A must-have for every new parent, burp cloths are a must. The right burp cloth can make a huge difference, whether you’re a first-time parent or just getting another little one into the family. These basic but necessary pieces of fabric get the baby spit-ups, drools and other messes cleaned up in no time. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about burp cloths, including the best options, how many burp cloths you need, and tips for using them with ease.
Table of Contents
What Are Burp Cloths?

Burp cloths are specially designed cloths used by parents to protect their clothes from baby spit-up. Babies, especially new ones, spit up or drool frequently, and burp cloths will serve to keep their attire dry and clean. They are usually soft, washable and absorbent, so they can be used again and again throughout the day.
The most effective burp cloths are made using baby-friendly material that can absorb liquid easily. They also must be easy to clean after every use.
Why Are Burp Cloths Important?
You can never have too many burp cloths. Babies spit up when they’ve drank a bit too much, and parents need a convenient solution to help manage this small mess. Some other reasons why they are essential:

- Protection for Clothing: They keep both the baby’s and parents’ clothing free from stains.
- Comfort for Baby: A soft and breathable cloth helps keep your baby comfortable during feeding time.
- Convenience: They are easy to carry and wash, making them a practical addition to your diaper bag.
How Many Burp Cloths Do You Need?
As a general guideline, having at least 6 to 12 burp cloths is ideal for a newborn. Since babies tend to spit up frequently, you’ll want to ensure you always have enough them on hand. It’s also a good idea to have several cloths in your diaper bag and around the house to quickly grab whenever needed.
Materials to Look for in Burp Cloths
The right fabric for burp cloths can mean the difference between extra comfort and absorption. Here are some popular materials:
- Cotton: Soft and absorbent, cotton is a favorite burp cloth material. It’s “good for the skin” and especially mild for newborns.
- Muslin: Muslin is a very breathable, soft, and lightweight fabric, so it’s ideal for hot weather, babies who tend to get warm easily, and hot sleep environments.

