Best Baby Bibs When They Get it All Down Them

Best Baby Bibs When They Get it All Down Them

When it’s time for your little one to eat or play, we’re sure you’ve seen how messy it can get. Even if you do everything right, there always seems to be a mess after every adventure your child embarks on. If you want to make meals and play-time hassle-free, the best way to do it is with a baby bib.

Baby bibs can be used for meals, drooling, and even arts and crafts. Babies and toddlers are inherently messy, and there is nothing wrong with that. Learning to eat and play is part of growing up, but with the right bib, at least you’ll be able to clean up with a smile. We did the research, and we’re going to take you through the ten best baby bibs around.

What to Consider When Shopping for Bibs

Ages

First and foremost, you need to consider the age of your child. Bibs for children come in many different styles and sizes, but knowing the age group a bib is for narrows the shopping process down. Also, depending on the age of your child, a bib will need to serve a specific purpose. For example, for infants, a bib is designed to absorb drooling and food-related messes. On the other hand, bibs for toddlers are used for eating, but they can be useful for sessions of arts and crafts.

Style

The next feature you want to consider is the style of the bib. There are a few different styles that you can find, and each one reduces messes differently. When shopping for a bib, you’ll come across traditional bibs, front-sleeve bibs, and bandana bibs.

Traditional Bibs

Traditional bibs are the most common bibs that you’ll come across, and there is a good reason for that. Traditional bibs tend to have unique designs that make them perfect for meals, and they can be adjustable to fit children of most ages. Traditional bibs are also inexpensive, but they’re not as effective as dealing with frequent drooling.

Front-Sleeve Bibs

Front-sleeve bibs are large in size, heavier, and provide the most clothing coverage you can find. Front-sleeve bibs work well for children of all ages, and the size can be adjusted by tying different knots in the back. Front-sleeve bibs are great for meals, arts and crafts, and even drooling. The only downside to front-sleeve bibs is that they’re bulky and more expensive.

Bandana Bibs

Bandana bibs look adorable on children, and they serve an essential purpose. These bibs are designed to handle drooling, and they keep drool off of your child’s clothes. Bandana bibs are generally inexpensive, but they’re not as useful as front-sleeve or traditional bibs for meals.

Material

When shopping for the right bib, you need to keep an eye on the material. Many bibs are made with cloth or fabric, but some use silicone or hypoallergenic materials. Each bib serves the same purpose, but there are a handful of strengths and weaknesses that come with each material.

Fabric

Fabric bibs are the most common bibs, but there are a lot of fabrics to choose from. Knit terry cotton bibs provide exceptional comfort, but if there is more than one layer, odors and stains tend to build up. Polyester bibs usually benefit from being more stain-resistant, but they’re not as comfortable as cotton. In rare cases, some bibs may use a blend of polyester and cotton.

Silicone

Silicone bibs are a recent innovation that many parents have fallen in love with. In most cases, these bibs are food-grade and waterproof, which means potential messes slide down the surface. Since foods and liquids slide down, silicone bibs feature a tray at the bottom designed to keep messes off of your child’s clothes.

Organic

Organic materials are hypoallergenic and work well for infants and toddlers with sensitive skin. The price of organic bibs can be high, but if your child is not reacting well to polyester or silicone bibs, it might be time to try organic bibs.

Price

The price of bibs doesn’t fluctuate too much, but there is still a difference between an expensive bib and a bargain bib. When shopping for bibs, you also need to consider the amount that you’re getting. While a ten pack will likely cost more than a two-pack, the tradeoff is that you get more bibs. We’ve compared the prices of each bib, and grouped them into three categories:

$: Under $10
$$: Around $15
$$$: Around $20

We’ve made sure to include a wide range of bibs suitable for any age group, in any style, made of any material, and at every price range—so read on to find the perfect bib for you and your little one.

Top 10 Best Baby Bibs 2023

1. Best Overall Bib: Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs

Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs

Why we like it: The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs are waterproof, dishwasher safe, and portable. We love how the strap can be adjusted to fit children of all ages.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Ages: 6 months+
  • Style: Traditional bib
  • Material: Silicone
  • Amount: 2

The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs are an easy way to reduce the chances of a food-based mess. The silicone material is food-grade, and they’re large enough to be used on both infants and toddlers. The silicone material is also 100% waterproof, so even if a liquid spill occurs, it all gets emptied into the tray at the bottom of the bibs.

When it comes time to clean these bibs, there is no need to use a washing machine or dryer. In fact, these bibs take less than a minute to clean once you empty the tray and spot clean any stains.

The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs are offered in a variety of colors. Instead of being gender-specific, there are plenty of bright and fun neon color options that work for both boys and girls.

What sets it apart

While the bibs are made with silicone, they’re surprisingly flexible and portable. If you’re using these bibs on the go, and a spill occurs, simply roll the bib up and take it home for a quick dishwasher cycle. The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs are the best overall because they combine the best features around. They’re flexible, durable, portable, and simple to clean.

Things to consider

While the Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs are great bibs for easy cleanup, the silicone material can cause skin irritations for some children. Irritation can be avoided if you keep the bib out of contact with your child’s skin, but this does create a problem because it slips over your child’s neck.

If you like the silicone material and adjustable strap, but you’re concerned about your child’s skin, try the Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib.

Who it’s for

The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs work well for a lot of parents. The silicone material makes them great for parents that want to clean up without hassle, and you can place them right into the dishwasher. The adjustable neck strap also makes these bibs great for growing infants and toddlers. While these bibs are great for both infants and toddlers, parents of active toddlers benefit the most from these bibs.

Pros

  • Portable roll-up design
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Durable and flexible silicone material
  • Adjustable neck straps

Cons

  • Silicone material can lead to skin irritation if it comes into direct contact with your child's skin

2. Best Premium Bib: Bumkins SuperBib

Bumkins SuperBib

Why we like it: The Bumkins SuperBib is a comfortable polyester bib that's resistant to stains, odors, and water. For the price, it's hard to find a bib with superior qualities and features.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $
  • Ages: 6-24 months
  • Style: Traditional bib
  • Material: Polyester
  • Amount: 1

The Bumkins SuperBib is a versatile bib for infants and toddlers. The fabric is soft and kid-friendly and made without cotton. While cotton may provide comfort, Bumkins leaves it out of the mix because cotton is known to carry odor and stains.

Instead, the bibs are made with 100% polyester that’s made with a waterproof coating. Unlike other fabric bibs, these bibs also feature a pocket that catches any crumbs or liquids that happen to miss your child’s mouth.

There are a lot of bibs around that strap around your child’s neck, but this can be dangerous for infants that like to tug and wiggle. The Bumkins SuperBib is made with shoulder straps that latch together with velcro to avoid your child’s neck to improve safety. Velcro straps are tough to get right, but Bumkins uses tug-proof material to make sure the bib remains firmly in place. Once it’s time to wash the bib, you can place it in the washing machine, but let it hang dry for the best results.

What sets it apart

We’re led to believe that more layers of fabric are better than fewer layers of fabric, and a lot of popular bibs feature two or three layers. The Bumkins SuperBib has a lot of great features, but the most important is the single-ply design. The single-ply design causes the fabric to be slightly angled, which helps moisture run down the bib instead of being stuck in place.

Bumkin’s use of a single-ply structure is unique because it helps the bib ward off mold and bacteria that can grow between layers of fabric. Instead of using multiple fabric layers, using one layer can be more productive. When you combine these features, while you only get one bib, you get one of the most premium bibs around.

Things to consider

The BumKins SuperBib is a well-rounded bib, but there is one downside. While you can machine wash and spot clean it, you need to let it air dry, or it will shrink. If you’re not familiar with hang drying, this can become a hassle. The single-ply design can also make it difficult to wipe your child’s face because it lacks the depth that multiple layers of fabric has.

If you like the style of the Bumkins SuperBib, but prefer more layers of material, the Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs are a great alternative that comes with a whole set of ten bibs.

Who it’s for

The Bumkins SuperBib is best suited for parents that have younger children. While the shoulder straps can be adjusted for toddlers, it doesn’t provide full-body coverage for older children. If you’re looking for a bib that you can use for solid foods with excellent longevity, this bib is the perfect fit.

