When it’s time to hold your child, unfortunately, things can get messy. If you are holding your child, burping your child, or even feeding your child, you’re going to need a burp cloth. Burp cloths keep messes from reaching your clothing, which helps reduce stains, wet clothes, and unhappy babies.
We all know how messy babies can be, and it’s not their fault. As long as you have the right burp cloth, you’ll never have to worry about a mess again. We’re going to take you through the ten best burp cloths around and go over everything you need to know about them. This way, you can make an informed decision and get the burp cloth you need. So, if you’re looking for the best burp cloths, read on!
- Features to Consider in a Baby’s Burp Cloth
- Top 10 Best Burp Cloths 2023
- 1. Best Overall Burp Cloths: Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths
- 2. Best Premium Burp Cloths: Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths
- 3. Best Organic Burp Cloths: Burt's Bee's Baby Burp Cloths
- 4. Best Unisex Burp Cloths: Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Burp Cloths
- 5. Best Flannel Cotton Burp Cloths: Luvable Friends Unisex Burp Cloths
- 6. Best Hand-Stitched Burp Cloths: Arnzion Baby Burp Cloths
- 7. Best Burp Cloth for long Periods: KeaBabies Organic Burp Cloths
- 8. Best Budget Burp Cloths: PPOGOO Burp Cloths
- 9. Best Organic Muslin Cotton Burp Cloths: Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths
- 10. Best Portable Burp Cloths: Spasilk Baby-Boys Newborn 3 Pack
- Everything You Need to Know About Burp Cloths
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Features to Consider in a Baby’s Burp Cloth
Size
You should always pay attention to the size of a burp cloth. Burp cloths come in different sizes, and each size offers something slightly different. While a giant burp cloth covers your entire shoulder and chest, it might be heavier than a smaller burp cloth. On average, a good size is 20″ by “10, with room for a few inches on each side.
It might seem like bigger is better, but a smaller burp cloth can double as a bib, and have less of a chance of falling off while you’re using it. The size comes down to your preference. When we refer to smaller burp cloths, we mean a few inches smaller, not just a miniature rag. A standard small burp cloth size is about 17″ by 7”.
Material
Most burp cloths are made from the same material, and for most burp cloths, cotton is the fabric of choice. When shopping for burp cloths, you’ll see cotton used in different situations. The most common forms of cotton used in burp cloths are muslin cotton and flannel cotton. We go into more detail below.
Muslin Cotton
Muslin cotton is a unique type of cotton that originated in the Middle East and made its way into Europe and the United States during the early 1900s. Muslin cotton is used in burp cloths because it’s soft, durable, and resistant to stains. Muslin cotton is also lightweight and has plenty of airflow. For liquid absorption, muslin burp cloths are ideal.
Flannel Cotton
The word flannel can be deceiving. Flannel is often used to describe a pattern, but that’s not always true. Flannel cotton is a type of cloth that can be brushed for additional softness, and baby flannel is a unique type of cotton. Baby flannel is soft to the touch but heavy enough to provide warmth and durability.
French Terry Cotton
French terry cotton is less soft than muslin cotton but more durable because it tends to be knit. French Terry Cotton has one side that’s softer than the other, which is why many burp cloth manufacturers choose to work with French terry cotton. French terry cotton is also great for absorbing liquids because it’s thicker and heavier than organic and muslin cotton. So, if stains and spills are your concern, French terry cotton is a great option.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, artificial fertilizers, or other harmful chemicals. Organic cotton comes in a few different forms, but for the most part, it’s the safest cotton you can work with. If your child has sensitive skin, organic cotton can prevent skin allergies and skin irritations.
Amount
When shopping for burp cloths, you should always take a look at how many you get. While one burp cloth is all you need for a session of burping, what if it’s still in the wash? This is why you should always consider shopping for products that come with plenty of extra burp cloths. You should always be over-prepared instead of underprepared. This may mean getting a few cloths, or even a variety, instead of just one.
