Having a baby can be a messy business – drooling, spitting up, and messy eating are some unavoidable aspects of being a newborn. Baby bibs are a bare minimum requirement if you don’t want body fluids and mushy food all over you, your child, or your property.
Bibs can help protect your clothes from stains, and your furniture from spills. They also make cleanup a breeze, since you can just toss the bib in the laundry instead of having to scrub everything by hand.
Some things you might want to keep in mind include the absorbency of the bib, the durability of the fabric, the size and shape of the bib, and the design. You’ll also want to make sure that the bib is comfortable for your baby to wear and that it can be easily removed when it’s time to take it off.
This guide will help you choose the bib that will work best for both you and your baby.
Our Top Picks
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Bibs Picks
- Neck ridge is great for catching spit-up and dribbles from the chin/neck
- Material is soft and absorbent
- Easy to clean
- Pretty big so you can wipe your baby’s face with it too
- The Velcro attachment is in the back and not the side
These bibs are a lifesaver for parents during those first feedings and teething stages. The unique dribble catcher on the Comfi-Neck Bibs ensures that moisture is absorbed quickly, leaving your baby’s delicate skin rash-free. Plus, with easy-to-use Velcro closures, these bibs are a breeze to put on and take off.
The ultra-soft fabric makes this bib super comfy for your baby to wear, and they won’t even notice it’s on! These bibs are perfect for everyday use and are available in a convenient two-pack, so you always have a spare on hand.
- Beautiful, color-fast colors
- Truly water resistant, there is a waterproof layer sandwiched between the two layers of terry cloth
- Both the fabric and the velcro stay perfectly flat after repeated washings
- Strong velcro
- Velcro might scratch skin if you don’t line up edges exactly
The Green Sprouts bibs are made with ultra-absorbent cotton terry that soaks up all the drool and prevents any unwanted rashes.
Putting on and taking off these bibs is a breeze thanks to the adjustable Velcro closures, and the fact that you get a whopping ten-pack of colorful bibs for less than a dollar each is a steal!
With three layers, including a waterproof inner layer, these bibs are available in solid colors and are sure to keep your little one’s clothes clean and dry.
- The pocket stays open and catches food
- The bib is a great length
- The material around the neck is flexible and molds to the body
- The neck hole is adjustable
- The velcro isn’t sized quite right so there is some gaping around the neck
These cozy bibs come in a pack of two and have a large, food-safe pocket to catch those pesky crumbs that usually end up all over your baby’s lap. Plus, the soft fabric at the top helps prevent spills and splatters, keeping your little one’s favorite onesie clean and ready for another day of play.
The fasteners on these bibs are adjustable and secure, making them perfect for even the most active toddlers. And when it’s time to hit the road, simply roll them up and store them in their handy silicone pockets. You can toss them in your diaper bag or backpack without worrying about making a mess. And when you’re done, just wipe them clean or toss them in the washing machine.
- They are really easy to clean, either wipe down or put them in the washing machine
- The design and shape of the material are thin enough so as not to bunch up when the baby raises their food to their mouth
- Does a decent job at keeping sleeves and lap clean
- Sleeves are secure and tight on wrists, but not uncomfortable
- Elastic cuff stays wet for a long time
With a rear tie closure and adjustable elastic cuffs, these bibs provide a snug and personalized fit for your child.
Made from 100% polyester with integrated TPU, the fabric is both cozy and waterproof, ensuring maximum protection against spills and splatters. Plus, the bibs are lightweight and easy to clean, making them a breeze to use and maintain.
Featuring a large, catch-all pocket, these bibs are perfect for minimizing washing loads and keeping your child’s clothes clean. And with Bumkins’ durable construction, these bibs are built to last through multiple washings. Simply toss them in the washing machine on warm and air dry before storing them for later use.
- Great absorbency
- Great for teething
- Easy to put on with Velcro
- Cute colors
This bib is specially designed to help your newborn through the teething stage at around 4 – 7 months with its natural fibers that are gentle on delicate skin and lightweight woven design that’s extra tender (1).
The bib features a Velcro fastening that ensures it stays in place while your baby drools and chews away. What’s more, it comes with a teething section that has multiple textured surfaces to help your baby soothe their sore gums.
The Nuby teething bib is not only functional but also fun with its amusing designs and graphics on both the front and back that provide entertainment for your little one while they chew.
- They are soft
- Adjustable for sizing
- Beautiful prints
- The snaps are very secure
These bandana bibs are perfect for preventing drool from becoming a problem for your little one. With 10 delightful patterns that feature vibrant flower hues, these bibs are great for family portraits or outings. Made of 100% cotton, these bibs are ultra-soft and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. And, they’re machine-washable, so you can easily keep them clean and fresh for the next use.