Pros

  • Single-ply design that keeps moisture from building up in between fabric layers
  • Tug-proof velcro straps
  • Pocket system to catch crumbs and liquid as they slide down the bib
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Single-ply design makes it difficult to wipe your child's face
  • Not dryer safe, which leads to long periods of air drying

3. Best Bulk Bib: Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs

Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs

Why we like it: When shopping for a set of bibs, the Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs are an instant favorite thanks to their lack of harmful chemicals and three layers of high-quality knitted terry cotton. These bibs are sold in a pack of ten, offering the most value around.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$$
  • Ages: 6-24 months
  • Style: Traditional bib
  • Material: Cotton
  • Amount: 10

Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs are the perfect example of high-quality baby bibs that you can shop for in bulk. The bibs are made with three layers of fabric to keep stains as far from your child’s clothes as possible. The first two layers of fabric are knitted terry, which works great for liquid and food absorption, and the third layer is waterproof knitted terry. Also, the bibs are made without harmful chemicals like parabens, PVC, azo-dyes, and formaldehyde.

The Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs are also easy to work with. The hook-and-loop closure straps are simple to fasten and remove, making it easy to transition from mealtime to bedtime. When it comes time to clean the bibs, it’s hassle-free. Simply place the bibs in the washing machine and let them air dry.

What sets it apart 

What sets Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs apart is its value. When shopping for bibs, seeing a pack of five or ten is not rare. What is unique, though, is stumbling upon ten high-quality bibs with a ton of fun colors for around two dollars a bib. When you combine the price, the premium knit terry cotton, and the amount of bibs you get, no bib offers more value. While it may be more expensive than a set like the Neat Solutions 10-Pack Water Resistant Bib Set, the quality is higher.

Things to consider

The Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs provide a lot of value, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect bibs. When you shop for bibs in bulk, they’re always going to be missing some of the unique features that top-tier bibs offer.

For example, these bibs don’t incorporate a pocket system to catch crumbs or liquids that drip down the bib. If a pocket is something you need, but you like the style of these bibs, the Bumkins SuperBib is an excellent alternative with a similar design.

Who it’s for

The Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs are for parents shopping for high-quality bibs in bulk. Green Sprouts was founded forty years ago by a mother that became frustrated with the lack of quality in bibs that were available, and even today, she runs a tight ship. When you look at these bibs, you’re looking at bibs backed by decades of research and development. More specifically, these bibs work well for parents of newborns and infants in the teething and spit-up phases.

Pros

  • Green Sprouts is a family-oriented company spearheaded by a mother that has personal experience with bibs
  • Washing machine safe
  • Lacks harmful chemicals
  • Three layers of durable and waterproof knit terry cotton

Cons

  • Lack of pocket system and other unique features

4. Best Bib for All-Day Use: KeaBabies Baby Bandana Drool Bibs

KeaBabies Baby Bandana Drool Bibs

Why we like it: KeaBabies is a reliable company that's known for producing premium baby products, and their Baby Bandana Drool Bibs are no exception. It's hard to dislike a bib that's easy to work with, durable, and safe.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Ages: 2-24 months
  • Style: Bandana bib
  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Amount: 10

The KeaBabies Baby Bandana Drool Bibs are versatile bibs designed to protect your child’s skin and clothes from drooling or spitting up. Constant drooling and spitting up is normal in infants and toddlers, but they can cause skin irritations and clothing stains.

KeaBabies focused on creating a product that’s made with premium organic cotton and absorbent fleece to mitigate any potential blemishes or skin irritations. In fact, the materials are strong enough to be worn all day long.

The KeaBabies Baby Bandana Drool Bibs are also easy to work with. There is no need to tie these bandanas because they feature nickel-free snaps. These snaps can be adjusted to fit the size of your child’s neck and come with three different adjustments. When it comes time to clean them, they can be placed in a washing machine and dried in the dryer to make the process quick and hassle-free.

What sets it apart

The KeaBabies Baby Bandana Drool Bibs are unique for a few reasons. First and foremost, the material is organic to reduce the chances of skin irritations. While the material is organic, the quality is exceptional. Not many baby drool bandanas can be worn all day before a wash, which makes this product special. The KeaBabies Baby Bandana Drool Bibs also offer longevity because they can be used from infancy and up to two years.

