When it comes to taking care of a new baby, there are a lot of things that parents need to worry about. One of the most important is making sure that the baby is comfortable and safe. But with all the different products on the market, it can be hard to know what you really need – and what is just a waste of money.
One of the things that new parents often wonder about is burp cloths. Some people swear by them, while others think they are unnecessary. So, do you really need burp cloths for your baby?
In this article, we will look at what burp cloths are, why you might need them, and how to use them. We will also dispel some of the myths about burp cloths and give you some tips on choosing the right ones for your needs.
What are baby burp cloths?
Burp cloths are small pieces of cloth that are used to absorb the saliva and other secretions that come from a baby’s mouth. They are often used to protect clothes from getting dirty and to help keep the baby’s skin clean.
Burp cloths can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, terrycloth, and fleece.
Why might you need burp cloths?
There are a few reasons why you might need burp cloths for your baby. Here are some of the most common:
- To protect the baby’s clothes from saliva and drool
- To catch any spit-up that may occur
- To clean the baby’s face and mouth
- To protect the furniture from getting messy
These are some of the most common reasons why parents use burp cloths, but there are others as well. For example, some parents like to use them as blankets or bibs.
Do you really need them, or can you just use a regular towel?
The answer depends on a few different factors. For starters, how often does your baby spit up? If your child is quite the little spitter-upper, then you will want to have some burp cloths on hand.
There are a few other reasons why you might want to use burp rags. For example, they can help protect the baby’s face and mouth from saliva and drool. They can also be used to clean the baby’s face and mouth if they happen to spit up. And if you are using them as blankets or bibs, they can help keep the baby’s clothes clean.
Things to consider before buying burp cloths
If you are not sure whether you need burp cloths, here are a few tips for choosing the right ones:
- Choose a type of cloth that is absorbent and soft.
- Choose a size that is large enough to cover the baby’s chest and stomach.
- Choose a design that you like.
- Consider the price and whether the cloths can be washed and dried in a machine.
These are a few things to keep in mind when choosing burp cloths. If you are still not sure whether you need them, ask your pediatrician for advice.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a burp cloth?
Burp cloths are used to absorb the saliva and other secretions that come from a baby’s mouth. They are often used to protect clothes from getting dirty and to help keep the baby’s skin clean.
Are burp cloths really necessary?
It depends on your individual situation. If your baby spits up a lot, then you will want to have some burp cloths on hand. They can also be useful for cleaning the baby’s face and mouth, and for protecting the furniture from getting messy.
How many burping cloths do I need?
It depends on how often you think you will need them. If you are not sure, it is always better to have too many than not enough. Most burp cloths come in packs of 12-24, so you should be able to find a pack that fits your needs.
Can they be washed and dried in a machine?
Yes, most burp cloths can be washed and dried in a machine. Just make sure to check the label before purchasing them.
What is the best material for burp cloths?
The best material for burp cloths is absorbent and soft. Cotton, terrycloth, and fleece are all good options.
FAQs
Are burp cloths really necessary? It depends on your individual situation. If your baby spits up a lot, then you will want to have some burp cloths on hand. They can also be useful for cleaning the baby's face and mouth, and for protecting the furniture from getting messy.
Do you actually need burp cloths? ›
Babies usually need burp cloths for as long as they're fed by bottle or breast. It's different for every child, but they get most of their sustenance from milk until about 12 months of age. While many children continue drinking milk after their first birthday, they may not still need to be burped each time.
Are baby washcloths necessary? ›
A washcloth will come in handy when cleansing their body and gently scrubbing their scalp. It can also help with rinsing to avoid getting soap in their eyes, as well as drying off afterward. See our Baby Bath Guide for step-by-step guidance on bathing your child with a newborn washcloth.
How many burp cloths do you need for a newborn? ›
If you are wondering, 'how many burp cloths do I need?' It depends on how often your young one spits up, the number of feedings(which are unnumbered as they are still breastfeeding), and how often you want to do the laundry. But anywhere between eight to 14 burp cloths is a good number to have for a single baby.
What can I use instead of burp cloths? ›
If you're looking for a burp cloth that will last through even the most explosive feedings, look no further than cloth diapers; they're a great alternative to regular burp cloths.
Can you use a towel as a burp cloth? ›
Depending on the size of the towel you can get between six and nine cloths. First step is to cut up the towel. I also unpick or trim off the seam top and bottom.
Do I need burp cloths and receiving blankets? ›
Conclusion. Both receiving blankets and burp cloths are essential for effective baby care, each serving specific needs that support the daily routines of new parents.
Do you really need newborn detergent? ›
Many parents think they need to use baby detergent to clean their little one's clothes. And when a newborn's skin is sensitive, this can be true. But if baby detergent isn't getting rid of stains and odors as well as you'd like, it might be time to switch to a regular liquid detergent.
Do I really need to Prewash baby clothes? ›
For hand-me-down baby clothes, pre-washing just helps ensure the clothes are clean for their newest wearer. Old or new, always start the laundry process by checking the item's laundry care symbols. Pre-washing doesn't mean you have to wash and dry every single onesie, burp cloth, and towel before the baby is born.
How many baby towels should you have? ›
How Many Baby Towels Do You Need? How many towels should a baby have? All households are different, so the number of towels you need depends on how often you bathe your child, how many post-bath accidents they have and how often you do laundry. That said, two to four hooded baby towels should suffice.
As new moms build out their registries they often wonder: how many burp cloths do I need for a newborn? The answer is a little different for every Mom but we find that having between eight to fourteen on hand will usually suffice.
Is one burp enough for a baby? ›
Try burping your baby every 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 milliliters) if you bottle-feed and each time you switch breasts if you breastfeed. Try burping your baby every ounce during bottle-feeding or every 5 minutes during breastfeeding if your baby: tends to be gassy.
Can I put a newborn down without burping? ›
Some babies may be more prone to gas and discomfort if they go to sleep without being burped, while others may not have any issues. However, if a baby is already asleep and showing no signs of discomfort, it is generally safe to let them sleep without burping.
Are muslins and burp cloths the same? ›
Cheeky cotton burp cloths are double layer, so thicker than standard muslin cloths and primarily used over the shoulder for burping after feedings. As they are generously sized, they also make great soft bibs, so are truly multi functional.
What is the difference between a burp cloth and a bib? ›
Many people think they are the same but they are completely different. Use – Bibs are placed around a baby's neck. And are designed to capture spit-ups and drool. While cloths are placed over your shoulder to stop spit-ups falling on you.
What fabric is best for baby burp cloths? ›
Cotton chenille is the best fabric for absorbent burp cloths I've found, and combined with a terry cloth layer for absorbency is far superior to any other combination.
Is it OK not to burp? ›
Picking your little one up to burp might put them back to sleep. As your baby gets older, don't worry if your child doesn't burp during or after every feeding. Usually, it means that your baby has learned to eat without swallowing too much air.
Do I need to bring burp cloths to the hospital? ›
Burp cloths - Your newborn will have lots of feedings as you get used to a new routine, which means you'll be burping your baby a lot – bring burp cloths to clean up after your little one. Swaddle and blanket - No matter the weather, swaddling your newborn is always a good idea.
What happens if you don't burp when you need to? ›
The belching/burping reflex requires relaxation of the upper oesophageal sphincter [3]. In people with inability to burp, the cricopharyngeal muscle fails to relax during burping; therefore, gas get trapped in the oesophagus and progressively into the stomach and bowels.
Can you use tea towels as burp cloths? ›
Tea Towels – You can use a tea towel instead. They are a good size and absorbent. The main negative is that most are pretty ugly.
