FOR AGES 6 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS
Feeding your baby can be a messy affair.
Whether they're breastfeeding or weaning, two months old or two years old, chances are you're going to end up having to do a little cleaning. Drool, milk, food or baby vomit will often manage to find its way onto floors and walls, onto your clothes and your baby's, creating mess, smells and discomfort.
This is where a good baby bib can make all the difference. They're a cheap, efficient way of protecting your baby's clothing and your own, of catching food when your little one moves onto solids, and generally saving a whole lot of time and hassle (it's a lot quicker to discard a dirty bib than to change a whole outfit). They can also help protect little ones from rashes caused by food or drool.
There are tons on the market to choose from, each with different qualities to suit different needs. Organic cotton drool bibs make the best bibs for newborns and younger babies, as they're soft, gentle and, crucially, absorbent, perfect for soaking up milk and dribble. Bandana bibs are perfect for teething babies who are drooling a lot; they come right up to the chin, aren't too easy for babies to pull off and often come with an attached teether. Plastic scoop bibs make a good option for weaning tots; they're waterproof, easier to wipe clean and usually come with a pocket to catch fallen food.
Whatever your baby's needs, we've got the bib for you. Just be warned: though baby bibs can be a bit of a lifesaver when it comes to mealtimes, it's important to remember to take them off after feeding and burping. They have the potential to be dangerous if left on all the time, particularly during sleep.
How many bibs you need will depend on your baby. If they're a drooler, or particularly prone to throwing up their most recent meal, it's a good idea to stock up on a few extra. Some parents report going through as many as five a day! Depending on how often you do your washing, it's a good idea to have anywhere between five and twenty bibs on hand.
We've gathered together a range of the best baby bibs on the market so you can find the ones that suit you best. Take a look below.
These sweet little burpy bibs from premium baby brand aden + anais are a versatile classic that you won't regret adding to your baby bag. Made from 100% cotton top-quality muslin they're lightweight, soft and super gentle against your baby's skin. The four-layer construction provides ample protection against dribbles and spills whilst also making the cloth extra absorbent and fast-drying - ideal for quickly sponging up mess when an accident occurs. Each bib is a good size and the clever design makes it doubly functional: you can chuck it over your shoulder to protect your clothes during burping or fasten it around your baby's neck for protection during meal times. And, of course, aden + anais are known for their chic prints; there are tons to choose from but we particularly love the cute little monkeys and giraffes. Machine washable and conveniently quick to dry, adding these burpy bibs to your collection is a no brainer.
These Bumkins super bibs are brilliant, and at under £14 for three, they're great value. Waterproof, comfortable and featuring a handy pocket for catching crumbs, they do the job and they do it well. They're made from a single layer of polyester that is easily wipeable and less prone to absorbing nasty stains and smells. In theory, this means you don't have to wash them as often, though they are machine washable and super fast-drying when you do. The hook and loop fastening means they can't be easily pulled off (a common problem with snap button varieties) and with a range of fun, bright patterns to choose from, your little one will look adorable in them, too. A real winner.
Where food, spit up and drool can soak into cloth bibs and quickly render them dirty, or, in the long term, unsanitary and even mouldy, silicone bibs are completely waterproof and stain-resistant, making them impervious to dribble, spit-up, grime and mildew. On top of this, silicone bibs are often endowed with a sturdy food-catching pocket, making them some of the best bibs for weaning. These waterproof baby bibs from Happy Healthy Parent were our favourite; made from 100% Food Grade Silicone, they're super easy to wipe clean and can even go in the dishwasher. The adjustable neckband means they'll last as your baby grows and they can easily be rolled-up to contain the mess until you get around to washing them. Practical and time-saving, these bibs offer real, robust protection against the messiness of mealtimes.