Things to consider

While the KeaBabies Baby Bandana Drool Bibs perform as advertised, they’re only suitable for drooling and bouts of spitting up. For food and liquids, while they work to an extent, you’re better off using a traditional bib that provides ample coverage of pockets.

Who it’s for

Not all children drool often, and if your child does, it’s completely normal. These bibs work great for parents looking to keep drool stains to a minimum. They don’t require hands-on attention like a bib, and because they can be worn all day, you don’t need to worry about actively wiping your child’s face. KeaBabies is also a famous company that creates many different high-quality baby products. Over the past few decades, they’ve developed excellent customer satisfaction and maintain high reviews across their products. When you’re shopping for your child, it’s great to know that KeaBabies is a company you can trust.

Pros

  • Reputable company that maintains thousands of positive reviews across all of their baby products
  • The bibs can last all day without needing to be changed
  • Adjustable nickel-free straps with three size intervals that last up to two years
  • Machine washable and dryer safe
  • Waterproof double layer of fabric

Cons

  • Ineffective for meals and massive liquid spills

5. Best Budget Bib: Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set

Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set

Why we like it: The Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set is made with a double layer of fabric that keeps away liquids, food, and stains. We also like how many bibs you get at such a low price.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Ages: 2-24 months
  • Style: Traditional bib
  • Material: Fabric
  • Amount: 10

The Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set is a great bundle that includes ten high-quality bibs. The bibs all come with different patterns and colors, which makes the set gender-neutral.

The bibs use a hook and loop fastener that’s simple and easy to use, and while it may take longer than straps, they’re more reliable. They are also made with a water-resistant double-layer fabric that keeps the bibs from retaining moisture. For cleaning, the bibs are machine washable and dryer friendly.

What sets it apart

The Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set provides quality and quantity, which makes these bibs unique. It’s difficult to find ten bibs for a low price, and when you do, there is a good chance that they lack unique features and good quality. These bibs are different because each bib comes with a unique hook and loop design that’s safe and easy to use. While this bib set may be a great bargain, they’re also reliable.

Things to consider

The Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set is an excellent bundle of bibs, but it shouldn’t be used on children with sensitive skin or skin allergies. Based on reviews, in some cases, these bibs can leave a rash on the back of your child’s neck. While cases are rare, if you know that your child’s skin is sensitive, you might want to look for an alternative.

If you like the sound of a bib set that’s easier on the skin, take a look at the Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs.

Who it’s for

The Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set is for parents that have a child on the way or a young infant. The set comes with ten bibs to get you started, which means that you won’t have to worry about getting more in the future. Also, because the set is gender-neutral, the Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set can be a great baby shower gift idea.

Pros

  • Water-resistant fabric
  • Unique hook and loop design that's easy to work with
  • Machine washable and dryer safe
  • Gender-neutral
  • Low cost

Cons

  • Low cost

6. Best Organic Bib: Burt's Bees Baby Bibs

Burt's Bees Baby Bibs

Why we like it: Burt's Bees Baby Bibs are backed by a reputable company that focuses on bringing 100% organic products to their customers. When it comes to organic fabrics and durable quality, it's hard to beat Burt's Bees.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $
  • Ages: 2-12 months
  • Style: Traditional bib
  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Amount: 4

Burt’s Bees Baby Bibs are affordable and gentle on your child’s skin. The bibs feature a design that your child wears like a necklace, and you place it over your baby’s clothes like you would any other clothing. The design is great because your child can’t tug it off, and it’s not restrictive on their necks.

The fabric of the bib consists of 100% naturally grown organic cotton that’s GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified as of 2019, which means that the cotton was grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

While the Burt’s Bees Baby Bibs are organic, they’re also able to maintain premium quality. The cotton fabric features a 2-ply design that makes it easy to wipe your child’s face after a meal, and rib-knit fabric offers plenty of flexibility. For cleaning, these bibs can be machine washed and air-dried, so no need to worry about stains or long sessions of spot washing.

What sets it apart

The Burt’s Bees Baby Bibs have a patent on their pullover easy on and off design. Most bibs are challenging to work with, but you can get this bib on with only one hand. As a busy mother, Burt’s Bees knows that you’re not an octopus and that you need as many free hands as possible. While the design is easy to work with, Burt’s Bees Baby Bibs are one of the only hypoallergenic and organic bibs that you can find.

