Are Baby Headbands Safe? The Short Answer

Short version: yes, with house rules. Long version: two minutes, below. We sell a lot of bows, so we would rather you know the rules than guess them.

Australian owned, shipped from Melbourne.

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Quick answer

Are baby headbands safe? Yes, for supervised daytime wear, when the band is soft, sized to the head and free of glued-on parts. Take every headband off before naps, bedtime and the car seat: Red Nose recommends no head coverings for any sleep.

The rules

Five House Rules

  1. Awake and supervised only. Headbands are accessories, not sleepwear. Red Nose lists headbands among the head coverings to remove before every sleep.
  2. Off in the car seat. A band that slips over the face where you cannot see it is not worth the photo.
  3. Size by head, not age. Two fingers should slide under the band with light resistance. Our size chart has the numbers.
  4. Sewn, not glued. Glued embellishments can peel off and become a choking hazard.
  5. Check after washing. Look for loose threads inside the band, which can wrap around tiny fingers.

The marks

What About Red Marks?

A faint line that fades within a few minutes of taking the band off is normal. A red mark that lingers means it is too tight: size up, or choose a wider, softer band. Thin, stiff elastic is the usual culprit; soft nylon and wide knit bands spread the pressure. The full comparison is in our headband buying guide.

The hair

Will a Headband Hurt Their Hair?

Not when it fits. A soft, correctly sized band worn for awake time is not going to damage baby hair. For newborns, keep headband time to photos and outings; for older babies who are used to them, longer wear is fine as long as the band leaves no lasting mark. Check now and then, and if you see an indent, take it off and let the skin rest. And if your baby genuinely hates it, try again in a few weeks.

Why Sommerfugl Kids

Headbands and bows from an Australian owned shop, shipped from Melbourne. Soft bands, and safety rules we are happy to shout about.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are baby headbands safe for newborns?

Yes, for supervised daytime wear, when soft, correctly sized and free of glued-on parts. Remove them for every sleep and in the car seat.

Can babies sleep in headbands?

No. Red Nose recommends no head coverings, headbands included, for any sleep.

How tight should a baby headband be?

Two fingers should slide under the band with light resistance. A mark that does not fade within a few minutes means it is too tight.

Do headbands damage baby hair?

Not when they fit well and are worn for awake time. Choose soft, wide bands and size by head circumference.