of any warm winter hat: it keeps your baby's head and ears warm on cold walks, in the stroller or the carrier. Put it on when the feels-like temperature, which takes the wind into account, is below 8°C (46°F). A baby under 3 months keeps warm less well, so for them it goes on below 12°C (54°F). Take it off when you come inside.
On milder days, a thin-knit light pom-pom hat is enough. And if you'd rather skip the pom-pom, the warm cable-knit hat is the same hat with a plain top.
- For ages0–3years
- You'll need1–2warm hats
- Wear it below8°C46°F
How to choose a warm pom-pom hat
Go by head size, not the age on the label, because two babies of the same age can need different sizes. Here's how to measure your baby's head.
1. A pom-pom that won't come off
Babies grab pom-poms, and what babies grab heads for the mouth. Some big fake fur pom-poms snap on (with a press stud) so they come off for the wash, and a hard pull opens that snap too. Choose one sewn on, and give it a hard tug before the first walk: a pom-pom that is fixed on well does not budge.
- Good: Sewn to the crown
- Good: Doesn't move when tugged
- Not good: A snap under the pom-pom
2. A lining inside
Even thick cables let the wind through the gaps between the stitches. A lining of fleece or soft cotton puts a second layer between the wind and your baby's head. Hold the hat up to a window: if light shines through the cables, so will the wind.
- Good: Fleece or cotton inside
- Good: No light through the knit
- Not good: Bare knit inside
3. A cuff over the ears
Try it on before you cut the tags. The folded cuff should come down over both ears, lobes and all. Keeping the ears warm is what a warm hat is for, and a hat that creeps up leaves them bare.
- Good: Covers the earlobes
- Good: Stays put when your baby turns
- Not good: Rides up off the ears
Questions parents ask
Are pom-poms safe for babies?
Yes, when the pom-pom is sewn on and holds a firm tug. One that comes off is a choking risk, and washing can work it loose over time, so give it another tug after every wash.
Why do winter hats have pom-poms?
Mostly for fun. The warmth comes from the knit, the cuff and the lining, and the pom-pom just rides along on top.
What do you call a hat with a ball on top?
A pom-pom hat, or a pom beanie, as many US shops call it. In the UK it's a bobble hat. In Canada a warm knit hat is a toque (also spelled tuque), and in parts of the US South it's a toboggan.
Can my baby wear it in the car seat?
No. Take it off when you get in the car, even if it wakes your baby. A hat in a warm car can make a baby too hot. The car seat guide explains what to wear for the drive.