- Bamboo: Bamboo is quite soft and environmentally friendly and naturally anti-microbial, such a wonderful product for your baby.
- Fleece: Fleece is warm and soft and can absorb well. But it’s more in line for fall temperatures.
How to Use Burp Cloths Effectively
Using burp cloths is straightforward, but if you’ve never used one before, try out these pro tips to save yourself from disaster:
- Put Over Your Shoulder: When burping your baby, throw it over your shoulder to protect your clothes.
- Stay within Arm’s Reach: Keep a stack of burp cloths at the ready on feeding time at home and while on the go.
- Use in the Car: Planning a outing? Keep a burp cloth in your car for quick spills.
- Double It Up: Fold a muslin burp cloth in half for extra thickness and absorbency.
Best Burp Cloths: Our Top Picks
So here are some of our top 10 burp cloths, all of which we will review based on quality, comfort, and how well they absorb:
Burt’s Bees Baby
If you are an eco-conscious parent Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Cotton Burp Cloths would be perfect choice for you. These cloths are super soft, absorbent and gentle on baby’s sensitive skin made with 100% organic cotton. They’re free of unhealthy chemicals and ideal for baby’s sensitive skin. They come in all sorts of cute patterns and colors so function and fashion are in harmony. The cloths are the perfect size for use when feeding and can be used to protect your clothing from any little messes that may occur.
Pros:
- Organic cotton, great for babies with sensitive skin
- Lightweight and strong with a natural feel
- Won’t stretch or lose its shape (even after wash) – great for travel!
Cons:
- Some parents may find them a bit smaller compared to other options
Gerber Baby
Gerber Baby 100% Cotton Burp Cloths are a tried and true product for many parents (myself included). burping cloths are all in one pack, so it’s easy to stock them and use as you need them. The cotton is soft to the touch and absorbent which means it should clean up any spill soon after. With its simple and pure solid colors, they are also easy to match with your babies’ clothes. They’re really durable, they get better after a few washes.
Pros:
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Soft on a baby’s skin
- Bulk-packaging for great value and convenience
Cons:
- Some users may prefer a larger size for more coverage
Copper Pearl
Copper Pearl Burp Cloths A necessary accessory for any parent, Copper Pearl burp cloths make the perfect gift for any new or expecting parent. They are made with a double layer of fabric which makes them highly absorbent, gentle, and soft on baby’s skin. There are stylish designs from contemporary patterns to traditional prints, in order to command the right design that fits your style. Good quality material makes them will last for a long time, so come where every kind of lad would be for daily use.
Pros:
- Fashionable and modern designs
- High absorbency with double-layer fabric
- Soft & gentle against babies skin
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than basic options
Luvable Friends
Luvable Friends Burp Cloths are a great value pack that will help protect from baby’s drool and spills. These are made from 100% cotton, making them durable and soft to the touch so they will be more gentle on your baby’s skin. They’re available in sets of different fun colors and prints, which means they’re also stylish to include in your baby’s necessities. They’re big and generous enough that you can drape one over your shoulder while burping baby, or use them for a quick clean-up of baby messes. These tea towels are laundry safe so they are great for everyday use.
Pros:
- Soft cotton material
- Available in fun, vibrant colors and patterns
- Affordable and practical
Cons:
- Some users may prefer thicker options for extra absorbency
Munchkin Waterproof
Munchkin Waterproof Burp Cloth – These are unique as they include a layer of waterproof fabric to ensure that you stay dry. This added layer ensures even if there are spills or leaks, there is no mess. It’s used a soft cotton top layer for comfort, under which there is a waterproof middle layer – just in case you need an extra level of protection from spillages. They are the best option for parents who want to be assured that their clothing won’t get wet during burping.
Pros:
- Waterproof layer for extra protection
- Soft cotton top layer
- Ideal for messy babies or when you’re on the go
Cons:
- May be slightly stiffer due to the waterproof layer
Carter’s Baby
Carter’s is one of the top baby brands for a reason, and their Baby Burp Cloths are no different. These cloths are 100% cotton and are gentle on your baby’s skin yet durable and machine washable for easy washing. They come in sets of three, and there are a range of color and design options. Perfect for daily use, with a handy snap for attaching to baby’s stroller, car seat, or diaper bag, and a no-nonsense, durable removable hook, the snap button coated with polyurethane is just that a snap to use and can easily be attached for all of the little stuff you need
Pros:
- Soft, cotton material for comfort
- Convenient 3-pack design
- Affordable and reliable
Cons:
- Limited size options compared to other brands
KeaBabies
KeaBabies Burp Cloths are made of pure organic cotton to be ultra-soft, super absorbent and eco-friendly. They’re good for babies with sensitive skin to because they don’t contain chemicals and harsh dyes. The size of the cloths is large enough to provide maximum coverage, enough to cover your entire shoulder, so there’s no need to worry about getting your clothes wet during burping time. Because they’re so absorbentand soft to the touch, they’re great for everyday use, whether it’s in the home or on-the-go.
Pros:
- Organic cotton, gentle for sensitive skin
- Extra absorbency for mess-free burping
- Large size for better coverage
Cons:
- May be a little bulkier than thinner alternatives
Halo Sleepsack
Product Description When you are looking for a little wiggle room in your burp cloth, this is the one to choose. Featuring a double layer design, eliminating any unwanted leaks and spills from contaminating your clothes, and for additional absorbency, and helping with any natural let down. Made of a super soft absorbent fabric, these bibs will keep your baby dry and comfortable even with drool dribble and spit up.
Pros:
- Double-layer design for extra absorbency
- Soft, breathable material for baby’s comfort
- Great for minimizing mess during burping
Cons:
- Limited design choices compared to more colorful options
Tommee Tippee
The Tommee Tippee burp cloths were created for you and your baby. Constructed to last even though your babies still drooling from teething, it is soft, absorbent, 100% GOTS organic cotton that keeps both you and your baby dry. They’re supersoft and superabsorbent, and the plush-yet-sturdy design is kind to baby’s delicate skin. Offering great coverage, and protecting your clothes from spit up and baby messes, these are functional in design.
Pros:
- High absorbency for better mess control
- Soft and gentle fabric
- Ideal for daily use
Cons:
- Slightly smaller than some other options
Little Unicorn Muslin Burp Cloths
Little Unicorn Muslin Burp Cloths are made out of 100% cotton muslin that is durable, breathable, and soft for parents to use. Not just fashionable, they are very useful for spit ups and drool. Since muslin fabric is softening with each wash, these cloths get more and more comfortable the older they get. These come in a lot of new prints and are adorable as well as useful.
Pros:
- Made from soft, breathable muslin fabric
- Stylish designs in trendy patterns
- Softens with every wash
Cons:
- May require more frequent washing for optimal softness
FAQ Section
- What is the difference between burp cloths and bibs?
Burp cloths are worn over the shoulder during burping or feeding to soak dribbles of spit-up, while a bib is worn during feeding to guard against food stains.
- Can I use muslin burp cloths for babies with sensitive skin?
Yes, muslin burp cloths are soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin, making them a great choice for babies with skin sensitivities.
- Are burp cloths machine washable?
Most burp cloths go into the washing machine, but for the best care, check the care instructions before washing.
- How can I make my burp cloths more absorbent?
You can also double the cloth by folding it in half, or tuck cloths made of thickly absorbent materials, such as muslin or cotton, into the layers of the diaper.
- How often should I change a burp cloth?
Change your burp cloth whenever it gets wet or soiled. It’s best to have multiple cloths on hand to swap them out during the day.
By learning more about what burp cloths are and picking the best ones to use for your baby, you’ll be prepared for any kind of mess. No matter if you opted for muslin, cotton or another material, the right burp cloth will keep both you and baby feeling happy and clean.
Explore more on Pregnancy Must –
Top Baby Tee Picks & Styling Tips to Steal the Show!
Top 4 Best Baby Carrier Types for Everyday Comfort
Wish you a very happy and hassle-free prenting!