Best Baby Bibs: No More Mealtime Mess! (2020 Guide)
It's no secret that babies are capable of making a big mess everywhere. I mean, huge!
Between spit up, baby food, and drool from teething, you’ll need to stock up on bibs in a big way.
You’ll need a bib in literally every room and every car!
Bibs are useful because they save outfits, keep babies dry, and quickly catch spills and stop staining.
Some bibs are much better than others in regard to their function, durability, and design.
Read on to learn all the basics of bibs and some that come highly recommended.
When Do Babies Need to Start Using Bibs?
Babies need bibs right from the get go, especially when being bottle fed.
Their little mouths are still learning how to latch and suck, while keeping liquid in their mouths.
Their digestive systems are also immature and they tend to spit up frequently after feedings.
Having a bib on your baby is useful because you can wipe up any excess around the mouth, and keep your baby clean and dry during and after feedings.
Any milk that collects around their neck or soaks their top will make them uncomfortable and also make them cold.
Are There Different Sized Bibs?
Bibs do come in a few different sizes.
But generally, if you purchase a standard bib, it can be adjusted to fit a variety of necks thanks to its snaps or velcro strips.
Just keep in mind when your baby wears a bib, it should never be too tight around their neck, nor too loose.
What Are the Different Fabrics and Materials?
Cotton bibs are highly popular because they are soft and comfortable, they wash well, and they are very durable.
Bibs are also made of plastic, nylon, and even mesh.
Different materials are recommended for different ages and stages.
For example, plastic bibs are easier to wipe down once your baby starts consuming solid foods, while cotton bibs do a great job at sopping up teething drool.
Many parents prefer silicone bibs because they wipe down with ease and can be sterilized in a pot of boiling water, or even placed in the dishwasher for a good cleaning.
Silicone is also super long lasting.
How Many Bibs Should You Buy?
Having too many bibs is never a bad thing.
Put at least 10 on your registry to start. You’ll be amazed at how many you go through, throughout a day.
Also, the more bibs you have, the less laundry you’ll have to do!
When my son was in the midst of teething, he literally went through a bib every hour or two!
The Different Types of Bibs
Once I became a mom, I learned that there are actually several kinds of bibs.
First, there are feeding bibs. They generally come with a pocket to catch food and are designed to cover the front portion of the baby as they eat, nurse, or drink.
Next, there are drool bibs. They fit around the neck and mimic a bandana. They are ultra soft, comfortable, and moisture wicking.
There’s also full body bibs, which are appropriate if you want your baby’s entire outfit covered. Maybe you’re attending a special event and your little one is ultra dressed up. A fully body bib resembles a light weight coat and even has sleeves, so their outfit will stay clean and dry.
There’s also disposable bibs. These bibs are helpful, but aren’t practical for everyday use since their cost can really add up. They also aren't great for the environment, and aren’t the most comfortable since they are meant to be tossed. However, they come in handy when dining out or traveling.
Tips for Cleaning Your Bibs
If you’re using cotton bibs, your best bet is to toss them in the wash.
If they are heavily stained, you can apply some stain remover prior to washing them.
Some parents dry them, while others hang then out on the line. The sun is pretty powerful and effective at working on tough stains (and smells).
Plastic and silicone bibs can be spot cleaned since they are water resistant, and nylon and mesh bibs can also be tossed in the washer and laid flat to dry.
Some can even be placed in the dishwasher or sterilized in hot water (silicone) weekly.
Can You Make Your Own Bib?
Certainly! Much like making your own cloth diapers, making your own bibs is easy and cost effective.
While I preferred to purchase a pack, you may wish to break out your sewing machine.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. First, pick out your material. If possible, choose organic fabrics.
2. Next, pick out a pattern and trace it on the material.
3. Cut out two traced bibs.
4. Then, pin them together.
5. Sew it and trim off the excess.
6. Be sure to press it, add topstitching, and then apply fasteners.
Some parents prefer to “wing it” and make their own patterns, while others visit their local craft store or print some out online.
If you’ve never made a bib before (or sewed for that matter), there are a number of tutorials you can check out online that will walk you step by step through the process.
If you’re in a pinch, you can always use a makeshift bib by draping a receiving blanket, towel, napkin, or towel across your baby’s chest.
They’ll all get the job done!
Some Features to Keep in Mind
Some bibs are better than others. Here are some features to look for:
- Soft. You want to drape something around your baby that is comfortable and cozy. Anything itchy or scratchy can irritate them and may interrupt them from feeding.
- Double stitched. A double stitched bib is strong and durable. So it can hold up to multiple washings, being pulled, stretched, and dropped on the floor. It’s also less likely to rip and fray if you put it in the dryer.
- Multiple colors and patterns. They tend to hide stains that just won’t come out.
- Adjustors. These allow you to get a great and close fit, and also grow with your baby as they do.
- Pockets. Pockets are great on bibs because they catch food once your baby starts to eat solids. Pockets can be easily emptied into the trash and turned inside out for optimal cleaning.
Additional Tips
My son often wore bibs for other reasons than for eating, drinking, and teething. Here are some additional uses of a bib:
- Acid Reflux. Some babies need to wear a bib constantly because they suffer from acid reflux. This means they won’t just spit up during and after feeding times—they are known to do so anytime, so it’s best to be prepared.
