Quick answer
Choose a hat that sits just above the eyebrows and leaves no deep marks, then wash it in cool water and air-dry flat. For a CloudBlend hat set, treat the solid and printed hats the same way so both stay soft and stretchy.
Why newborn hat fit changes so quickly
Newborn heads grow fast, so a hat that fits one week can leave red marks the next. Check fit every few days rather than assuming the size you bought still works. A hat should cover the ears without pressing them flat and should not slide down over the eyes.
CloudBlend fabric is stretchy-soft, which helps a hat stay on without being tight. That stretch also means you should not size up too far in advance; a hat that is much too large can twist and cover the face during sleep.
When to wash and when to replace
Wash baby hats after every few wears, and sooner if the hat has been against lotion, spit-up, or a sweaty head. Keep two hats in rotation so one is always clean. Replace a hat when the brim stays stretched out, the fabric feels stiff, or it no longer stays above the eyebrows without pulling.
How to choose, fit, and wash a baby hat set
- Check the size against your baby's head, not the label: Measure around the widest part of your baby's head, just above the eyebrows and ears. Compare that number to the hat's size chart if one is supplied; if no chart is given, use the fit check in the next step instead of guessing from age alone. A hat sized by age can be too tight or too loose; measure first when a chart is available.
- Do a two-minute fit check: Place the hat on your baby so the brim sits just above the eyebrows and covers the ears without folding them. Slide one finger under the brim; it should go in easily. Wait two minutes, then remove the hat and look for red marks or indentations. Red marks that fade within a minute are a sign the hat is too tight; try the other hat in the set or a larger size.
- Test for overnight wear: If the hat will be worn for sleep, gently pull the brim forward and back. It should not slide over the eyes or twist around the head. A hat that moves easily is a suffocation risk during sleep and should not be used overnight. A hat that stays in place during gentle movement is the only one to use for sleep.
- Wash in cool water on a gentle cycle: Turn the hats inside out and wash with like colors in cool water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild, baby-safe detergent and skip fabric softener, which can coat the fibers and reduce breathability. Hot water and fabric softener are the two most common causes of stretched or stiff baby hats.
- Air-dry flat, away from direct heat: Lay the hats flat on a clean towel or drying rack to air-dry. Do not wring them out; press gently between towels instead. Keep them away from radiators, direct sun, and the dryer, which can shrink or warp the stretch. If the hat feels stiff after drying, rinse it once more in cool water and air-dry flat again.
- Recheck fit after every wash: Put the hat back on and repeat the finger test and red-mark check. Stretch fabric can relax slightly after washing, so a hat that fit before may now sit differently. A hat that no longer passes the fit check after washing should be retired or passed on.
Product facts
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San Diego/Dove - CloudBlend™ Hat Set: Each newborn hat set includes one solid and one printed hat made from CloudBlend fabric, described as breathable, stretchy-soft, and gentle on brand-new baby skin. Two hats let you keep one clean while the other is in the wash, and the stretchy fabric makes fit checks easier as your baby's head grows.
San Diego/Dove - CloudBlend™ Hat Set