Things to consider

The Burt’s Bees Baby Bibs do everything they’re supposed to, but the style of these bibs might not work for every parent. While these bibs work well for children under the age of one, they come up short for toddlers. The pullover design is innovative, sure, but it lacks adjustments to accommodate older children.

If you prefer an adjustable bib with more longevity, you might want to consider Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib. The smock-like design lasts longer and keeps fabric away from your child’s sensitive skin.

Who it’s for

The Burt’s Bees Baby Bibs are for parents that have children under the age of one. Burt’s Bees is one of the leading baby companies around, and their focus is on providing organic products that are suitable for the sensitive skin that newborn children have.

Burt’s Bees has a history of impressive reviews and customer satisfaction, which makes the company a brand you can trust. If you’re looking for an organic bib for an affordable price, these bibs are the perfect choice.

Pros

  • Patented pullover easy on/off design
  • GOTS certified, 100% organically grown cotton
  • Machine washable
  • Well-known and reputable high-end baby company

Cons

  • Only fits children under about a year old

7. Best Holiday and Special Occasion Bibs: Hudson Baby Baby Cotton Terry Drooler Bibs

Hudson Baby Baby Cotton Terry Drooler Bibs

Why we like it: The Hudson Baby Baby Cotton Terry Drooler Bibs feature custom knitted embroideries that make them suitable for special occasions and parties. There is nothing quite like letting your little one join in the holiday fun with a custom bib.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$$
  • Ages: 2-24 months
  • Style: Traditional bib
  • Material: Cotton and polyester blend
  • Amount: 10

The Hudson Baby Baby Cotton Terry Drooler Bibs are a high-quality set of bibs that work well for the teething phase, meals, and spit ups. The bibs are made with a 68% cotton and 32% polyester blend that’s filled with durable, absorbent fibers. These bibs also feature different embroideries for birthdays, special occasions, and holidays.

The cotton and polyester blend also makes these bibs machine washable and dryer friendly to make clean up hassle-free. Speaking of hassle-free, the hook and loop design is simple to work with and easy to get on your child.

What sets it apart

These bibs feature unique embroideries that would cost a fortune elsewhere. Every pack that you look at comes with different phrases and wording to fit any occasion, making them fun to work with. While other bibs may have different materials and features, nothing stands out more than a bib that says, “it’s my birthday.”

Things to consider

These bibs incorporate a lot of great features, and they work well, but the embroideries can either work with you or against you. If the pack that you’re looking for is out of stock, or if you have no other bibs, you don’t want your child to think it’s their birthday or Saint Patrick’s Day when it’s not.

If you need simple bibs of similar quality that aren’t so specific, you can always consider the Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set.

Who it’s for

The Hudson Baby Baby Cotton Terry Drooler Bibs are for parents that already have a standard bib set that they enjoy. The embroideries are fun to work with and can add extra excitement to special occasions, but these bibs are best used as bibs for special events. They’re great to have around for when the time comes, and Hudson Baby is a reputable company known for making high-quality baby products. So, even if you won’t be using them every day, when the time comes, you’ll have a bib you can trust that’s bound to impress everyone that sees it.

Pros

  • Custom embroideries for any occasion
  • Reputable high-end baby company
  • Absorbent polyester and cotton blend
  • Machine washable and dryer safe

Cons

  • Embroideries make the bibs challenging to work with for everyday use
  • Expensive

8. Best Portable Bib: Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib

Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib

Why we like it: The Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib uses premium silicone that's BPA-free to prevent skin irritations and other adverse health effects. Not only are these bibs safe, but they're portable and easy to work with.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $
  • Ages: 7 months+
  • Style: Traditional Bib
  • Material: Silicone
  • Amount: 2

The Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib is an above-average silicone bib. The silicone used for this bib is made without potential skin irritants and harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. The silicone used in the bib is also flexible, and it can be rolled up to make traveling simple.

For clean up, the bib can be placed in the dishwasher or spot clean with a warm cloth and soap, and there is a pocket at the bottom to catch excess crumbs or liquid. Overall, the Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib is a simple baby bib that gets the job done at home or on the go.

What sets it apart

An issue with most silicone bibs is that the neck strap, while adjustable, can become a potential hazard. Silicone does not mix with a baby’s skin well because it can cause irritation, and if the strap is too tight, it can cut off airflow.

The Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib solves both of these problems with a clever dimpled reverse backing. The backing keeps the strap directly off of your child’s neck, and the dimples provide ample airflow even if you have the bib on tight. When traveling, it’s tough to find a more reliable portable bib.

Things to consider

The Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib serves its purpose well, but when you leave out BPA and phthalates, there is a tradeoff. While these bibs are safe, they stain easily. In most cases, it’s not noticeable, but depending on what you feed your child, the silicone can show stains.

If you like the idea of a silicone bib, but need one that won’t stain, the Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs is a great alternative.

Who it’s for

Based on customer reviews, the Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib works best for parents of small infants and young toddlers. While the neck strap is adjustable, the maximum size does not accommodate growing children once you reach the twenty-four-month mark. If you need high-quality and safe travel bibs, these bibs are a great choice.

Pros

  • Portable roll-up design
  • BPA-free silicone material that's waterproof and flexible
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • The bib can stain easily

9. Best Bib for Older Children: Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib

Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib

Why we like it: The Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib offers parents a different choice than most standard bibs you can find. The innovative apron-like design makes the bib easy to work with, and it can be used for years.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Ages: 2-36 months
  • Style: Front-sleeve bib
  • Material: Polyester
  • Amount: 1

When shopping for bibs, parents often jump to shoulder straps or neck straps because they’re convenient and affordable. While there is nothing wrong with those bib styles, the Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib offers a different approach to bibs. This bib acts like a smock, and it’s designed to cover your child’s entire torso.

When using this bib, all you need to do is place it around your child’s neck like you would with any other bib and tie a knot in the back. The design is robust for two reasons; it’s adjustable for infants and toddlers, and it’s nearly impossible for your child to tug it off by mistake.

The Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib is made with a single-ply polyester fabric that’s machine washable and waterproof. The single-ply design is also beneficial because you won’t need to worry about moisture, mold, or bacteria growing in between layers of fabric.

What sets it apart

The Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib features a rare design that can grow with your child. Compared to standard bibs with age restrictions, this bib can be used for years. The smock-like design is also unique because it provides more coverage than traditional bibs.

With other bibs, parts of your child’s clothes will remain exposed to potential spills, but this bib has no blind spots. Plus, even if a discharge is in danger of reaching your child’s pants, it features a pocket that stops spills dead in their tracks.

Things to consider

The Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib’s smock-like design helps it stand out, but the design can also be its biggest flaw. The bib is larger than other bibs, and while the polyester is lightweight, it’s still heavier than most bibs on the market. Unfortunately, the heavyweight can make this bib challenging to work with. If you need a bib that comes with the same polyester material and provides similar coverage with less weight, you might want to consider the Bumkins.

Who it’s for

The Bumkins Fleece-Front Sleeved Bib is for parents shopping for a bib that will last a child a few years. For infants, the bib protects clothing from food and liquid stains, and the adjustable smock-like design allows you to use it well into their toddler years. This bib also works well for children that love arts and crafts because it can be used as an apron.

Pros

  • Unique apron-like design that works for infants and toddlers
  • Features a crumb and spill catcher
  • Tug-proof
  • The single-ply fabric keeps moisture from building up in between fabric layers
  • Waterproof
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • It's heavier than traditional bibs
  • Expensive

10. Cutest Bib: Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs

Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs

Why we like it: The Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs features fun animal designs bound to get your child's attention. During the teething phase, we love that your child won't fuss over wearing these bandana bibs all day long.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Ages: 2-24 months
  • Style: Bandana Bib
  • Material: Cotton
  • Amount: 10

The Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs is a great way to combat the early days of teething where frequent drooling starts to happen. These Upsimples bibs are made with organic cotton that’s soft to the touch, and they include a second layer of polyester that has a waterproof coating. The materials that Upsimples uses are machine washable and dryer safe, making clean up a breeze.

Instead of using a complicated hook and loop design, these bandana bibs feature a nickel-free strap system that has three different size settings. The sizes accommodate children between the ages of three months and two years, and the material is durable enough to last for several hours.