Now that you have some basics to look out for, let’s review some of the best burp clothes available today. For a more in-depth guide on what to look for when buying a burp cloth, check out our full guide below.
Top 10 Best Burp Cloths 2023
1. Best Overall Burp Cloths: Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: Muslin Cotton
- Size: Large, 20″×10″
- Amount: 6
Overview
Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths are high-quality burp cloths made with 100% cotton. The fabric is soft to the touch and doesn’t leave any marks on your child’s face. The material is made with six different layers that have absorbent properties, meaning liquid spills and spit-ups can be easily tidied with these cloths. Cleaning is also simple with the Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths because they’re safe to use with washing machines and dryers.
What Sets it Apart
The Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths are unique because you get six large cloths at a great value. Packs of burp cloths generally come in packages of four, and they can lack the size you need to clean large surfaces. These burp cloths come in a large size with absorbent material that can handle any mess. For what you get, and the value, these are the best burp cloths around.
Things to Consider
The Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths are well made and are some of the best burp cloths around, but their cotton material is not bulletproof. While you can clean them in a washing machine and dry them in a dryer, cotton is known to shrink. If you’re shopping for these burp cloths based on their size, knowing that they might shrink can be a big red flag. Granted, even if they do shrink, it’s not by much. If you’re looking for burp cloths that won’t shrink in a dryer, the Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths are a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths are great for parents that are just starting out. Infants can be messy, and if you’re using towels or napkins to clean spills, you’ll go through them quickly. For the price, these burp cloths are a great way to make sure that you can handle any mess. You can get six large burp cloths that are easy to clean, and they’re affordable on most budgets. If you’re shopping for a baby shower gift, these burp cloths can also be a great option. The package comes with a bag and ribbon if you’re looking to give them as a gift.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Large size and absorbent material
- Soft cotton
- Come with bag and ribbon for easy gift giving
Cons
- They can shrink when used in a dryer
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: Muslin cotton
- Size: 20″ by 10″
- Amount: 4
Overview
The Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths are a set of four premium white burp cloths. The fabric is made with 100% cotton, but they have a unique coating that keeps the cotton from shrinking in dryers. The cloths also feature an absorbent layer that retains plenty of moisture to make cleaning simple. Instead of being primarily burp cloths, these cloths can be used to clean up diapers, ordinary household messes, and other baby messes.
The Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths come pre-washed and pre-folded, which makes cleaning them simple. Once they’re placed in the washing machine, simply let the washer and dryer handle all of your cleaning needs. The pre-fold also makes these burp cloths easy to hang on a hanging rack for compact storage.
What Sets it Apart
The Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths are unique because they dry off quickly. If you find yourself in a pinch and need to clean one quick, they dry in half the time compared to cotton burp cloths. Children can be messy, so it’s always good to know that the burp cloth can be ready quickly. Plus, compared to products like the Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths, these burp cloths don’t shrink in the dryer.
Things to Consider
Having burp cloths clean and ready to go is a great feature, but the pre-fold design has a minor flaw. Since the burp cloths have creases folded into them right out of the box, if you fail to fold them when you hang them, you might have trouble getting them to fold correctly in the future. While this is a minor problem, it can be tedious. If you don’t want to worry about folding, the Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths are a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths work well for most parents, but busy parents benefit the most from this product. Parenting can be difficult and time-consuming, which might lead you to forget about washing your burp cloths. Since these cloths can dry faster than other burp cloths, they’re great for parents that have their hands full. Overall, they’re more forgiving than other cotton burp cloths because you don’t need to worry about leaving them in the dryer for too long.
