3 Reasons Every Kid Should Keep a Hat On

Finally, summer feels like it's on its way - and they say it's going to be a hot one. Time to start gearing up for some serious sun protection.

Everyone should keep their heads covered, but with kids it's critical:

1. Up to 80% of sun damage is received by 18 years of age;
2. Teaching them to wear a hat at a young age will help kids develop good sun safety practices and avoid the risks of melanoma later;
3. A hat helps protect their eyes from glare, especially if kids don't always wear sunglasses.

Choosing the right hat is key. The best hats for sun protection have at least a 3-inch brim (8 cm) all the way around. Baseball hats do not protect the ears or back of neck.

For kids, a hat with a chin strap works best - not only so it doesn't go flying off on the boat, but for the little ones who are anti-hat you can simply put it on (despite the protests!) and soon they'll forget about it and move on. Hopefully.

Fun and funky patterns will also work towards encouraging kids to wear a hat. For boys, try a safari animal or classic fire truck print. For girls go for a groovy flower hat complete with a big gerber daisy on the front or an ultra stylish 'ma cherie' fifi the poodle hat in yellow and minty green.

Alternatively, try the revolutionary adjustable hat. With an elastic around the hat's circumference and a toggle at the back, this hat can be constantly adjusted for a custom fit and years of wear. It only comes in two sizes: 0-2 years and 2-8 years, so if you have any doubt about sizing, this is definitely the hat for you.

So get out and enjoy the summer sun - just be sure to grab a hat for the wee one first.

Visit Lavish & Lime for a great selection of kids sun hats in prints and solids from size 0 and up.