These Tommee Tippee drool bibs are perfect for newborns, and at £5 for four, they're the most affordable set on our list. The velcro neck fastening makes them comfortable and easy to adjust and the extra thick dribble catcher is super absorbent, perfect for tiny babies who are prone to drooling and for helping to prevent irritating rashes. They're nice and soft, ideal for delicate newborn skin, fully reversible and machine washable. There are three pastel colours to choose from and each has a cute print on the other side.
We found these Cheeky Chompers bandana bibs to be the best bibs for teething babies. The baby bandana style allows your baby to wear their teether safely around their neck, preventing it from getting dropped or lost and catching the inevitable dribble that spills as your little one chews away. The teether is made from a non-toxic, BPA-free Food Grade Silicone and features a raised dimple design to soothe sore gums, whilst the soft jersey cotton of the baby bandana features an absorbent three layer design, perfect for keeping your little one dry and preventing the skin around their mouth and neck from getting irritated. Available in a range of prints and sizes, these bandana bibs are also reversible, cutting your washing time in half.
This ingenious BIBaDo coverall will prove a godsend when it's time for weaning. A completely waterproof long-sleeved bib, just pop it over your little one's head and arms and attach it to their highchair with the handy velcro straps for full mealtime coverage. The longline apron design stretches over your baby and across their lap so that any fallen crumbs and bits of food will fall into the bib rather than onto their clothes or the floor, purportedly saving you up to 30 minutes of post-mealtime cleanup. The lightweight PU-coated polyester material makes it comfortable to wear and easy to wipe down, and the elasticated cuffs keep your little one nice and protected. The adjustable sizing means it will last for months and it folds away neatly into an internal pocket, making it a great transportable option for playdates or eating out. Machine washable and available in a range of fun patterns, this one's a winner!
It goes without saying that baby bibs with sleeves provide more comprehensive coverage, and make the best options for slightly older or particularly messy babies. This Bumkins smock has the added benefit of being nice and long, so there's even less chance of stray food finding its way onto clothes and making mess. A handy crumb-catching pocket along the bottom provides extra protection and the whole thing is waterproof, stain and odour resistant. It's machine washable, too, though the TPU coating makes it easy to quickly wipe down after meal times, saving you washing time and cutting your water consumption. Comfy and breathable and available in three cute patterns.
This Skip Hop Fox bib has got to be one of the most adorable plastic baby bibs on the market. It's super practical too, made from a food-safe silicone that's waterproof, easy to wipe down and dishwasher safe (top rack). It's not as big as some of the others we've listed here but the food-catching pocket is nice and deep, and should provide enough coverage for slightly older tots. Compared to other silicone bibs it makes for a comfortable wear, too: the material is soft and tactile and the neck is adjustable - ideal for fussy tots who hate a restrictive feeling around their necks. We fell in love with the fox but there several other sweet animal designs to choose from. Plus, you have the entire Skip Hop range of matching products - a bonus opportunity for coordinating cuteness!
These sweet little Mori Baby bandana bibs are ultra soft to the touch, making them the best baby dribble bibs for babies with sensitive skin. The organic cotton and bamboo blend and adjustable neckline create a cocoon of silky comfort and the sweet, pastel-coloured designs look adorable to boot. Besides looking and feeling luxurious, the double-ply fabric makes for a super absorbent layer of protection against drool and spills, and the bandana style means that the bib sits right up against the chin, helping your baby stay dry and comfortable.
These BabyBjörn bibs are among the best bibs for longevity; the BPA-free plastic material is robust and durable and the soft adjustable neckband allows for rapid growth. The pearl fastening prevents your baby from pulling it off and is also non-chafing, making these another good option for babies with sensitive skin, or those who don't take kindly to the constricting feeling of a neck strap. The spill pocket is deep and holds its shape well and the shape and size provide decent coverage, making it another good bib for babies who are weaning. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, these bibs make a great investment that will last. We like the chic powder colours too!
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our guide to the best bibs for babies then why not take a look at our pick of the best unisex baby clothes. Or, for something different, take a look at our best baby bath toys!
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