Buying guide for best baby burp cloths
Much like diapers, wet wipes, and rash creams, burp cloths aren't among the most exciting items on anyone's list of baby necessities, but they most certainly are on that list.
Burping your baby after every feed is necessary to help release swallowed air that could cause painful gas. Unfortunately, more often than not, a satisfying burp is accompanied by milky spit-up. With a baby burp cloth providing a barrier between your clothes and milky messes, you won't need to choose between changing your outfit every few hours or going about your day smelling of your baby's last feed.
Burp cloths come in a wide variety of sizes, materials, prints, and colors. Our buying guide is crammed with helpful information, tips, tricks, and product recommendations to help you find the best burp cloth for you and your baby.
Key considerations
Material
Babies have exceptionally delicate skin, so it's important to choose a burp cloth made of soft, nonirritating materials. Cotton and bamboo both offer excellent absorbency and a plush texture that's gentle on tender skin, making them two of the most popular materials for burp cloths around. Pure cotton and bamboo burp cloths are also hypoallergenic, reducing the likelihood of breakouts or rashes.
Absorbency
To keep fluids from seeping through, a burp cloth needs to be adequately thick. While a single layer of absorbent material can certainly get the job done, most burp cloths feature two or more layers for added absorbency and protection. The top layer on which your baby's face rests usually consists of a soft, natural fiber like cotton, while the back lining is constructed of water-resistant polyester or a poly/cotton blend to help keep parents dry. Still others sandwich a water-resistant or ultra-absorbent piece of material between two soft layers to make sure no liquids pass through.
With that in mind, you also don't want a burp cloth that's so thick that it makes you feel hot or takes forever to dry. Whichever design you choose, it's best to avoid burp cloths with slippery backings because these have a tendency to shift and slide at the most inopportune moments.
Size
Baby burp cloths come in various sizes ranging from small to large. Compact burp cloths tend to be easier to handle, wash, and dry, but be sure to choose something that's capable of covering your shoulder, back, and chest. Larger burp cloths are generally a bit more versatile because they can often double as a sanitary surface on which to lay your baby when you're out and about. On the downside, the larger cloths require more storage space and can take longer to dry.
Cleaning ease
Your baby will use a burp cloth multiple times a day, which equates to washing, washing, and more washing. As a new parent, you undoubtedly have plenty to keep you busy already. Choosing a burp cloth that's easy to clean can help lighten the load. Opting for something that's machine washable is a wise choice, and if it's dryer-friendly as well, all the better. That said, a washing machine-safe burp cloth that requires air-drying is still worth considering provided it dries reasonably quickly.
Did you know?
Reinforced edges with stitched seams will prevent fraying and extend your burp cloth's useful life.
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Baby burp cloth features
Shape
Traditional burp cloths are typically square or rectangular and can be used as is or folded for a more personalized fit. Others are contoured for a more ergonomic fit over the shoulder and some can even wrap around the neck to cover both shoulders and the back. If you're unsure which shape is best for you, trying out different styles can help you decide.
Prints and colors
Baby burp cloths might not have the most glamorous job in the world of baby care, but they don't have to be dull and drab, either. There are loads of options that boast adorable prints and cute colors, and these can be especially useful for outings or for family visits.
Accessories
In addition to burp cloths, these items can help manage spit-up.
Anti-colic bottles are designed to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during a feed and can help reduce symptoms of reflux. Philips AVENT bottles are a leading choice because they minimize baby’s consumption of air and allow you to customize the flow of the milk. This gift set contains four bottles designed for younger babies, two pacifiers, a bottle brush, and a transitional cup for when baby is ready to move away from the bottle. It’s a great set of supplies for new parents.
Spitting up doesn't always happen while you're burping your baby, and drool is another issue that can occur at any time. Strapping a clean bib around your baby's neck will help keep their duds dry as well. These silicone bibs from Happy Health Parent are easy to wipe up; no washing machine required. Note: these bibs are designed for babies older than six months.
Little ones suffering from severe reflux often have a tougher time when lying down. Propping a crib wedge under the mattress can provide just enough elevation to help keep liquids from making their way back up the esophagus. If you’re interested in giving this a try and want something affordable, hiccapop’s portable, foldable wedge is a good choice.
Baby burp cloth prices
Inexpensive: Smaller packs of three cotton burp cloths typically cost between $5 and $10, depending on size and quality.
Mid-range: Sets of four to six burp cloths in varying materials and sizes are priced around $9 to $15.
Expensive: Extra-large burp cloths, bib and burp cloth sets, and premium organic models can set you back anywhere between $15 to $25 for a multipack of four to six.
Tips
Keep a clean burp cloth on hand. Equip yourself with a generous number of burp cloths and wash them regularly so you're never left without.
Opt for fuller coverage. Despite taking up more space in your dresser or diaper bag, a large burp cloth will reward you with more comprehensive protection.
Feed your baby in an upright position. If you're bottle-feeding your little one, holding your baby at a slight incline will help keep milk from traveling back up.
- Prop your baby up after feeds. Spitting up can happen even after a good burp, especially if you lay your baby down directly after a feed. Try propping your munchkin up on a C-shaped nursing pillow to give the tummy time to settle.
FAQ
Q. How many burp cloths do I need?
A. Not every baby spits up at every feed, so exact numbers can vary. As a rule of thumb, it's a good idea to keep at least three or four clean burp cloths on hand every day. If you wash your burp cloths after each use, you might not need any more than this. However, given the fact that most new parents have precious little time to spare, planning to wash each cloth straight after use might be wishful thinking. We recommend purchasing at least 12 burp cloths, so you can rotate them daily.
Q. Are organic burp cloths worth the extra cost?
A. That depends largely on personal preference. If you're concerned about pesticides and other chemicals that might be used in the manufacturing process, paying a bit extra for organic burp cloths could be a worthwhile investment. With that in mind, it's also worth noting that most babies fare just fine with nonorganic varieties, so if your budget can't quite cover extra cost of organic burp cloths, there's absolutely no reason to beat yourself up over it.
Q. What's the best baby burp cloth size?
A. The best size for you depends on what you're most comfortable with. However, larger burp cloths do provide superior coverage and also offer a bit of user versatility. On average, most parents and caregivers find that a burp cloth measuring 20 inches long and 14 inches wide delivers just the right amount of coverage without being cumbersome.