One of the best features of these bibs is that they’re designed to grow with your child. The metal snap fasteners can be adjusted to three different sizes, making them suitable for both babies and toddlers. Additionally, the bibs are tough for little hands to remove but easy for parents to put on and take off.
- Great price for two silicone bibs
- Easy to clean
- The button holes appear strong
- Easy to fold and pack in a diaper bag
These bibs are made with a blend of fabric and silicone, giving you the best of both worlds. Plus, they’re super easy to clean – just toss them in the washing machine.
One thing we love about these bibs is their wider, stronger pocket. It’s designed to catch any food fragments or spills, so your little one stays clean and comfortable. And unlike other bibs out there, these are made with high-quality silicone that won’t break down over time or have a strange smell.
If your baby is 10 months or older, the Unisex style and adjustable button straps are perfect. And when it’s time to hit the road, simply fold up the toddler utensils with the bibs for easy transport.
- They stay on your shoulder without falling off
- Absorbs any spit-up quickly
- It can double as a bib
- Cute patterns
Not only can this function as a bib, but it’s also a robust burping cloth that can handle even the biggest messes. For tiny infants, simply drape it over their shoulders and snap it shut at the back for full coverage. And when you need to burp your little one, just sling it over your shoulder for a super absorbent towel.
Muslin cloths are created using a lightweight, washable fabric called muslin, which is made from pure cotton. The more you wash it, the softer it becomes, making it ideal for even the most delicate skin types.
Using a kidney-shaped bib is a great way to keep your baby’s neck and shoulders well-protected. This is particularly useful if you want to make sure that your little one is completely covered and shielded from the elements.
- Absorbent
- Reflux friendly
- Comfortable for baby
- Very thick
This KUDL Baby Bib is an excellent choice for toddlers due to its high-quality cotton and fleece material, which is soft and absorbent. It can hold a large amount of liquid before leaking and is easy to clean without shrinking or curling at the edges.
While it may not be the best option for young infants, the bib has three size-adjustable, nickel-free snaps, making it perfect for growing toddlers. With its secure snaps, it’s tough for little hands to take it off, but easy for parents to put on and take off. The front features a trendy knit fabric, while the back boasts a plush, luxurious fleece, keeping your little one completely dry.
- Adjustable neck size
- They’re very soft
- Cover baby’s clothes well
- Cute prints
- They need to be hand washed
The KiddyStar Toddler Bib is made from 100% certified organic cotton on the front and backed with 100% polyester fleece for ultimate softness and comfort. It’s super absorbent and capable of holding a ton of liquid without any leakage, which is perfect for bottle feeding. Plus, with four snap closures, you can adjust the bib as your child grows.
Keep in mind that this bib is specially designed for toddlers and might be too big for newborns. But if your little one is a drooler, this bib is the perfect solution to keeping their clothes clean and dry.
How To Choose The Best Baby Bibs?
- Material: The first thing you’ll want to consider is the material of the bib. Baby bibs can be made from various materials, including cotton, terry cloth, and plastic.
- Style: Baby bibs come in a variety of styles, from simple to fancy. You’ll want to choose a type that fits your needs. A simple, uncovered bib will suffice if you’re looking for a bib to keep your baby’s clothes clean. But if you’re looking for a bib to wear during special occasions or to catch drool, you may want to choose a bib with a cute design or silicone pocket.
- Size: Baby bibs come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. You’ll want to choose a size that will fit your baby comfortably. If you’re not sure what size to choose, it’s always better to size up than to size down.
- Color: Baby bibs are available in a wide range of colors, from traditional white to bright, cheerful colors. You’ll want to choose a color that goes well with your baby’s clothes. If you’re not sure what color to choose, white is always a safe choice.
- Neck Fit: A bib should fit snugly under your baby’s chin, without being too tight. It can be difficult to find the perfect fit, especially because babies often have several chins due to all that beautiful baby fat. You might want to use a larger bib for newborns if their birth weight was in the double digits, to make sure it is comfortable.
- Extra Features: A more contemporary bib will usually have some additional features, such as adjustable snaps or food catchers, which can be useful for catching small amounts of liquid. Some families prefer bibs with these features, while others are happy with a simple bib.
Types Of Baby Bibs
- Regular Bibs: One of the most popular bib designs is the traditional bib that looks like a bib. These are ideal for daily usage by children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old and work excellent for dealing with low to moderate quantities of drool. They may have a little pocket at the bottom and are beneficial for feeding.
- Bandana Bibs: These are a great choice for parents, particularly during the first year when infants are often drooling monsters. They are less likely to catch spills and messes than traditional bibs, making them ideal for daily use. Bandana bibs also have the added bonus of being fashionable, so your child can look great even while drooling!
