Organic Wool Hats, Mittens & Scarves for Babies & Kids
Wool hats, balaclavas, mittens, and scarves for babies and children — from fine knit wool-silk beanies to warm boiled wool mittens. Primarily from Engel, Disana, and Reiff, with a few select cotton pieces from Pickapooh and Little Green Radicals. All made with certified organic materials for everyday cold-weather wear.
About our wool
Heritage European wool brands for baby and kids accessories
Our accessories collection draws primarily on three German family-run wool manufacturers, each contributing a different specialty — from fine merino knits to structured boiled wool. A handful of organic cotton pieces from Pickapooh (hat specialists) and Little Green Radicals round out the collection.
Engel
German family business since 1927. Source for fine knit wool and wool-silk hats, mittens, and scarves — thin, soft, and ideal for layering or for sensitive skin. IVN BEST certified — the strictest organic textile standard available.
Disana
German specialists in boiled wool since the 1970s. Source for boiled wool hats and mittens — wind-resistant, water-repellent, and structured enough to stand up to real winter weather. GOTS certified.
Reiff
Family-run knitting company in southwestern Germany. Source for wool fleece and knit wool accessories — plush mittens, cozy hats, and cotton-lined wool pieces. Made in-house using certified organic yarns.
What to know
Buying tips for baby and kids accessories
Starting pieces: hat, mittens, and a neckwarmer
For everyday cold-weather wear, most families find a good wool hat and a pair of mittens covers the essentials, with a neckwarmer or scarf added for colder days. A balaclava is a practical all-in-one option for the coldest weather, covering head and neck with no gaps. For infants, soft wool-silk knit hats from Engel work well year-round; for active toddlers and older kids, boiled wool hats from Disana hold up better to outdoor use.
Sizing: age ranges and head measurements
Accessories sizing is usually simpler than clothing. Hats are sized by age range (0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years) or by head circumference in centimeters. Mittens and scarves often come in broader age ranges. When in doubt, measure — head circumference for hats, hand length for mittens — and compare to each product page's size chart. European brands tend to run smaller in hat sizes than US brands, so check measurements rather than going by age alone.
Think in layers across the seasons
A seasonal wardrobe for most climates includes a lightweight hat for shoulder seasons (fall and spring), a warmer wool or wool-silk hat for everyday winter wear, and a boiled wool hat or balaclava for the coldest days. For mittens, thin wool or wool-silk knits for mild weather and boiled wool or lined mittens for real cold. Most families end up with 2 or 3 hats and 1 or 2 pairs of mittens per size, rotated across conditions.
Learn more
Guides for parents new to wool
Merino wool weights explained
Knit, fleece, boiled, and lined wool — how each construction differs and when to choose each.
Read the guide →European wool sizing guide
How European sizing works, how to measure your child, and how sizes translate to US.
Read the guide →How to wash wool clothing
Hand-washing, air drying, and keeping wool accessories in great condition for years.
Read the guide →FAQ
Common questions about baby and kids wool accessories
What's the difference between wool, boiled wool, and wool fleece for hats and mittens?
Fine knit wool and wool-silk (from Engel) are thin, soft, and flexible — ideal for layering, baby and infant hats, and sensitive skin. Wool fleece (from Reiff) is plush and warm with a soft interior — great for mid-weight everyday wear. Boiled wool (from Disana) is densely felted — wind-resistant, water-repellent, and structured enough to hold its shape for serious outdoor wear. For hats, most families keep a lighter knit hat for shoulder seasons and a boiled wool hat for the coldest days. More on wool fabric types →
Are wool hats itchy for babies and children?
Quality merino wool hats are not itchy for most children. Our hats use fine merino wool — typically 17-20 microns in diameter, much finer than the coarse wool that causes the itchy reputation. For sensitive skin, wool-silk blend hats from Engel are even softer. Cotton-lined wool hats are another good option for children with very sensitive skin or scalp — the soft cotton sits against the head while the wool provides warmth. More on wool and itchiness →
What size hat does my baby or child need?
Hats are sized by age range or head circumference. Measure your child's head circumference at the widest point (around the forehead and above the ears) and compare to the product page's size chart. Approximate ranges: newborn 34-36 cm, 0-3 months 36-38 cm, 3-6 months 38-42 cm, 6-12 months 42-46 cm, 1-2 years 46-48 cm, 2-4 years 48-50 cm, 4+ years 50-54 cm. European brands tend to run smaller in hat sizes than US brands, so measuring is more reliable than going by age. See our full sizing guide →
What's a balaclava and why would my child need one?
A balaclava is a fitted hat that also covers the neck and part of the face, leaving only the eyes, nose, and mouth exposed. It's a practical all-in-one option for cold weather — no gap between hat and scarf, nothing to lose, and no separate neckwarmer needed. Balaclavas are particularly popular for toddlers and preschoolers who take hats off easily, for skiing or sledding, and for very cold weather where separate hat and scarf aren't enough.
Will boiled wool mittens stay warm in snow?
Yes. Boiled wool mittens from Disana are wind-resistant and water-repellent thanks to the dense felting process — they shed snow rather than absorbing it, and wool retains insulating properties even when damp (unlike cotton, which becomes cold when wet). For extended wet play, pairing boiled wool mittens with waterproof shell mittens gives the best combination of warmth and weatherproofing. For milder cold without wet conditions, knit wool or wool fleece mittens work well on their own.
How do I care for wool accessories?
Wool accessories need less washing than cotton alternatives — typically every several wears or when visibly soiled. Air the garment out between wears. For hand-washing, use cool water and a wool-safe (enzyme-free) detergent, rinse gently, press out excess water without wringing, and lay flat to dry. Boiled wool hats and mittens hold their shape well but should still be reshaped gently while damp. Cotton-lined wool pieces follow the same care as pure wool. See our complete wool care guide →
Can I return wool hats and mittens?
Yes. Wool accessories can be returned within our standard return window as long as they are unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags attached. For best fit, we recommend measuring your child's head circumference or hand before ordering and checking each brand's size chart on the individual product page. See our returns page for full details →