Pros
- They dry twice as fast as other burp cloths
- They don't shrink in the dryer
- Their large size and absorbent material make these burp cloths viable for multiple cleaning situations
- Pre-folded and pre-dried
Cons
- Pre-fold design can be challenging to maintain, which can lead to folding issues down the line
3. Best Organic Burp Cloths: Burt's Bee's Baby Burp Cloths
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: Organic cotton
- Size: 16″+11.8″
- Amount: 5
Overview
The Burt’s Bee’s Baby Burp Cloths are versatile and easy to work with. They can be used as a traditional burp cloth for cleaning messes, but the trifold design allows you to sling them over your child’s shoulder like a bib or bandana. A design like this is beneficial during the teething phase because it reduces the chances of drool staining your child’s clothes.
The Burt’s Bee’s Baby Burp Cloths also benefit from an organic cotton fabric. In total, there are three layers of cotton that quickly absorb liquids. These burp cloths are also made with a 2-ply design that reduces the chance of moisture and bacteria accumulating between layers of fabric. In other words, a simple run through the washing machine is enough to clean the burp cloths thoroughly.
What Sets it Apart
Burt’s Bee’s Baby Burp Cloths are unique because they rely on organic materials. The cotton they use is made without pesticides and fertilizers, and it’s GOTS certified as of 2019. With a lack of potentially harmful additives, there is a low chance that these burp cloths will cause skin irritation if they come into contact with your child’s skin. Plus, even though they’re organic, these burp cloths are just as durable as products like the Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths.
Things to Consider
Organic burp cloths are great for your child’s skin, but there is one downside to organically farmed cotton. While modified cottons can withstand the dryer, you have to be a little bit more careful with these burp cloths. For example, the best method for drying them is to let them air dry. If you’re looking for a burp cloth that’s easier to work with, you might want to consider the Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths.
Who It’s For
Burt’s Bees is one of the more well-known and consistent baby brands around. The company specializes in bringing organic products into your child’s life. If your child has sensitive skin, the Burt’s Bee’s Baby Burp Cloths are the best choice.
Pros
- Organically grown cotton is perfect for sensitive baby skin
- Trifold design allows your child to wear the cloth
- Machine washable
Cons
- The burp cloths need to be air-dried, which can take hours
4. Best Unisex Burp Cloths: Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Burp Cloths
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: Flannel cotton
- Size: 14″ by 20″
- Amount: 4
Overview
The Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths are a great way to add a little flair to your cleaning routine. When worn by your child, they can be wrapped around their shoulder to fit firmly above their clothes, and the different patterns make for great wardrobe choices. The burp cloths are made with premium cotton fabric that’s machine washable and dryer safe, which makes them easy to clean.
The cotton is made with multiple layers of fabric that make these burp cloths versatile. While they work well for dealing with drool, these burp cloths can also be used for cleaning other baby products. For example, these burp cloths are large enough to clean diapers, counters, and high chairs.
What Sets it Apart
The Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths use three different layers of fabric that are nearly identical to the Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths. The inside layer of fabric is made with a 3-ply design that stops spills in their tracks; the outer layers are made with a 2-ply design that’s resistant to stains. They can also be used during the child’s teething phase as a result.
Things to Consider
While more fabric may seem better, this isn’t always the case. When you have more layers of material, there is more room for moisture and bacteria to build up within the fabric, and this can make it almost impossible to clean the burp cloths. If you’re looking for burp cloths that will last longer, the Burt’s Bee’s Baby Burp Cloths are a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths are great for parents that are looking to add some extra flair to their child’s wardrobe. The burp cloths are reversible too, which means that they can be used all day by simply flipping them over. The fabric on both outer layers is identical, so you don’t need to worry about liquids getting through, thanks to the secure 3-ply inner layer of cotton.
Pros
- Plenty of stylish flannel patterns
- These burp cloths can be used to wipe down surfaces
- You can place them on your child for the teething phase
- Three layers of durable fabric to reduce the chance of liquid spills reaching clothing
Cons
- Multiple layers of fabric is a double-edged sword because of moisture and bacteria build-up
5. Best Flannel Cotton Burp Cloths: Luvable Friends Unisex Burp Cloths
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: Flannel cotton
- Size: 14″ by 20″
- Amount: 4
The Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths are made with 100% cotton that’s machine washable and dryer safe. The cotton is made with multiple absorbent layers that keep the drool from reaching your child’s clothes, and they can be used for cleaning counters, diapers, and high chairs. While these burp cloths are effective, the four-pack includes plenty of pattern combinations if style is a concern.
