Knitted hat – why this woolen hat is indispensable for your newborn

Why would you use a tie-up hat for your baby? How do you tie such a hat safely? Isn't it too hot in the summer? As a new parent, you probably have a lot of questions about this special baby hat with strings. I remember having the same questions when I was a new mother and first got my hands on a tie-up hat. In this blog, you can read everything you want to know about tie-up hats - from the benefits to how to tie them correctly. We are happy to tell you in a personal, no-nonsense way, so that you can decide with peace of mind whether this is something for your little one.

What is a bow bonnet?

A bow hat is a baby hat with two long cords attached to it, which you use to tie the hat under the baby’s chin. In fact, it is a classic newborn hat in a “helmet” style: it completely encloses the baby’s head and has cords to keep it in place. The design also leaves the forehead partially exposed (we’ll come back to why that’s important later). Bow hats are usually made from natural materials such as wool or wool/silk, which are gentle on sensitive skin and help keep baby warm.

In the Netherlands, most newborn babies traditionally get a knitted cotton hat or a simple jersey “cap hat” after birth. However, a bow hat goes a step further in terms of material and fit – and therefore has much more to offer than a standard baby hat!

Why do you use a bow bonnet?

A newborn baby's head is relatively large compared to the rest of the body. A baby loses a lot of heat through the head (especially since they still have an open fontanel and often little hair). A hat helps retain that heat, so that your little one doesn't lose valuable energy on staying warm. Below are the most important advantages of a bow hat:

• Optimal temperature control: Because a bonnet is made of wool and silk , it helps to keep the head at the right temperature. Wool retains heat when it is cold, while silk has a slightly cooling effect when it is warm. This combination is ideal for all seasons. Your baby will cool down less quickly with a bonnet and will not lose heat unnecessarily. Both wool and silk can also absorb up to 30% of their own weight in moisture without feeling clammy - so even with a little sweat or spit-up, your baby will remain comfortable and no extra heat will be lost due to a wet head.
• Protection against stimuli: In addition to warmth, a bonnet also offers a nice cover for your baby. Newborn babies have open fontanelles (soft spot on the head) and can experience quite a few stimuli from the outside world through the head - sounds, cold, draft. The soft wool/silk fabric works a bit like a dampening layer. Did you know that silkworms protect themselves against external influences with their cocoon? You notice the same property with silk on the skin: it shields just that little bit. Many parents notice that their baby is calmer with a bonnet and is less likely to become overstimulated. Such a bonnet can also be nice for slightly older children who are sensitive to stimuli (some parents use it for children with restlessness or stimulus processing problems, even toddlers).
• Excellent fit: The model of a bow bonnet is designed in such a way that the entire head – including the ears – is well covered, while a part of the forehead remains free. That free spot on the forehead is important: with it your child “measures” the ambient temperature. (Compare it with a thermostat.) A bow bonnet therefore covers the crown and ears, but lets the forehead feel how warm or cold it is. That is why this model is also called a helmet bonnet or helmet model . It fits around the head like a helmet. This fit ensures that your baby is protected all around the head, without getting too warm.
• Stays in place: A major advantage of the tie-up hat: thanks to the long cords that you tie, the hat hardly shifts. In contrast to a loose “cap hat” or beanie, which often slides off that smooth baby hair at the slightest movement, a tied-up hat simply stays in place – even if your baby is restless. This is especially pleasant at night: you don't want the hat to come off without you noticing, because then your baby will cool down unnecessarily. This is not the case with a tie-up hat. As long as you tie the hat correctly (see below), you can even use it safely at night. It fits firmly but comfortably, and covers the ears at all times.

In short: a bonnet keeps your baby nice and warm , protected from stimuli , has a perfect fit and stays in place . It is not without reason that it is high on our list of recommended maternity items. (In our natural baby shower checklist we even call it an absolute must-have!)

Why is warmth so important for your baby?

A little background: Warmth = security. A newborn baby still has a very vulnerable heat regulation. Your little one cannot yet keep itself warm; it suddenly has to do what was automatic in the womb. If a baby cools down too much, it has to use its energy to warm up again – that energy then does not go to growth and development.

Warmth also means comfort and rest . Babies who are too cold often become restless: they cry constantly or even suffer from stomach cramps sooner. Does your baby always have cold hands/feet and is he difficult to comfort? Then it can help to put on an extra layer of wool and wrap him up warmly ( for example in a woolen wrap ) . You often see relaxation come then. Warmth gives a feeling of love and security, something that all babies need.

👉 Too cold? Look for signs: does your baby's skin feel mottled (patchy) or do you notice that the nose and ears feel cold? Then he or she is probably cold. You can also feel the feet: they should be pleasantly warm. Cold feet = baby is chilly.

