Babies gradually learn to retain heat during the first three years of life. At birth, heat loss is significant, especially through the head. A cap can help a baby maintain a constant temperature and avoid hypothermia.
Why do we put a hat on newborns?
Babies have relatively large heads compared to their bodies, so they lose most of their heat through their heads. A beanie allows your child to use their energy to develop and grow instead of warming up. In addition, the cap protects against excessive external stimuli.
When should a baby’s head be covered?
In principle, babies should only wear a hat when they are cold. To determine this, you must take into account the age of your baby and the indoor and outdoor temperatures. If your baby is less than six months old and it’s colder outside than inside, it’s a good idea to wear a hat when going outside. Your baby’s hands, feet, and/or torso are a good indicator of how cold he feels. Babies do not regulate their temperature like older children and adults. When they are cold, they do not shiver but instead become silent.
Should babies wear hats in the summer?
In warm weather, a beanie is less necessary than in the winter. A good rule of thumb in the summer is that babies should wear hats as long as adults wear long sleeves. On the other hand, a hat also protects your baby against UV rays. If a beanie is not necessary because the sun is shining, it is better to opt for a light summer hat.
Should babies wear hats at night?
If you sleep with your baby, there is already enough warmth thanks to your body temperature. In order to avoid an accumulation of heat (hyperthermia), it is a good idea not to cover his head. In fact, experts don’t recommend putting a bonnet on your baby at night, as it dramatically increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies up to a year old. Indeed, a bonnet can easily slip or even fall from the head of the baby when he sleeps, thus creating a risk of suffocation. Instead of a hat, specialists recommend a sleeping bag so that your child is always warm. Swaddling can also be a good option.