What Sets it Apart
The Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths are unique because they feature two different textures of fabric. While other burp cloths focus on using a 2-ply or 3-ply design, these burp cloths use a combination of both. On the inside, the cloths use a 3-ply composition to provide absorption support to the outer layers. The outer layers of the burp cloths use 2-ply designs that absorb plenty of liquid without staining. So, even if liquids penetrate the one layer of fabric, there is no way spills are getting through two more layers.
Things to Consider
The combination of 2-ply and 3-ply fabric is innovative, but it comes at a cost. When you’re dealing with multiple layers of material, and they have different threads, it’s easy for moisture and bacteria to get caught in the burp cloths. Using a washing machine and dryer helps, but after a handful of washes, you’ll notice that they don’t get as clean as they used to. If the idea of moisture and bacteria makes you queasy, the Burt’s Bee’s Baby Burp Cloths are a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you want to add a little style to you and your child’s wardrobe, the Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths are a great choice. The patterns are great to work with, and you can come up with a lot of great combinations. Also, if you plan on using the burp cloths instead of placing them on your child, these cloths provide enough layers of fabric to keep liquids from reaching your clothes.
Pros
- Three layers of absorbent fabric
- 2-ply out layers and 3-ply inner layer to prevent liquid penetration
- Flannel themed patterns to match wardrobes
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Cons
- Bacteria and moisture can build up in between layers of fabric
6. Best Hand-Stitched Burp Cloths: Arnzion Baby Burp Cloths
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: Hand-stitched cotton
- Size: 19″×9″
- Amount: 4
Overview
The Arnzion Baby Burp Cloths come with four cloths with four unique patterns. The cloths are unisex, which means that they’re inclusive for both genders. For materials, Arzion chose to use 100% cotton fabric that features a waterproof coating. There are two sides of the cloth, and the top layer features the pattern while the bottom layer is made with thick cotton that has dense weaving to keep liquids from seeping through.
The Arnzion Baby Burp Cloths also feature an angled design that allows you to wear it over your clothes. Plus, if you want to use it as a bib, it’s large enough to cover your child’s torso. Cleaning is also easy, and the burp cloths are machine washable and dryer safe.
What Sets it Apart
The Arnzion Baby Burp Cloths are unique because they’re made by hand. When you look at the burp cloths up close, you can see the fine stitching and woven cotton. Hand-stitched fabric is also beneficial because it’s created in a way that reduces the chances of the burp cloth shrinking when used in the dryer. While mass-produced cotton is generally okay, the personal touch gives weavers more wiggle room.
Things to Consider
While the Arnzion Baby Burp Cloths are made with hand-stitched cotton, there is a drawback to this method, and there is a reason that cotton is woven with machines. The durability of these burp cloths can be questionable, and it can be hard to determine how long the cloths will last. If you like the unisex fabric, but need consistency, the Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths are a great alternative.
Who It’s For
Parents use burp cloths for different things, but these burp cloths are best suited for parents that will be wearing them over clothing. While they can be used to clean surfaces, and your child’s face, the angled design makes them ideal for wearing for both children and adults. The waterproof coating makes them perfect for keeping your clothing safe while you burp your child.