What sets it apart

The Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs is unique because it’s fun. While that may seem silly, these bibs come with animal faces that your child is bound to fall in love with. While plenty of bibs and bib sets feature patterns and neon colors, there is something about cute animals that attract children. Instead of fussing to get it on your child, they’ll be more inclined to wear it with a happy smile.

Things to consider

Like all baby bib bandanas, the drawback to the Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs is that they can’t handle food or liquid stains well. These bibs are designed to accommodate drooling that occurs during teething, so if you’re looking for a bib set that works well for eating, you should consider the Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs instead.

Who it’s for

The Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs is for parents that are stuck in the teething phase. The teething period can begin as early as two months and can last up to two years. During this time, your child may excessively drool as their baby teeth come in. For parents that end up with drool stained clothes, these cute Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs are the solution.

Pros

  • Cute animal patterns that draw children in and reduce tugging or fussing
  • Nickel-free adjustable straps with three settings
  • Organic cotton

Cons

  • Ineffective when used for meals

Everything You Need to Know About Baby Bibs

Baby boy wearing a yellow bib
Shopping for bibs may seem straightforward, especially when you have the best products to choose from. While bibs may seem simple, most bibs have specific uses and design features that apply to unique situations. So, to help you narrow down your options, we’re going to take you through the everyday bib situations.

Getting Started

When you have a baby on the way, or if you’re a new parent, you’re going to need a lot of bibs. While one bib will get the job done, by the time you’ve finished cleaning it, there is a good chance that your baby either spit up or drooled all over their clothes. The solution? Start with a set of bibs. Let us explain.

During the early months of infancy, babies are fragile, and their stomachs are getting used to their new food source. In most cases, newborn babies typically suffer from a mild form of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While this disease is dangerous for adults, infants tend to grow out of it once their bodies fully adjust to life outside the womb. The point, though, is that there will be a lot of spit-ups during the early days.

So, to make sure you can keep your babies cute new clothes clean, you’ll need bibs that can handle frequent spit-ups, drool, and spills, and you’ll need a lot of them. A great bib set to get you started is the Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs.

This bib set is great for infants, and it’s not complicated to work with. Plus, if you’re using one, you can place the used bib into your washing machine for a quick clean.

The Teething Phase

Once you get through the early months of infancy, at around the four-month mark, the teething phase begins. The teething period begins when your child starts to grow their first set of baby teeth, and while it’s a magical time, it’s a time filled with lots of drool. You might not be worried about a little bit of drool, but it adds up throughout the day and can stain your child’s clothing.

At around the four-month mark, we recommend getting started with a set of drool bibs that your child can comfortably wear throughout the day. Drool bibs technically resemble small bandanas, and the good ones can absorb the drool before it reaches your child’s clothes. A great drool bib set to get you started is the KeaBabies Baby Bandana Drool Bibs. These bibs last all day, and the set comes with plenty of fun patterns to get you through the whole teething phase.

Solid Foods

Once your child moves on to solid food, things start to change. While the drool will calm down, and spit ups become less frequent, that doesn’t mean your child knows how to eat like a proper person yet. Unfortunately, this leads to messy eating filled with crumbs and spills.

Once your child switches over to solid foods, we recommend looking into a bib that you can use correctly for meals. The Bumkins SuperBib is the perfect bib for the job because it’s made with one layer of machine-washable polyester fabric that keeps moisture from building up.

Outdoors

The time is going to come where you want to spend a day at the park or beach with your child. We all love the outdoors, and having a newborn baby can keep you cooped up in the house for months. So, when it’s finally time to spend a day outside, you’re going to need a portable bib if you pack a lunch.

Portable bibs are a great tool to have, but you need to make sure you choose the right materials. For outdoors, we always recommend going with a silicone bib because they can be rinsed out and cleaned up in seconds. Plus, most silicone bibs can be rolled up to fit soundly in your travel bag. If you need a high-quality portable bib, the Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib is a great choice.

Restaurants

As your child gets older, you’ll want to start enjoying the simple act of eating at a restaurant. Home-cooked meals can be great, but eventually, we all crave the experience of a care-free meal with our loved ones. If you choose to bring your child with you, during the first few years, you should always carry a bib. Not only does a bib make cleanup for you easy, but it takes the burden off of the serving staff too.

Plenty of bibs can work in a restaurant setting, but you want to focus on a bib that’s lightweight, portable, and not bulky. The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs are a great choice because they resist stains, catch crumbs, and can be cleaned with a cloth at the restaurant.

Children With Sensitive Skin

Babies tend to have sensitive skin, which can lead to irritations if it comes into contact with the wrong materials, chemicals, and fabrics. Not all babies have the same skin, which is why some trial and error, in the beginning, is essential; this way, you get to know what fabrics work and what materials don’t. If you notice that your child is having an adverse reaction to polyester or silicone, it’s time to give an organic bib a try.

Organic bibs are careful not to include harmful chemicals and additives like dyes, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates, and BPA. Burt’s Bees is one of the top baby companies that produce organic baby products, and their Burt’s Bees Baby Bibs are no exception. These bibs are 100% organic and work well for infants with sensitive skin or skin allergies.

For Toddlers

Choosing bibs for toddlers can be difficult because their bodies start to grow rapidly. Once their bodies grow, traditional bibs start to become inadequate because they can’t cover the child’s torso anymore. While some toddlers become clean eaters, it doesn’t happen overnight. Therefore, you need a bib that can grow with your toddler and last years.

The Bumkins Fleece Front-Sleeved Bib is an excellent bib for toddlers because it serves many purposes. The apron-like design provides plenty of torso coverage to protect clothes, and it can be used for eating or arts and crafts.

Special Occasions

The first year of being a parent is special, and you get to experience milestones like their first holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations. While most bibs can work all year round if you want to add some flare to your child’s first holidays and birthdays, a set of bibs that feature custom embroideries is a great way to do so.

The Hudson Baby Baby Cotton Terry Drooler Bibs is a great way to get your hands on custom bibs without spending a fortune on custom embroideries. These bibs come in a set of ten, and feature embroideries for several special occasions like birthdays.

Great Gifts

If you found yourself here looking for a baby shower gift, you came to the right place. Baby bibs can be a great gift for baby showers because a parent can never have enough bibs, and they’re inexpensive compared to other products. If you’re shopping for bibs as a gift, it’s always best to go for a gender-neutral set of drool bandanas or baby bibs.

For drool bibs, the Upsimples 10-Pack Baby Bandana Bibs is a great choice that features ten bandana bibs with different colors and patterns. If you’re looking for a pack of traditional bibs, the Neat Solutions 10 Pack Water Resistant Bib Set is an affordable set of ten bibs that feature diverse colors and patterns.
Baby in chair with his arms out, wearing a bib

FAQ

When should my baby start using a bib?

Bibs can be introduced at a young age, but we always recommend waiting until two months. Infants need to be close to parents, which means you’ll need lots of skin-to-skin contact. Bibs can get in the way of that, so try and hold off until around two months or the teething phase, if possible.

Should babies sleep with a bib on?

While infants, newborns, and toddlers need bibs for eating, you should never leave it on without supervision. Depending on the bib, an infant can hurt themselves. For sleeping, always remove the bib before you leave the room.

When should babies stop wearing bibs?

Babies need bibs for many things, but there is a time when the need for bibs drops. This depends on your child, and some bibs need to be used longer than others. For example, a bandana bib works the best between six months and one year, while traditional bibs can be useful for up to two years.

How many bibs do I need for a newborn?

When you first have your child, you’ll want to have at least ten bibs. While it may seem like nursing is a clean process, spit-ups and drooling frequently happen during the first few months. Being prepared is essential, and one bib is not going to be enough.

Are drool bibs necessary?

Unfortunately, you’re going to need a drool bib. Drooling during the teething phase is inevitable, and if you want to keep stains off of your child’s clothes, a drool is the best way to do it.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for bibs is more complicated than many parents think because every bib serves a different purpose. We know how confusing it can be, but as long as you have the right tools at your disposal, having a baby doesn’t need to be messy. While changing diapers is going to become part of life, you don’t need to throw out clothes because they become filled with food or drool.

When you’re getting started, or if the baby is on the way, we always recommend starting with at least ten bibs. With ten bibs, you’ll always have a clean bib ready to go whenever you need it. So, while you can usually find the best product and move on, with bibs, you want to experiment with as many bibs as possible. You can never have enough, and be sure to pay attention to how your child’s skin reacts to each bib you try.