A sherpa hat is a winter hat in the trapper shape: a round crown, a turned-up front, and two deep flaps that come down over the ears and fasten under the chin. It's made of sherpa, a fluffy polyester fleece with a curly surface like sheep's wool. Think of a polar explorer's fur hat, made baby-sized and soft.
Save it for the coldest walks, on days that feel colder than 4°C (39°F). The deep flaps cover the ears and the sides of the face, and the strap under the chin helps it stay on a baby who pulls hats off. It can be one of your warm hats, but it doesn't have to be: any lined winter hat that covers the ears also works on those days.
- For ages0–3years
- You'll need1–2warm hats
- Wear it below4°C39°F
Types of sherpa hat
Inside, they're all fluffy. The difference is the outside.
Sherpa all over
Fluffy inside and out, and best on dry, still days. Fleece is neither windproof nor waterproof, so a strong wind finds its way through the fluff.
Smooth outside, sherpa inside
A tightly woven outer fabric over the sherpa keeps the wind out. If it's water-repellent, wet snow runs off too. Choose it if your winters are windy or wet.
How to choose a sherpa hat
1. Flaps that reach the jaw
Try it on your baby. The flaps should cover the whole ear and reach the jaw, so the strap closes under the chin without pulling. Sizes run differently from brand to brand, so go by your baby's head measurement rather than the age on the label.
- Good: Ear hidden under the flap
- Good: Strap closes without a tug
- Not good: Strap only closes when pulled
2. Soft on the chin
Many trapper hats close with a hook-and-loop strap (Velcro). Turn it over: the side that touches the chin should be soft, with the rough hooks on the outside, where they can't rub the skin or catch your baby's hair. One firm pull should open it, so it lets go if it ever catches.
- Good: Soft side against the chin
- Good: Opens with one firm pull
- Not good: Rough hooks touch the skin
3. A smooth back
Some trapper hats tighten with a cord and a chunky plastic toggle at the back. In the stroller, your baby's head rests right on it, like a pebble in a pillow. Look for flat seams or soft elastic there instead.
- Good: Flat seams at the back
- Good: Soft elastic to snug the fit
- Not good: Chunky toggle at the back
How to wear it
Flaps down, in the cold
Fasten the strap under the chin, snug but never so tight that it leaves a red mark. The front stays turned up above the eyebrows, and the flaps sit beside the cheeks, clear of the mouth.
Flaps up, in the sun
When the sun comes out, or your toddler warms up from running about, fold the flaps up and fasten the strap over the top. A hot or sweaty back of the neck tells you it's time.
Questions parents ask
Will it stay on?
The strap helps. It holds the flaps under the chin, so the hat can't slide up or be tugged off from the top. Some toddlers learn to peel hook-and-loop open, though, and then the usual ways to keep a hat on help: put it on outside, and wear a hat yourself.
Is a trapper hat the same as an ushanka?
Nearly. A trapper hat has the ushanka's shape, often with a fabric or fleece outside instead of fur, and shops also sell it as a bomber hat or a chapka. More names for hats with ear flaps.
Is a trapper hat warmer than a beanie?
Usually, yes. Its thick, fluffy fleece holds a lot of warm air, and the flaps stay down over the ears while a beanie can creep up.
Can a newborn wear a sherpa hat?
Yes, in a newborn size that fits snugly, and on the same days as an older baby: below 4°C (39°F). A baby under 3 months needs a warm hat on milder days too, so keep a lighter lined hat for those.
Can my baby nap in a trapper hat?
On a cold walk, yes, because outside a bare head would get cold. As soon as you come indoors or get into the car, undo the strap and take the hat off, even if it wakes your baby. In a crib or bed, a baby always sleeps with a bare head.
How do I wash a sherpa hat?
Close the strap before it goes in the wash, so the hook-and-loop tape can't grab the fluffy fleece. Then wash it cold on a gentle cycle, skip fabric softener and let it air-dry, so the sherpa stays fluffy.
