When Your Child Won't Keep a Hat On

You put a hat on your child, and it's off in less than five seconds. It can be frustrating when you can't tell why they dislike hats so much.

The head is sensitive to even small sensations

That's why some children find the pressure of a hat, the feel of the fabric on their head, or the stuffy, closed-in feeling uncomfortable. Rather than making them keep it on for a long time, it's more important to first create comfortable experiences with hats.

Small ways to make friends with hats

• Wear it for short stretches at home
• Try it on in front of a mirror
• Let your child pick their own hat
• Put it on as part of a game

As these small successes add up, resistance to hats can gradually fade. What a hat-averse child needs may simply be time to get used to it.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

This article provides general information. Your child's developmental status and treatment plan are determined through consultation and assessment.