We turned to the What to Expect community to gather a consensus on burp cloths that parents have used and loved. We also looked for features parents said they liked in a burp cloth. With that in mind, all of the burp cloths on our list: While you want to keep yourself and your clothing dry, you also want baby to be comfortable during burping. A cloth that soaks up spit-up to keep it away from baby's face feels better for them. For bottle feeding or breastfeeding (also known as chestfeeding), there are positions and techniques that help a baby eat at their own pace. This typically results in the baby swallowing less air, thus less spitting up. When it comes to burp cloths, there is no such thing as too many. If your baby spits up a lot, you might go through three to five burp cloths a day. Even if you don't have the messiest baby, having plenty of burp cloths stashed around the house comes in handy with everything from bottle mishaps to leaky nipples, and it prevents you from doing even more laundry than you'll already be doing. Be prepared with at least five burp cloths in your stash and take from there. You'll most likely end up buying or being gifted more, but at least you will have enough to get started and decide what exact kinds you like.

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Burp cloths come in a variety of fabrics, with cotton varieties being the most popular because of their softness and absorbency. In the cotton family, you still have a variety of options. There is flannel, which tends to be quite absorbent but a little stiff. Muslin, which is loosely woven layers of cotton, is known for both its absorbency and incredible softness, making it a popular choice for wiping babies' sensitive skin. Plain cotton works well, too, but you will want to make sure that the burp cloth has multiple layers so that the mess doesn't go straight through the cloth. Organic cotton is another popular choice among parents for the additional peace of mind you get knowing that no harmful chemicals or pesticides are going to be rubbing up against your little one. There are also burp cloths on the market that are made from jersey and fleece. Whatever fabrics you choose, they should be able to withstand frequent washes with hot water, as your burp cloths will get some serious mileage on them! Burp cloths largely serve one general purpose: to keep things clean when baby (inevitably) spits up. But there are a few different ways to use them depending on how you feed and burp your baby. They may be just little squares of soft, breathable material but they become the multi-tool in any mum or dad’s armoury. Layers: Another factor that affects absorbency in addition to the material type is the amount and type of layers. Some burp cloths have a super absorbent layer in the middle to prevent mess from seeping through and onto your clothes. Others use multiple layers to keep your clothes clean. We’ve looked at the best baby muslins on the market that have been shared by our Community and recommended as a best baby buy.Normal baby spit-up is a small amount of white or clear liquid that a baby expels from their stomach during or after a feeding. Usually, it looks like regular milk or formula, though it can be curdled. How do I stop my baby from spitting up? The best material for burp cloths is a natural, absorbent fabric such as cotton. Other options include semi-synthetic fabrics such as bamboo and rayon. These materials are soft, breathable, and absorbent. Plus, they feel comfortable against the skin. Is muslin good for burp cloths?

Burp Cloths - Healthline The 7 Best Burp Cloths - Healthline

You should also consider the fact that some babies spit up more than others, and one solution to frequent spitting up (or gassiness or crankiness) is to burp the baby even more frequently. The burp cloth that’s best for you comes down to personal preference, as well as what you value in a product for baby, such as looking for organic materials or prioritizing stylish options.

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Karen Sly, Finance Manager at What to Expect, has found that the Copper Pearl burp cloths work exceptionally well for absorption and have held up over several years across her two babies. “I like the Copper Pearl ones because they have multiple layers and absorb those big spit ups,” she says. “Since the outer layers are thinner material and the absorbency happens with the middle layer, they aren't as good for wiping up messes. I tend to use Burt’s Bees [burp cloths] for that instead.” It depends on how absorbent the fabric of the burp cloth is, but most burp cloths should have more than one layer. Multiple layers help absorb more spit-up, keeping both you and baby cleaner and fresher. A burp cloth with more layers can also help keep the integrity of the fabric together after multiple runs through the washing machine. The best material for burp cloths depends on your lifestyle and desires, but generally, cotton, muslin, and bamboo are best because they absorb the most moisture. That’s helpful when you are dealing with a lot of spit-up in the early months. Fleece, microfiber, and flannel are also options. After feedings, keep your baby upright for 30 minutes and avoid excessive movement and stimulation such as bouncing and tummy time. How many burp cloths do I need? Over your shoulder. This is the most common way to burp a baby, especially in the first few months. Position the burp cloth over one of your shoulders with the majority of the fabric also falling across your chest. Then hold baby chest-to-chest with them positioned over the burp cloth. Material: Burp cloths come in different materials such as cotton, muslin, bamboo or flannel, each with its own pros. Cotton, for example, is super absorbent and gentle on baby’s skin, while bamboo is a more eco-friendly alternative. You may want to have a few options on hand before baby’s arrival so you can see what you prefer.