If you’re a new parent, one of the greatest satisfactions in life is knowing that your baby is content and happy. An essential part of parenthood involves keeping your baby fed, comfortable, and clean – which is where burp cloths come into play.
Burp cloths provide priceless peace of mind for both parents and babies alike by helping to protect clothing from spitting up after meals (or anytime!), offering an extra layer between skin and drool, or simply as an absorbent tool when needed.
But how many burp cloths do you really need?
Generally speaking, most parents recommend having at least 10-12 burp cloths on hand so that you always have some clean ones ready to go when the others are in the hamper. This is a good number of burp clothes to have on hand if you have a single baby or even twins!
The amount of burp cloths you need for a baby’s first year depends on several factors, including the frequency with which you plan to do laundry and how often your baby spits up.
Burp cloths usually come in packs of multiple. If it is possible, try to purchase multiple sets of burp cloths in case one set becomes too heavily stained or if they simply get worn out after extended use.
Read on to learn more about uses for baby burp cloths and our easy care tips so you can make sure all their messes are wiped away without worry!
Uses For Burp Cloths
Burp cloths are multi-functional cloths that can be used for baby care tasks such as wiping spills and messes, protecting clothes while feeding baby, or as functional coverings for the shoulder while burping.
They usually consist of two layers of material with a soft cotton surface on one side and an absorptive terrycloth surface on the other. To use them, simply place the absorbent side against your baby’s mouth as they burp and then switch it to the softer side if they drool or spit up.
Baby bibs and burp cloths might look similar, but they serve different purposes.
Baby bibs are worn by the baby and designed to protect clothes from food, while burp cloths are typically used to catch spit up or drool after a baby has been fed.
Burp cloths are usually positioned on the parent’s body or maybe around the baby’s chin and neck after feeding to catch spills or clean messes.
Baby bibs come in a variety of designs and may also be waterproof or include a pocket to catch crumbs, while burp cloths generally feature an absorbent material like cotton terrycloth.
How Long Can I Use Burp Cloths For?
A good rule of thumb is to purchase premium burp cloths that are made of quality materials such as cotton, microfiber, or bamboo rayon. These materials tend to be long lasting, durable, and most importantly, gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.
With proper care and maintenance, you should expect burp cloths to last anywhere from 6-12 months depending on their usage frequency and level of care. Be sure to machine wash them regularly in cold water with mild detergent and air dry or dry with low heat settings for best results.
You should aim to wash your burp cloths every 2-3 uses or after any major spit up. If you find that your burp cloths become soiled or stained quickly, they may need to be washed more frequently.
It is not recommended to bleach your burp cloths as this can damage the fabric. If your burp cloths become heavily stained, you may want to pre-soak them in cold water with a mild detergent, laundry pretreatment product, or a water and vinegar mixture before washing them to help get rid of stains faster.
Fabric Options and DIY Burp Cloths
Burp cloths are sold online and at many stores, but if you want to make your own you certainly can!
Burp cloths are essential pieces of baby gear, so it’s important to choose a fabric option that is soft and absorbent. Flannel can definitely be used for a burp cloth, as it tends to be quite gentle on baby’s skin and is fairly absorbent.
However, many parents also opt for cotton interlock or piece-dyed terry cloth for even greater absorbency.
Muslin is another fabric choice that can be used since it is lightweight, soft and breathable.
If you’re handy with sewing, you can easily make your own burp cloths – either by simply hemming the edges of a rectangular piece of fabric or by purchasing kits that have burp cloth sewing patterns available. A typical size for burp cloths is 16″ x 20″, but feel free to adjust based on the size you prefer.
Babies can be unpredictable and messes can happen anytime and anywhere. Receiving blankets can also be used as burp cloths if that is what you have available. They are usually made of soft materials and are large enough to fit comfortably over your shoulder.
Read more: Receiving Blanket Vs Swaddle
Shopping Tips For Buying Burp Clothes
When it comes to shopping for burp cloths, there are a few tips to keep in mind so you can purchase ones that are sure to keep your baby clean and comfortable.
Be sure to buy multipacks of burp cloths and stock up; from spills and dribbles to messes and upsets, babies require more than one burp cloth!
It’s also worth adding them to your baby registry – that way, loved ones can help restock your supply if needed.
For the best selection of burp cloths, you can’t beat big-name baby superstores or online retailers like Gerber, Target, and Amazon; these retailers often have several types of materials, styles, and price points available to meet any needs.
Are Burp Cloths Necessary?
Yes, burp cloths are essential items for any nursery and can be used to protect both your baby and clothing from all types of messes and spills. Purchasing burp cloths in multipacks is a great way to ensure you always have enough on hand.
You can always repurpose other baby items like receiving blankets to use as burp cloths as well. Making your own burp clothes is certainly an option as well! There are many fabric options to choose from such as flannel or muslin.
Little babies sure have a lot of needs! Be sure to check out my other posts answering baby gear questions like: