Newborn hat sets vs. a sun hat: what’s the difference?
When you start shopping for baby hats, you’ll quickly notice two main categories: soft, stretchy hat sets designed for newborns and structured sun hats meant for outdoor adventures. Both protect your baby’s head, but they serve different purposes and fit differently as your baby grows.
WildBird’s CloudBlend hat sets are made from a breathable, stretchy-soft fabric that’s gentle on brand-new baby skin. Each set includes one solid and one printed hat, giving you two looks in one purchase. The sun hat, on the other hand, is a single-piece accessory with a wider brim, available in three sizes to provide shade during summer outings.
At a glance: the hats you can choose from
- Ringo/Acadian - CloudBlend™ Hat Set: Our Newborn Hat Sets include one solid and one printed hat, made from our signature CloudBlend™ fabric—breathable, stretchy-soft, and gentle on brand-new baby skin. Soft sage green with mustard and rust ocean details like submarines and corals. This set gives you two coordinated hats in one package, making it easy to switch up styles without buying separate pieces. The fabric’s stretch helps the hat stay on a newborn’s head without being too tight.
Ringo/Acadian - CloudBlend™ Hat Set - Açaí - Sunhat: Sunhats make the best accessories for summer, providing shade for your little birds anywhere from the beach, park or farmer’s market. A rich vibrant purple. The sun hat is designed for sun protection during outdoor activities, with a brim that offers shade. It comes in Small, Medium, and Large sizes so you can find a better fit as your baby grows.
Açaí - Sunhat
How sizing works for newborn hat sets
CloudBlend hat sets are labeled as newborn size, but the stretchy fabric means they can fit a range of head circumferences in the first few months. The sets come in one standard size, so you don’t need to choose between options. Because the fabric is soft and flexible, the hat can adjust slightly as your baby’s head grows.
Keep in mind that the supplied information does not confirm exact head circumference measurements for the hat sets. If you’re unsure about the fit, you can compare the hat’s stretch against your baby’s current head size. The hat should sit snugly without leaving marks or slipping over the eyes.
Sun hat sizing: Small, Medium, or Large?
The Açaí Sunhat is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. This gives you more control over fit compared to the one-size hat sets. Since the sun hat is not made from stretchy CloudBlend fabric, getting the right size is more important for comfort and sun protection.
The supplied information does not include a size chart with head circumference ranges. To choose the best size, you can measure your baby’s head circumference and compare it to the hat’s dimensions if available from the retailer. A well-fitting sun hat should stay on during active play without being too tight.
When to pick a hat set vs. a sun hat
If you’re preparing for a newborn or buying a gift for a baby shower, a CloudBlend hat set is a practical choice. The two-hat bundle gives you options for different outfits, and the soft fabric is ideal for indoor wear or quick trips outside.
For older babies who spend more time outdoors—at the park, beach, or farmer’s market—a sun hat with a brim offers better shade. The Açaí Sunhat is specifically described as a summer accessory, so it’s best for warm-weather use when sun protection is a priority.
You can also own both. Many parents start with a hat set for the newborn phase and add a sun hat once the baby is a few months old and more active outdoors.
What about care and washing?
The supplied information does not include specific washing instructions for either the CloudBlend hat sets or the sun hat. For general care of soft baby accessories, a gentle machine wash in cold water and air drying is a safe approach. Always check the garment tag for the most accurate care guidance.
Because the sun hat has a more structured brim, avoid wringing or twisting it during washing to help maintain its shape.