Pros
- Waterproof coating
- Angled design makes them easy to wear over clothing
- Double-sided design is excellent for absorbing liquids and wiping down surfaces
- Unisex
Cons
- Hand-stitched cotton lacks the consistency that machined cotton provides
7. Best Burp Cloth for long Periods: KeaBabies Organic Burp Cloths
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: French terry cotton
- Size: 21″ by 10.5″
- Amount: 5
Overview
The KeaBabies Organic Burp Cloths are made with care and precision. The cotton is organically grown, meaning that no pesticides are present within the cotton or fertilizer. While the cotton is safe, it’s also durable and water-resistant. The cotton is made with three secure layers to keep liquids from reaching your clothes, and the additional layers make them great for cleaning things around the house too. Plus, when it’s time to wash the burp cloths, you can sit back and let your washing machine and dryer do the work.
The package comes with five burp cloths in total, and each one comes with a unique design, pattern, and color. Even if you’re on the go, it’s easy to match these burp cloths to your outfit. The KeaBabies Organic Burp Cloths also features a figure-8 design that makes them comfortable and easy to wear because the weight of the materials is easily distributed. When you combine this with their large size and absorbent fabric, these burp cloths stand up well against long sessions of burping.
What Sets it Apart
KeaBabies, as a company, is in a league of their own when it comes to baby products. The company is known for producing plenty of high-quality baby products and are well known in the US, making them an easy company to trust. Their organic burp cloths are no exception, and they maintain the high quality that KeaBabies is known for.
Things to Consider
While the figure-8 design is unique, and arguably one of its best features, the KeaBabies Organic Burp Cloths are heavy. It might not seem like a piece of cloth can be cumbersome, but when you combine densely woven cotton with a large size, it adds a lot of weight. This added weight can make burping sessions uncomfortable because it places a degree of strain on your shoulder. If you’re looking for burp cloths with less weight, but need organic cotton, the Burt’s Bees Baby Burp Cloths are a great option.
Who It’s For
There are a handful of burp cloths that come in a similar size, but the KeaBabies Organic Burp Cloths can easily cover your entire shoulder if you’ll be holding your child to burp them. The figure-8 design is also unique and makes them easy to sling right over your shoulder. If you have a newborn child, and you need to protect your clothes during long sessions of burping, these burp cloths are the perfect choice.
Pros
- Organic cotton
- Figure-8 design distributes weight across your shoulder
- Unisex
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Cons
- The burp cloths are heavy
8. Best Budget Burp Cloths: PPOGOO Burp Cloths
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: Muslin cotton
- Size: 20″ by 10″
- Amount: 4
Overview
The PPOGOO Burp Cloths are a perfect example of simplicity combined with efficiency. While the white cotton appearance of these burp cloths seems simple, beneath the surface, there are five additional layers of fabric. When protecting your clothing, you want to make sure that there is as much fabric as possible between your clothes and your child’s vomit.
The PPOGOO Burp Cloths are also easy to clean and feature a versatile design. To wash these burp cloths, all you need to do is let your washing machine and dryer do the work. The design is handy because the burp cloths can be worn over clothing, or used as a rag to wipe down messy surfaces.
What Sets it Apart
The PPOGOO Burp Cloths benefit from their six layers of cotton. While plenty of burp cloths have three or four layers of fabric, there aren’t a lot of burp cloths that boast six layers of muslin cotton. The six layers keep stains to a minimum, and keep liquids and vomit from reaching your clothes. Durability wise, these burp cloths are hard to beat.
Things to Consider
There is a reason that a lot of other companies focus on using fewer layers of fabric. While six layers of material are excellent at stopping liquids from penetrating the burp cloth, it makes them difficult to clean. When used often, the burp cloths can build up bacteria and moisture in between each layer of fabric. Unfortunately, a washing machine can’t always penetrate those deep layers of cotton. If you’re looking for burp cloths that provide similar protection without using so many layers, the Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths are a great choice.
Who It’s For
If you have a newborn child, you’ll want to consider these burp cloths. Burping your child will inevitably lead to spitting up, and if their head is by your shoulder, their vomit can cause a stain. The six layers of fabric that these burp cloths provide is plenty of material to keep your clothing clean. So, if you’re concerned about your clothes, these burp cloths are a great choice.
