Spit Happens: 11 Best Baby Burp Cloths
You don’t need us to tell you babies are messy—especially when feeding is involved. Burping is an important part of your child’s early life when they still need help getting rid of excess gas. (Said gas causes major discomfort, not to mention crankiness you can both do without.) But infant burps can get, well, wet, thanks to leftover milk and other spit-up. Cue burp cloths, an essential part of baby’s feeding routine. Why? They keep all those yucky fluids off you and your kid. Drape them over your shoulder, lap or arm—basically whatever area’s in the splash zone—and use them to wipe off dribble from baby’s face. But really, they’re far more versatile than that. Think of them as small rags handy in a pinch whenever there’s a mess.
You’re probably wondering, “How many burp cloths do I really need?” It depends how often your little one spits up and how often you want to do laundry, but anywhere from eight to 14 burp cloths is a good basic range to aim for. But really, the more the better! You’ll want one handy whenever you’re feeding, plus a backup in case it gets dirty or soaked. And since feeding happens multiple times a day (and you can only do so much laundry), you may find yourself blowing through your stack of fresh burp cloths fast. Don’t worry about going overboard with burp cloths—you can always repurpose them as towels or cleaning rags!
Ready to shop? Below, find the best burp cloths, based on (in some cases hundreds of) excellent reviews from real parents just like you. What makes these baby burp cloths standouts? They’re supremely absorbent, versatile and, bonus, uber-cute.
Parents can’t get enough of Burt’s Bees Baby’s burp cloths. Seriously—according to the product page, even celebrities put them on their registries! What makes them so great? First, they’re extra-absorbent. Second, they cover a large surface area for added protection. Third, they’re 100 percent organic and safe for even the most sensitive baby skin. Oh, and fourth: they come in cute prints.
Buy it: Starting from $23 for a set of 5, Amazon.com
Who new spit-up could be so chic? These absorbent burp cloths are another solid choice. The fleece fabric promises to soak up messes before they leak onto your outfit. And Copper Pearl sells matching bibs if you’re a big fan of coordinating baby stuff. (We know we are.)
Buy it: $20 for a set of 3, Amazon.com
Love the idea of multipurpose products? Try these Aden + Anais “Burpy Bibs,” which can be worn as bibs or—you guessed it—muslin burp cloths. What’s the benefit of a snappable burp cloth baby wears instead of you? You won’t have to worry about it slipping off your shoulder. Other benefits include each bib’s four absorbent layers. The adorable pattern options are pretty awesome too.
Buy it: Starting from $20 for a set of 2, Amazon.com
Sure, monogrammed burp cloths are practical (your mom friends won’t mistake them for their own and daycare won’t misplace them), but let’s be honest: They’re also just plain adorable. This sweet, best-selling set includes three different personalized designs. You can even choose the colors. They’re honestly cute enough to turn into hand towels for your kids’ bathroom later on.
Buy it: $28 for a set of 3, Etsy.com
There are burp cloths for every style. Here’s another set that comes in some seriously cute patterns. The oversized towels have all the best burp cloth qualities: They’re durable, absorbent, comfortable to wear and machine-washable, not to mention organic. The glowing reviews prove our point. One rater gushes, “They’ve held up through some pretty aggressive wash cycles and we plan on using the cloths beyond the early baby stages.” Another shares, “I have others but I consistently reach for these first … they stay on my shoulder better than other thicker ones and are still very absorbent.” And those rave reviews are just a small sampling.
Buy it: Starting from $17 for a set of 5, Amazon.com
It’s no wonder this Etsy seller has a perfect rating out of almost 10,000 reviews. Their personalized burp cloths are beautiful—yes, we called a baby burp cloth “beautiful!” This style has a solid front and a custom interior patterned with baby’s name. Pick the base and font color to make it feel even more personal. Shopping for a thoughtful baby shower gift? This is one of our top picks.
Buy it: Starting from $10, Etsy.com
These baby burp cloths are some of the most affordable out there, but their quality is far from cheap. The layered flannel fabric soaks up spit with ease and there are tons of packs to choose from—all of which come with three fun patterned pieces plus one extra-versatile solid cloth. Consider these machine-washable burp cloths your everyday go-tos.
Buy it: Starting from $7 for a set of 4, Amazon.com
Shop this Etsy seller for the best trendy burp cloths, including this cactus-patterned baby burp rag. The playful print is only part of the appeal, though. We really like the towel-like terry fabric, and based on the many five-star reviews, other parents do too.
Buy it: $10, Etsy.com
This brand’s burp cloths are also undeniably trendy. Their organic cotton burp cloths come in a bunch of ultra-unique prints, from a chic lemon pattern to a rustic rooster design. (We’re partial toward this hedgehog pack.) Aside from appearances, they’re definitively functional. One reviewer swears they really do it all, commending their size, absorbency and comforting feel. In fact, they used one to “double as a lovey because they’re so soft and lovable.” We’re sold.
Buy it: Starting from $16 for a set of 2, Amazon.com
Can’t get enough of monogrammed burp cloths? You’re not alone. Here’s another parent-favorite Etsy shop with adorable custom options. We love this rainbow baby burp cloth, but there are plenty of other designs to choose from. One pro gift-giver even messaged the seller for a pattern to match the nursery decor of the baby she was shopping for! “When I gifted it to my friend she was super-happy with it. She immediately took a picture and sent it to people.” Now that’s a satisfied recipient. Of course, the patterns and monograms are just part of the appeal. These personalized burp cloths are made from soft, thick and spit-ready chenille.
Buy it: Starting from $9, Etsy.com
Why are cloth diapers on our list of baby burp cloths, you ask? Because they’re so absorbent and super-durable, parents find they make excellent cloths for burping! Trust us, cloth diaper burp cloths are a thing, like these incredibly versatile cloths from Gerber. One reviewer insists they have “101 uses,” and raves about their larger size and ability to soak up messes better than other burp cloths and even towels. Another reviewer reaffirms their heavy-duty design: “My baby had reflux for a little bit and the most I would need was a couple of these a day, but usually one lasts all day long.” That being said, that didn’t stop them from buying three packs to replace all their others!
Buy it: $13 for a set of 5, Amazon.com Published June 2019
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