- Muslin Bibs: These are a type of bib designed to catch any liquid that escapes from your baby’s lips. Muslin bibs are a good choice for bottle feeding or nursing, as they can help to prevent clothes from becoming soaked with milk or formula. However, you may want to think carefully before using them for baby-led weaning, as they lack a catch-all pocket at the bottom to catch any dropped food.
- Silicone Bibs: These bibs are supple and adaptable, while others are water-resistant. After meals, this type of bib can be cleaned by wiping them down. Most silicone bibs have a lip or pocket at the bottom to catch any food that your child spills, preventing it from landing on her lap. If your child has sensitive skin, it is important to take into account that certain silicone materials may result in irritation (2).
- Smock/Full Coverage Bibs: If you have a youngster who is really messy, use a longer, broader bib with sleeves. These bibs are excellent for older children who generate a lot of mess but don’t want to wear a baby bib because they are often made of wipe-down plastic materials. Baby bibs are usually made of soft, absorbent materials that can catch food and drink spills. However, older children can often be messy eaters, and a wipe-down bib can help keep them clean.
Do Newborns Really Need Bibs?
Newborns are notorious for being messy eaters, so bibs are essential for keeping their clothes clean. Plus, bibs can help protect against spit-up and drool. Just make sure to look for bibs that are easy to put on and take off, and that is made from soft, absorbent material.
In addition, when babies drool or spit up frequently, their clothing can become drenched, causing irritation and rashes on their delicate skin. This is because the moisture from the saliva or spit-up can make the skin damp and create friction against the clothing, leading to rashes (3).
Which Type Of Bibs Are Best For Newborns?
For saliva, spit-up, and milk or formula dribbles, newborns often need a straightforward cloth bib. Keep it simple with the bibs you choose for your baby because they won’t likely start eating baby food until they are four to six months old. Since babies develop rapidly, look for a bib that is both comfortable and non-irritating and that is adjustable.
When Should Babies Start Wearing Bibs?
Most parents start using bibs with their babies when they start eating solid foods, typically around 4 to 6 months old (4). Bibs can help protect clothing from spills and stains and can make mealtime less messy overall. Some parents may choose to use bibs even earlier, depending on their baby’s individual needs.
Should Breastfed Babies Wear Bibs?
To keep clean when breastfeeding, you should wear a bib. This will help catch any milk that leaks out and protect your clothing from stains.
Leaking milk, spit-ups, drooling, and latching issues can all result in milk dripping over the mother and baby’s clothing when nursing, whether you are at home or out and about. When this happens, it can be frustrating and messy for both the mother and the baby.
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent milk from dripping when you are nursing. First, make sure that your baby has a good latch. If your baby is not latched on properly, milk can leak out around the edges of the mouth. Second, try using a nipple shield. Nipple shields can help to prevent leaking by providing a barrier between the nipple and the baby’s mouth. Finally, make sure that you burp your baby after each feeding. Burping can help to release any air that has been swallowed during the feeding, which can help to prevent spit-ups and leaking.
How Many Bibs Does A Baby Need?
Newborns who are fed formula typically eat every 2-3 hours, which is necessary for their growth and development. As they grow and their stomachs expand, they can hold more milk, and thus, feedings may occur less frequently, usually about every 3-4 hours (5).
This is why you may want to have between 6 and 10 on hand at all times. This will ensure that you always have a clean bib available for your child, no matter what they’re up to.
If you have a baby under 6 months old who breastfeeds for most of their meals, you will need 6-8 dribble bibs. Once your baby starts eating semi-solid or solid food, you should add 2-3 feeding bibs to this number. This will help keep them clean and dry during meals.
There are many different types of bibs that are available on the market, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in terms of both functionality and overall cost. For example, while some people may feel comfortable using a soft cloth towel as a bib during nursing, a dedicated bib can make cleanup much simpler. As a result, it is important to consider the different types of bibs that are available and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Can Baby Wear A Bib While Sleeping?
No. Even though infants may fall asleep soon after eating, they should not be left to sleep in this position. If bibs are tight around the baby’s neck or cover their airways, they may suffocate.
What’s The Best Fabric For Bibs?
Cotton is a popular choice for bibs as it is soft, absorbent, and easy to clean. It’s also a breathable material that won’t irritate your baby’s skin.
Another option is polyester, which is durable and stain-resistant, making it ideal for messy feedings. However, it’s not as absorbent as cotton, so you may need to change the bib more frequently.
Bamboo is a newer option for bibs and is gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly nature. It’s naturally anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking, making it a good choice for preventing rashes and keeping your baby dry.