- Art Work. So my son’s clothes didn’t get totally destroyed, I often put an oversized bib on him when we were completing arts and crafts!
- When Sick. Because my son was more likely to drool when his nose was blocked, I often put a bib on him. A bib was also helpful when his nose was runny because I could quickly wipe up any snot or boogers when I didn’t have a tissue immediately on hand.
- Disposable Bibs. When I was at picnics or visiting friends or family, I often utilized disposable bibs so I could leave my “favorites” at home, and simply toss the bib he was wearing when he was done eating.
The Best Baby Bibs
#1. Happy Healthy Parent
Happy Healthy Parent’s silicone bib (click here to check the price on Amazon) is seriously easy to clean.
And, it’s long lasting!
These bibs are designed for older babies and toddlers who are eating away. They are adjustable and long enough to keep clothes stain free.
Plus, they boast a wide, stay-open front pocket that catches drops and other messes. The silicone itself is 100% waterproof and stain resistant.
They come in fun designs and trendy colors, so they make mealtime more fun, and also a great gift overall. Plus, their bibs are flexible, so they can be rolled up if you’re traveling with them.
I love how they don’t need to be placed in the washer at all as well.
Just wipe them down with soapy water and let them air dry!
#2. Green Sprouts
These bibs from Green Sprouts (click here to check the price on Amazon) are sold in a 10 pack, so you’ll have plenty to start out with.
Lots of parents love them because they do an amazing job at staying dry and keeping babies dry as well. This is because the bibs have an inner layer (waterproof lining) and two outer layers.
The outside is composed of knitted terry, so it can be spot cleaned or machine washed.
The bibs are a cinch to get on and off, and they boast an adjustable hook and loop closure.
Because they’re practice for everyday use, they can be paired with your baby’s outfits with ease.
They can be rolled up as compactly as a wash cloth, so they slide into your purse, diaper bag, or any compartment with ease.
#3. KiddyStar
Talk about functional and fashionable!
These Baby Bandana bibs from KiddyStart (click here to check the price on Amazon) are sold in an adorable pack of eight.
Their main function is to take care of frequent drool, which can cause irritation and fussiness in little ones. So, these bandana bibs make life easier by cutting down on clothing changes and eliminating chaffing.
The bibs boast a double layered design and are made out of 100% cotton. Its backside has a polyester fleece, which is not only cozy to wear, but blocks fluid from breaking through and coming in contact with the skin.
In addition, parents love that the bibs have two nickel free snap closures. This makes them non-allergenic and is great for sensitive skin.
The bibs best fit newborns up to two year old toddlers.
While they can be used to catch food while eating, they are best used to sop up drool.
They’re designed for either gender and because they’re sold in a set, they make a great gift!
#4. Neat Solutions
These Neat Solutions bibs (click here to check the price on Amazon) are sold in a pack of 10 and are basic and clean, but best of all, effective at keeping clean during meal time.
The bibs feature an easy closure that stays tightly shut. They are soft and comfortable to wear because of their cotton/polyester blend.
And, they are loved by parents because they have the capability of being embroidered for a more personalized fit.
They can be spot cleaned or pre-treated with bleach (to stay whiter longer) before being washed.
Because they are sold in a large pack, you’ll always have a bib on hand while your others are washing!
#5. Dream Bear
Dream Bear’s baby bibs (click here to check the price on Amazon) are sold in a set of two and are very soft and flexible.
Made of 100% food grade silicone, you can ensure long-lasting use.
Each bib is fully adjustable and will grow with your baby since they have 4 buttons.
In addition, parents love that the bibs can be disinfected in boiling water because it can stand up against temperatures of up to 200 degrees celsius. So, when sterilizing bottles or pacifiers, the bib can join in on the cleaning fun.
If not sterilizing, the bibs can be rinsed off under a stream of warm water, or even placed in the dishwasher.
In addition to being easy to clean, the bibs are easy to carry. They roll up and can be stored compactly in diaper bags, so they can be taken out to dinner or utilized while on the road or on vacation.
#6. Bumkins
These Bumkins bibs (click here to check the price on Amazon), sold in a 3-pack, aren’t just fashionable, they’re fully functional.
Designed to fit a six to twenty-four month old, the bib has adjustable velcro straps.
The front of the bib wipes down easily and is also stain and smell resistant. It also has a helpful catch all front pocket when your little one is enjoying solid snacks.
You can also toss it in the washer (just hang it to dry).
The bibs are big, measuring about 10 inches across, and dropping 9 inches down from the neck, so you can ensure clothes stay nice and clean.
It’s also safe to come in contact with your baby because it’s BPS, PVC, vinyl, phthalate, and lead free.
Parents love that they roll up and and are easy to travel with when away from home.
Wrapping Up
There's no way around it: bibs are essential baby items!
You won’t just end up using them during feeding time either.
In my opinion, you can’t have too many bibs.
While you may like one kind over another, the bibs reviewed above are awesome at keeping your little one dry and clean.
Their features make them easy to maintain and they are long lasting, giving you a long return on your investment.
