Pattern gauge is way off. My version:

For toddler/child: c2., 11 dc in center. Ch2 counts as st.
Increase for circle finishing with inc, 2 dc (48 sts)
Fpdc, dc for next row.

W/ white: Sc, blo
7 rounds dc. Do not fasten off.
Hat should be 6” tall by approx 8” wide.

Ear flaps: dc in next 9 st, turn, dec, dc, dec last 2, dec. 4 rows, final row has 3 sts. Back of hat, skip 9 sts., front of hat skip 21 sts. 2nd ear flap in between.