Pros
- Six layers of fabric keep liquids and vomit from reaching your clothes
- High-quality muslin cotton
- Large enough to cover your entire shoulder
Cons
- Moisture and bacteria can build up in between the layers of fabric
9. Best Organic Muslin Cotton Burp Cloths: Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: Organic muslin cotton
- Size: 24″ by 9″
- Amount: 4
Overview
Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths are made with premium organic cotton that’s farmed without pesticides and artificial fertilizer. The result of using organic cotton is a soft-to-the-touch burp cloth that’s safe to wipe your child’s face with. Even if your child has sensitive skin or allergic reactions to traditional muslin cotton, these cloths are hypoallergenic.
The Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths are also comfortable for parents to wear, and they’re large enough to cover your entire shoulder. To protect your clothing, there are four layers of cotton that keep vomit and liquid from reaching your clothing. Then, once it’s time to wash them, they’re machine washable and dryer safe.
What Sets it Apart
The Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths are unique because they use four layers of fabric that are tightly woven, and each layer is made with a muslin cotton that’s organically farmed. While having four layers of material is not unique, these burp cloths are special because the cotton is tightly woven to keep moisture and bacteria from growing in between the layers. Another interesting thing is that as you wash the burp cloths, they seem to get softer. Every segment of fabric is made the same, which means that each time a layer of fabric is worn down, a new layer of soft muslin cotton emerges.
Things to Consider
While the Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths seem to get everything right, there is one drawback. While the size of the cloths is large enough to cover your shoulder, the burp cloths are a little too big. This can make it difficult to maneuver with the burp cloths on because they can slip off of your shoulder easily. If you’re looking for burp cloths in a similar size, that won’t slip, you should consider the Arnzion Baby Burp Cloths.
Who It’s For
Green Sprouts has been around for over forty years and was founded by a mother that knows how difficult the early months of infancy can be. Even today, as the company grew, she remains the active president and calls the shots. If you’re looking for burp cloths that come with a personal touch from someone who has gone through what you’re going through, these burp cloths are an excellent choice.
Pros
- Organic cotton without pesticides and artificial fertilizer
- Four layers of tightly woven muslin cotton
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Cons
- Bulky size leads to slipping when you move around with it on your shoulder
10. Best Portable Burp Cloths: Spasilk Baby-Boys Newborn 3 Pack
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Material: French terry cotton
- Size: 12″ by 17″
- Amount: 3
The Spasilk Baby-Boys Newborn 3 Pack comes with everything you need to get started with a newborn. The burp cloths are designed with infants in mind, meaning that you can start using these cloths the second you get back home from the hospital. Instead of using only one layer of cotton, these burp cloths feature two layers of densely woven fabric to reduce the chances of liquids or vomit reaching your clothing.
The Spasilk Baby-Boys Newborn 3 Pack makes lives more manageable thanks to their quick cleaning routine. There is no need to spot wash or use your washing machine on its gentle setting because the cotton is durable enough to handle washing machines and the dryer. Overall, this is an affordable 3-pack that gets the job done.
What Sets it Apart
The Spasilk Baby-Boys Newborn 3 Pack is unique because each burp cloth is portable. While many burp cloths benefit from being big and bulky, these burp cloths sacrifice a few inches to help you move around your home without having to worry about them slipping off. For added portability, these burp cloths come with a panel design that enables you to fold them and store them easily.
Things to Consider
The Spasilk burp cloths are portable, but there is a trade-off. They’re small, which leaves some areas of your clothing vulnerable to messes. Unfortunately, you can’t predict where a baby is going spit-up, so leaving any part of your clothing vulnerable is risky. If you’re worried about your clothes, and value more coverage, you might want to consider the Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths instead.
Who It’s For
If you’re a parent that needs to move around your home often, the Spasilk Baby-Boys Newborn 3 Pack is perfect for you. You get three high-quality burp cloths that make mobile burping a breeze. While these burp cloths are great for parents that need to move around, unfortunately, they lack the quality they need to be considered a primary burp cloth.
Pros
- Small and lightweight design for mobile burping
- Foldable design for compact storage
- Densely woven, soft cotton fabric
Cons
- Small size reduces shoulder and chest coverage leaving your clothing vulnerable
- Only suitable for boys
Everything You Need to Know About Burp Cloths
Shopping for burp cloths is easy with the products in front of you, but knowing what products are best is only half of what you need to make a decision. You need to shop based on your needs, and for those needs, not every burp cloth is suitable or efficient. So, before you choose a burp cloth, let us help you discover which product you need.
Burp cloths are used for many different applications, but they’re primarily designed to keep your clothes fresh while you burp your child. Aside from burping your baby, burp cloths can be effective for spot cleaning after a diaper change, or cleaning surfaces like high chairs and tables. Keep in mind; no single burp cloth is going to fill all of these needs.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Burp cloths are typically made with three different types of cotton, but not all cotton is the same. If you choose the wrong material, you can end up with skin rashes or stained clothing. We covered this earlier, but let’s take a more in-depth look here.
Muslin Cotton
Muslin cotton is one of the most common materials that you’ll find. Muslin cotton has a few different uses, but the muslin cotton you see in baby products is designed to retain liquids while remaining soft. We’re going to use cheese as an example, we know it sounds strange, but bear with us for a moment.
Muslin cotton was a popular fabric during the early days of cheese making. The material would be woven into a bag, and when you empty the bag, only the solid cheese would come out. This works the same way for babies because chunks from spit up will come off easily, and the muslin cotton will retain the liquids. We know it’s gross to think about, but liquid retention is ideal when you’re shopping for a burp cloth because it makes clean-up simple.
Muslin cotton is the most common fabric in burp cloths for a reason, but some burp cloths are better than others. If you like the sound of muslin cotton, you should consider the Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths. These burp cloths are lightweight, water-resistant and great for cleaning up liquid spills.
Flannel Cotton
Flannel cotton is another popular fabric used for babies, and we’re not talking about the pattern. Flannel cotton is excellent because it’s warm, dense, and durable. Plus, most flannel cotton burp cloths are made with multiple layers of fabric to keep your clothing protected.
While flannel cotton is a great choice, unfortunately, there is a drawback to using multiple layers of fabric. You won’t notice anything at first, but after like the thirtieth wash, the burp cloth won’t seem as clean as it used to. Other than this, these burp cloths are durable and great for keeping your clothing protected during intense burping sessions.
Flannel cotton burp Cloths are great for parents dealing with frequent spit-ups. Let’s face it; some babies are trigger happy with their regurgitation, which means you’ll need those extra layers of protection. Our favorite flannel cotton burp cloths are the Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths because they provide a total of eight layers of spill protection.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton comes in a few different shapes and sizes, but for the most part, organic cotton burp cloths are similar across the board. Organic cotton is an excellent choice if your child has sensitive skin because it’s farmed without pesticides.
If your child has sensitive skin and hasn’t been responding well to traditional muslin or flannel cottons, it’s time to give organic cotton a try. Burt’s Bee’s is known for producing high-quality organic products, so we recommend starting with the Burt’s Bee’s Baby Burp Bibs. While these bibs are organic, they’re just as effective as non-organic baby bibs.
If you’re a fan of muslin cotton, there is no need to be disappointed. While organic cotton is rarer, that doesn’t mean you should miss out on your favorite cotton. Luckily, the Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths are made with organic muslin cotton. What does this mean? It means you get the best of both worlds.
French Terry Cotton
French Terry Cotton is rare, but it works well for burp cloths. French terry cotton is known for being a knit-based cotton, which makes it safer in washing machines and dryers. French terry cotton burp cloths are well-rounded but excel at absorbing water without needing to be thick.