👉 Too warm? Of course you don't want your baby to overheat either. So always check the neck/shoulder blades: if it feels clammy or very warm there, or if your baby has a red heated face, then a layer can come off. Fortunately, overheating does not happen quickly with a baby wearing wool, because wool breathes and can also dissipate heat (wool does not build up heat, unlike synthetic fabrics). But always use your common sense and check your baby regularly.

In short, good heat management is crucial. All the energy that your baby does not have to spend on keeping himself warm, he can use to grow – and to sleep peacefully, drink and discover the world. A bonnet is a simple way to retain that heat, from minute one after birth.

Reading tip: In our blog “ Newborn woollens advised by Natural Maternity Care ” a maternity nurse explains that warmth care is the most important thing during the maternity week – and that is why she puts a wool/silk bow hat on every baby. 💛

Which material do I choose for a bow hat?

Hats are available in different materials. You often see: wool/silk mix , 100% silk , 100% wool , cotton , and sometimes a combination of wool/silk/cotton . What is best?

As you read above, the wool/silk beanie is by far the most popular – and for good reason. This mix offers the best of both worlds: wool regulates temperature and wicks away moisture; silk feels soft, retains heat in cold weather and cools slightly in hot weather. Some brands (such as Cosilana ) mix in a little cotton : this makes the fabric even airier and easier to wash, but retains the fine properties of wool and silk. These thinner wool/silk/cotton beanies are perfect for spring and summer.

However, there are situations in which you might choose a different material:

• 100% Silk: recommended if your baby is allergic to wool or gets warm extremely quickly. Silk is super soft and breathable, and for babies with eczema or very sensitive skin, a silk hat can be nice (wool can sometimes be a bit itchy with eczema, although wool/silk is often okay too).
• 100% Wool: especially handy for cold winter days or for outside. A thick knitted woolen bonnet offers just that little bit of extra insulation. Many parents put a thicker woolen bonnet over the thin wool/silk bonnet outside in the pram in the winter for double the warmth. A double layer is not necessary inside or in milder weather.
• Cotton: a cotton bonnet is fine for the summer if you prefer not to use wool. For the other seasons, cotton is not our preference, because it absorbs moisture less well (which can cool a baby down through sweat) and regulates heat less well than wool. Cotton bonnets also do not dry as quickly when they get wet.
• Synthetic fabric (acrylic/polyester): we strongly advise against this. Artificial fabric does not breathe, cannot absorb moisture and can even build up heat. Heat buildup is very dangerous for babies – your child cannot get rid of his heat and becomes overheated. So avoid any baby hat made of 100% acrylic or other plastic-like materials, no matter how cute they sometimes look. Choose natural materials for a safe choice.

Conclusion material: for almost all babies a wool/silk bonnet is the best choice. It is suitable for all seasons, regulates the temperature perfectly and is super soft. Does your baby have specific needs (allergy, extremely warm-blooded)? Then you can go for 100% silk or in rare cases cotton. But 9 times out of 10 you will find that wool/silk is ideal.

Did you know that most of the hats in our shop are made of organic wool and silk, and mulesing-free wool? We consciously choose our brands for this – so the hats are completely non-toxic and safe. Brands such as Cosilana , Engel Natur , Hvid and Joha are known for this.

How do you tie a bow hat correctly?

A bow hat has two ribbons/cords. Tying it properly is important: you want the hat to sit securely without being tight or uncomfortable. There are several ways to tie a bow hat. We will explain two here: choose what you like. The important thing with both methods is that the hat is not too tight (a finger should fit easily between the strings and the skin) and that the bow does not press on the throat.

Method 1 (cross bow on belly or back):

1. Place the hat on your baby's head so that the front edge reaches about halfway down the forehead (forehead partially exposed).
2. Take the two cords and cross them on the front of your baby's chest.
3. Bring the strings under the armpits to the back.
4. You can now tie in two ways:

• Or you tie the cords at the back/side.
• Or you can pull the strings back to the front and tie them at the chest/stomach.

Method 2 (tie straight back):

1. Put the hat back on the head.
2. Bring the strings straight down the sides of the neck, under the armpits to the back. (So don't cross in front of the chest.)
3. Tie the strings at the back or side. Or after crossing them at the back, bring them back to the front and tie them at the belly - whatever suits you.

With both methods, check how much ribbon length you have and where the bow will stay in place best. Some long cords can be pulled back to the front; with shorter cords, this is not possible and you should tie on the back/side. Do not tie too close to the neck - a little to the side or lower on the back is often more comfortable (then your baby will not feel the knot when he sleeps on his back).

Safety check: Always make sure that the ribbons are not too tight. Your baby should still be able to move well and breathe freely . A handy rule of thumb: you should be able to easily put one or two fingers under the tied ribbon. Then it is tight enough not to slip off, but loose enough not to pinch. Never cut the ribbons (then the hat loses its function); a well-tied hat is safe, the strings pose no danger as long as they are tied and do not dangle loosely for too long. Check the bow regularly when you pick up or put down your baby.

