Should you add bibs to your baby shopping list? Check out these tips on how to choose the perfect one for your little one!
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Newborns definitely need bibs. They are outfit savers and will come in very handy for mopping up milk dribbles before they run down to your baby’s neck crease which can cause soreness and redness if there’s a buildup in that area.
Depending on how burpy your baby is, and whether you will be bottle feeding or breastfeeding, you will find that bibs are quite useful for catching spit-up and dribbles. Plus, they will also protect clothes from staining when you are starting to wean your baby onto solid foods.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of bibs out there and give you 4 tips to keep your baby’s clothes clean with the right bib for your bub!
The Case of Muslin Squares vs Bibs
I am a huge fan of muslin squares (also known as receiving blankets). I have dedicated a whole post on them that you can read here.
Muslin squares have the great advantage of giving better coverage, especially if you are bottle feeding. And they work great for burping your baby and catching all the messy spit-up even if they throw up an entire feed (which does happen). They are also very versatile and can be used for all sorts of things, from a comforter to a make-shift nappy in an emergency.
However, muslin squares are not a substitute for bibs. Mainly because you can’t guarantee you will catch every drop of milk with the muslin squares since you can’t really keep them in place at all times. For me, bibs were an essential item from birth and onward. My daughter always had one secured around her neck especially during and after feeds and it saved me a lot of outfit changes.
Related: Can You Wash Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher?
Types of Bibs Available on The Market
There are many different types of bibs you can choose from depending on what you intend to use them for. From catching dribbles to teething to breastfeeding to weaning, there’s a bib out there for every need.
In this post, we will focus on the types of bibs that work for the newborn phase. These bibs are usually lightweight and do a good job at absorbing small to moderate amounts of spit-up and dribbles to prevent your baby’s clothes from getting soaked and irritating the skin underneath. Here are the main types of bibs available for newborns :
- Bandana bibs: these are a personal favorite. They are shaped like a triangle and have two snaps at the back to adjust the size. They are usually made out of cotton or bamboo and some even come with a teething ring attached. They are great for catching dribbles and spit-ups but do not offer much coverage for bottle feeding.
- Cloth bibs: these are the basic bibs that are simple and straight to the point. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials. Some have a little bit of padding to make them more absorbent and they are usually made from cotton so they are soft on the skin.
- Newborn bibs: these are extra small bibs that are specifically made to fit a newborn’s tiny neck.
4 Tips to Choose the Right Bib
Choosing a good bib can take you from being a bib indifferent parent to a bib enthusiast parent. Here are our top tips for choosing the right bibs for your newborn :
#1: Consider the Fabrics
You want something that is soft and gentle on your baby’s skin, especially if they are prone to eczema or other skin sensitivities. Cotton is always a safe bet and you can find some very cute bibs made out of organic cotton. Bamboo is also a good option as it is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic.
Some bibs also come with a waterproof backing to prevent clothes from getting wet, which can be handy if you are bottle feeding or if your baby is a big dribbler. I found that bibs with fleece backing worked best for this purpose. The ones without backings can turn into towels allowing the dribble to just soak through.
Read Also: How Much Do Baby Clothes and Diapers Weigh?
#2: Stay Away from Velcro
I know that velcro bibs are very handy because you can just put them on and take them off without having to untie anything. But trust me, velcro bibs are the worst. They are scratchy and they always end up sticking to everything else in the washing machine. If you are looking for something quick and easy, go for the snap bibs instead.
Also, once your baby begins pulling at things it becomes a nightmare. So make sure to get bibs with proper buttons or press studs that baby can’t pull off easily.
#3: Avoid Bibs with Prints
Prints might be cute but they are a pain to wash. The prints will eventually fade and you will be left with a sad-looking bib. Stick to simple solid colors instead. Plus, the prints are usually not waterproof so it adds to the mess.
If you absolutely must have a bib with a print, make sure it is one that can be ironed on or sewn on. This way, if the print does fade, you can always iron on a new one.
#4: Check the Neck Hole
If your baby is a preemie or just too little, the standard bibs may not fit leaving a gap for dibble to fall through. In this case, you want to look for bibs with an adjustable neckline or a smaller neck hole such as newborn bibs.
If your baby is on the larger side, you may want to consider bibs with a bigger neck hole so that they can grow into them. Some bibs come with an adjustable neckline that you can loosen or tighten as needed.
How Many Bibs Does a Newborn Need?
This really depends on how often you do laundry and how much your baby spits up or dribbles. In my experience, a couple of sets of three bibs each was enough to rotate through. I did laundry every other day so I always had a clean set of bibs on hand.
If you are bottle feeding, you may want to have more bibs on hand as they will get soaked pretty quickly. And if your baby is a heavy dribbler, you may want to have a couple of bibs on hand at all times to prevent clothes from getting wet.
Keep in mind though that bibs are a very common gift for babies so you might end up with loads of them as presents. So don’t go overboard when buying bibs for your newborn. A few sets should be enough to get you started.
Bottom Line
Do newborns need bibs? Yes, they do. Bibs are a great way to keep your baby’s clothes clean and dry. There are a few things to consider when choosing bibs for your newborn such as the fabrics, the neck hole, and the prints. And remember, you don’t need a ton of bibs. A few sets should be enough to get you started.
What are your thoughts on bibs for newborns? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
The purpose of this article is informative and educational only. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babycious may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content.