The downside to French terry cotton is that it’s not a thick cotton. This means that dense liquids, or vomit, can breach the burp cloth quickly. Still, if you like French terry cotton, the Spasilk Baby-Boys Newborn 3 Pack is a great choice.
Choosing the Right Burp Cloth for Burping
It might seem simple to choose a burp cloth for burping because they’re called burp cloths, but some are better than others. Burp cloths that work well for burping have durable fabric that can separate liquids from solids, making them easy to clean. You should also consider a burp cloth that you can wear on your shoulder for long periods without causing discomfort.
An excellent burp cloth for those long burping sessions is the KeaBabies Organic Burp Cloths. These burp cloths feature a unique figure-8 design that evenly distributes the weight of the fabric across your shoulders. As a bonus, they’re organic.
Choosing the Right Burp Cloth for Drooling
When the teething phase begins, the drool never seems to stop. Burp cloths are commonly used as drool bibs, and some burp cloths can be wrapped around your child’s neck to prevent drool from staining their cloths. Children’s clothes are made well, but that doesn’t mean you want to ruin your child’s cute outfit.
If you’re looking for a burp cloth that works well for drooling, you should consider one that can be worn like a bandana. Also, you should focus on water absorption, instead of water resistance, because if a burp cloth is waterproof then drool will make its way down to your child’s shirt and pants. The PPOGOO Burp Cloths are great burp cloths to combat drooling because they have plenty of layers for water absorption, and their simple appearance matches most outfits.
Do I Need a Portable Burp Cloth?
When the time comes, sometimes it comes as a surprise. It doesn’t matter where you are when your baby needs to be burped; they need to be burped. While you can go ahead and roll the dice with your clothes, it’s always better to be prepared.
Choosing a portable burp cloth can be challenging because they don’t seem like a mobile item. It’s a piece of material that you sling over your shoulder, right? Well, the good news is that some burp cloths are easy to work with on the go. Portable burp cloths tend to be smaller and easier to fold and store in your diaper bag.
If you need a portable burp cloth, we recommend the Spasilk Baby-Boys Newborn 3 Pack. These burp cloths use densely woven cotton, but in a way, that’s portable and simple to fold. Unfortunately, this package is not great for around the house. Still, it’s a good idea to have a burp cloth that you can break out at any time.
FAQ
When Do Babies Need Burp Cloths?
When you have a baby, there is never a dull moment. The drooling and spit-ups start immediately, so you need to be prepared. The good news is that you can begin to using organic cotton burp cloths once you leave the hospital. We recommend organic cotton because it’s more forgiving on sensitive skin.
Do I Need a Burp Cloth?
Burp cloths are one of those products that you’re probably on the fence about. Can’t you just use a drool bib or a baby bandanna bib? While you can, that’s not always the best idea because you’ll go through them quickly. Having separate burping protection is ideal because you’ll never be unprepared.
What Size Should Burp Cloths Be?
Burp cloths come in a lot of different sizes, so it would be foolish for us to suggest that there is a perfect size. While there may be no ideal size, there is an ideal range of sizes that you should keep an eye on. Burp bibs that are 20″ by 10″ work the best, give or take two inches.
Are Burp Cloths and Receiving Blankets the Same?
If you have a receiving blanket, you might be hoping you’re off the hook on this one. Sure, receiving blankets can be used as burp cloths, but they’re usually too thin to absorb moisture or vomit properly. Plus, who wants to ruin a perfectly good multi-purpose blanket? So, save the burping for the burp cloths.
Final Thoughts
Burping your child isn’t easy, but burp cloths can help. There is no need to stain your clothes or ruin your only bib because burp cloths are affordable and get the job done. With that being said, not all burp cloths are made equally. There are a lot of different uses and fabrics for burp cloths, so make sure that you’re shopping based on your needs.
Having a good set of burp cloths is going to make your life easier, but one set isn’t always enough. Have some fun with burp cloths, and experiment with a few different products before settling on your favorite. Remember, there is no such thing as being over-prepared when you have a newborn.