Got the hang of it? Many parents develop their own preferences. As long as the hat stays on well and your baby doesn't mind, it's fine!

Until what age do you use a bow bonnet?

This varies per child and situation. All newborn babies benefit from a bonnet in the first weeks of life – especially premature babies or babies with a low birth weight, because they have even more difficulty keeping themselves warm. It is usually advised to wear a bonnet indoors for at least the postpartum week (first 8 days), and then depending on the need.

Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether your baby still needs a bonnet after the first few weeks:

1. Does my baby already have (a lot of) hair? If the head is covered with a thick head of hair, your baby will lose heat less quickly through the head. Babies with a bald head or only a downy layer get cold faster.
2. Is it often cold in our area? If your house is chilly or your baby regularly stays in a room below ~20°C, a hat can still be useful. Also if you are often outside in the cold (with or without the stroller/baby sling).
3. Does my baby naturally get cold easily? Every baby is different; some have a higher thermostat than others. If your baby's hands are still cold even at 22°C, you can continue to use a hat for a little longer.
4. Is my baby easily affected by external stimuli? Some parents notice that their baby (even when he is a bit older, e.g. a few months) remains calmer with a silk or woolen hat on, for example when he is busy or has visitors. This covering can still be useful. This can even apply to toddler age for children who benefit from it - every child is unique.

In practice, we often see the following: the bonnet is used indoors and at night during the first weeks of life (sleeping in a cool room is certainly nice with a bonnet). Then, during the first year of life , the bonnet is still used regularly when they go outside or stay in cooler rooms, or when the child is sick (then warmth is extra nice). Many parents switch to just a bonnet for outside after ~3-6 months, depending on the season.

Listen to your baby and look for signals. You will quickly notice whether the hat is still needed (a baby who gets too warm will try to get the hat off or become restless). Better a little longer than too short: better to have that hat on for an extra month than a little one who is cold without you noticing.

Can you also wear a bow hat in the summer?

Yes, even in the summer a bonnet can come in handy. The instinctive reaction of many people is: “But in the summer it is too hot for wool or bonnets?” However, a silk or wool/silk bonnet is so thin and breathable that it does not lead to overheating. In fact, it protects your baby from a draft or a fresh breeze without making him or her feel stuffy. Think of air conditioning, supermarket (cooling) or evening breezes – even in the summer there are times when a newborn benefits from that layer. Wool/silk does not feel sweaty at all and actually regulates.

Of course, on really hot days (> 25°C) or during a heat wave you don't need a hat on your baby if you are in the shade/airy space. In the shade at 30°C you can leave the hat out, and if you are on holiday in a warm country, a hat is usually not necessary. But with the changing Dutch summer temperatures, a bow hat even comes in handy in July/August: on a chilly morning, a rainy summer day of 18°C, or a day with a lot of wind.

In short: don't be put off by the season. A wool/silk bonnet is a valuable accessory for your baby's comfort all year round . In the summer, choose the thin version (wool/silk, possibly with a bit of cotton). You will notice that you use it at unexpected moments!

Reading tip: Want to know more about wool in warm conditions? Check out our blog “ Why wool is also a smart choice for your little one in the summer ” – it tells you how wool/silk clothes are a godsend, especially in the heat.

Conclusion – a small cap, big effect 💕

The bow hat is truly a classic in the world of natural parenting. It seems like such a simple thing, but the difference it makes is enormous. The warmth and security of this hat makes your newborn feel safe and calm, just as if he is still a little bit in his mother's belly. Many parents swear by it: a bow hat is simply a standard part of the maternity set.

The beauty of it is that such a hat is completely in line with a sustainable, natural approach. Made of pure materials, often hand-knitted or lovingly crafted – you can feel the attention in it. It is not just a piece of clothing, it is actually a form of care.

It's not for nothing that it's at the top of the natural maternity list as a must-have. 🎀 Don't have one yet? Then we recommend buying one or two and trying them out. You often even get one as a gift from the maternity care because they think it's so important! (Our best-selling bow hat is the one from Engel Natur in wool/silk , for those who are curious.) And are you creative? You can even knit a bow hat yourself - for example with the well-known Lindbergh pattern.

Enjoy that wonderful newborn time , and make it easy on yourself: give your baby that little bit of extra warmth and security with a bow hat. Trust us, you will see how loving and cozy it looks and feels. A small effort with a big effect - and a happy, calm baby as a result. 💖

Tip: Curious about more sustainable must-haves for your maternity period? Also read our blog “ Natural Baby Shower ” for a complete checklist full of loving recommendations.