Should Babies Wear Hats?
Should babies wear hats? Some people believe that babies should not wear hats as it can lower their resistance and make them more prone to getting sick. Others think that babies should wear hats because their heads are more susceptible to getting cold. So, which statement is correct?
Xinxin, an internet user, is currently in confinement, but recently she has been arguing with her mother-in-law about whether or not the baby should wear a hat. Since bringing the baby home from the hospital, the baby has been wearing a hat 24/7, whether asleep or awake. At first, Xinxin didn't pay too much attention to it, but when a friend came to visit and advised her not to always have the baby wear a hat as it could weaken the baby's resistance and make them more prone to getting colds, Xinxin decided to take off the hat. This sparked a family war...
Mixed Opinions on Whether Babies Should Wear Hats
Water: My son was born in winter. Apart from going outside, he never wore a hat at home. Although babies are delicate, they are not that weak.
Qilin: I think it depends on the situation. If the house has heating during the winter, there is no need to wear a hat. However, if the house is still cold during the winter, wearing a hat can protect the baby's head. I think it's okay to take it off when it's warmer.
Xiaoshitou: I agree with not wearing a hat. Wearing a hat not only affects the baby's sleep and sweating, but also weakens their resistance. The children in our neighborhood are a perfect example. Those who still wear long sleeves in summer are more prone to getting colds, while those who wear short sleeves in autumn rarely get sick.
Whether Babies Should Wear Hats Depends on the Temperature
Should babies wear hats? First, let's clarify the purpose of babies wearing hats. If the baby is wearing a hat when going outside, it is to protect against wind, sand, and sun exposure. If the baby is not going outside, the only purpose of wearing a hat is to keep warm. Research has shown that when the temperature is around 15°C, about 1/3 of the body heat is lost through the head; when the temperature is around 4°C, about 1/2 of the body heat is lost through the head; and when the temperature is around -10°C, a staggering 3/4 of the body heat is lost through the head.
The baby's head accounts for nearly half of their body volume, and compared to adults, the proportion of heat dissipation through the head is even greater. Therefore, in cold environments, we should pay attention to having the baby wear a hat. On the other hand, if the weather is hot or the indoor heating is sufficient during winter, there is no need to have the baby wear a hat as it can cause sweating and make them more susceptible to catching a cold.
How to Choose the Right Hat for the Baby?
Newborns generally do not wear hats unless the indoor temperature is low or when going outside. So, how should mothers choose a suitable hat for their baby?
1. Choose a hat made of cotton
The baby's head is delicate, and their ability to adapt to climate changes is poor. It is best to choose a lightweight, soft, and breathable cotton hat that provides insulation.
2. Choose a hat that fits the head circumference
Generally, it is advisable to increase the hat size by 1-2 centimeters (or increase the hat circumference by 0.3 centimeters) based on the head circumference. The purpose of slightly loosening the size is to prevent the hat from being too tight, which can be detrimental to the baby's head development, and to prevent the hat from shrinking and affecting its wearability.
3. Avoid hats with a hard texture
If the hat is too heavy or hard, it will not only be uncomfortable for the baby to wear, but also detrimental to their brain and nerve development.
4. Choose a hat without a brim
It is best to choose a hat without a brim for babies. This makes it easier for mothers to hold and breastfeed the baby, and allows the baby to see things around them when sleeping in a crib or bed.
