Quick answer

Place the flight hat on your baby's head with the brim just above the eyebrows, then bring the self-tie straps under the chin and tie them in a gentle double knot. Check that you can slip one finger under the straps—snug but not tight—so the hat stays on without pressing on the neck.

Why the self-tie straps matter for fit

The flight hat's self-tie straps are the key to keeping it on wriggly babies. Unlike pull-on hats that can slide off, the ties let you adjust the fit around the chin and head shape. Because the hat is made from organic cotton rib, it has some stretch, but the ties do the real work of holding it in place.

A common mistake is tying too high or too low. The straps should sit under the chin, not across the throat, and the knot should be flat enough that it doesn't dig in when your baby turns their head.

Sizing check before you tie

The flight hat comes in sizes, so start by checking the size chart against your baby's head circumference. A hat that's too small will pop off easily and may leave marks; one that's too large will slide down over the eyes. If you're between sizes, size up for room to grow, but expect to tie a little more snugly at first.

Remember that organic cotton rib can relax slightly with wear. If the hat feels tight right out of the package, try it on for a few minutes before deciding to exchange—it may soften and conform to your baby's head.

When to skip the chin tie

For supervised tummy time or quick photos, you can leave the straps untied for a relaxed look. But for stroller walks, babywearing, or any time your baby is active, always tie the straps to prevent the hat from slipping off and getting lost—or worse, becoming a hazard. Never leave a baby unattended with any hat that has loose ties.

If your baby strongly resists the chin tie, try a different hat style for those moments, or practice short sessions with the tie done loosely and gradually increase the time.

How to tie and wear the flight hat, step by step

  1. Position the hat: Place the hat on your baby's head so the brim sits just above the eyebrows, with the back covering the nape of the neck. Smooth any hair out of the way. Check that the hat isn't covering the eyes or sitting too high on the crown.
  2. Bring straps under the chin: Gather both self-tie straps and bring them under your baby's chin, keeping them flat against the skin. Avoid twisting the straps. The straps should rest under the chin, not across the throat.
  3. Tie a gentle double knot: Tie the straps in a double knot to secure them. Adjust the tension so you can slide one finger under the knot comfortably. A double knot stays put but is easy to undo; avoid a single bow that can come loose.
  4. Check the fit: Gently tug the hat to ensure it doesn't slide off. Check that the knot isn't pressing into the neck and that the brim isn't too low. If the hat slides, tighten the knot slightly; if it leaves marks, loosen it.
  5. Undo safely: To remove, support the back of your baby's head and untie the knot carefully, then lift the hat off. Never pull the hat off by the brim while the straps are tied. Always untie before removing to avoid pulling on your baby's head.

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