The Best Burp Cloths for Newborns and Beyond

Absorbent Burp Cloths that Take On Everything with Ease

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Author By Rachel Peachey

Updated Dec 2, 2024

Spit-up, leaking milk, drool, and other messes abound with babies. That's why high quality burp cloths are a must. While caring for my three children as infants, I loved soft, super absorbent cloths that weren't too thick. They were lifesavers for a variety of messy situations.

Which are the best burp cloths for caring for your infant?

Top 9 Best Baby Burp Cloths

We found the best, super soft, effective cloths for keeping your baby (and you!) clean and comfortable.

1. Best Organic Burp Cloths: Colored Organics - $18

We love these square burp cloths made of organic cotton. Featuring a 2-ply center panel, these cloths are absorbent. Throw one over your shoulder to catch spit-up. Or, tuck one under your baby's head while the nurse or have a bottle.

You can feel good about purchasing these cloths that are sustainably sourced and ethically made. Grab a few packs to keep them on hand.

2. Best Organic Cotton Burp Cloths: Burt's Bees Baby - $26.99

Enjoy some color and patterns with Burt's Bees pack of rectangularly-shaped cloths. The whole cloth is 2-ply for ultimate absorption. Made of organic cotton, they come in a convenient 5-pack so you can be ready for the many messes coming your way.

3. Best Cotton Muslin Burp Cloth: Happiest Baby - $12.95

This multipurpose blanket doubles as a convenient burp cloth. We love that it's made of muslin, a loosely woven cotton that's lightweight and soft. This swaddle doubles as a burp cloth, blanket, or even a changing pad in a pinch.

When my children were infants, I often used a burp cloth as a light blanket to protect my baby's eyes from the sun. As I moved from indoors to outdoors, I would hold it over their eyes. A muslin swaddle like this works perfectly for multiple purposes, including a lightweight blanket in a pinch. Add it to your diaper bag for a flexible cloth that can handle anything life throws at you.

4. Best Textured Cloths: Ferm Living - $79

While technically intended for the kitchen, these organic cotton cloths are perfect for your baby. Sometimes, you need a smaller cloth for the many spills and messes. They are soft, perfectly textured, and come labeled with the days of the week. Grab a new cloth every day.

5. Softest Muslin Burp Cloths: Garbo and Friends - $25

These square, muslin cloths are cozy, soft, and comfortable. We love the earthy colors and simple design of these cloths. You can throw a few of these organic cotton cloths in your diaper bag for easy cleaning. At 16 inches in size, they can also double as a make-shift blanket if the weather changes suddenly when you're out and about.

6. Best 3-Pack: Monica and Andy - $25

Also an organic cotton win, these soft cloths are also adorable. What could be cuter than elephants? The soft muslin is perfect for your baby's tender cheek to rest on as you burp them. Or, wipe off the drool with one of these soft cloths.

7. Softest Burp Cloths: Natemia - $25

You can't get softer than this combination of bamboo and cotton. As smooth as butter, these smaller cloths come in at 12 inches. They will be useful long after the baby stage, offering a comfortable size for burping baby or wiping up after your toddler's meal.

These washcloths feature six layers, making them extra absorbent. You'll also fall in love with the gorgeous colors.

8. Best Practical Shaped Burp Cloths: Mushie - $21

Most burp cloths are a standard rectangle or square shape. Avoid the cloth slipping off your shoulder or baby pulling at it with these long, thin, oval-shaped cloths. Plus, the length provides better coverage of your shoulder for less mess. Choose from an array of attractive patterns including flowers, checkered squares, or solid colors.

9. Best Textured Burp Cloths: Timon and Violet - $150

Show your baby love in each snuggle with this 5-pack of "Love Languages" burp cloths. Each cloth has "love" written in a different language. On one side is soft muslin and on the other is velour terry. Choose which texture is best for the job to keep baby clean and comfortable.

Which burp cloth is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many burp cloths do I need?

The right number of burp cloths depends on how often you do laundry. Babies need lots of clean-up from drool to spit up, runny noses, and more. Depending on how much your baby drools or spits up, you can easily go through three or more burp cloths in a day. Having 10 to 12 burp cloths is ideal so that you can plan to wash some if you see you're running low.

Are burp cloths necessary?

Many parents find these cloths helpful for dealing with messes like spit-up and drool. Many infants spit up after feeding when they burp. Especially during your baby's first year of life, having a stash of burp cloths is helpful.

What fabric is best for burp cloths?

The best fabric for burp cloths is a soft, gentle fabric that won't bother your baby's sensitive skin. Fabrics such as organic cotton or organic bamboo are ideal. Muslin is a favorite because it is cotton, soft, and absorbent.

Rachel Peachey

A former Montessori teacher, Rachel taught at an international bilingual Montessori school at both the preschool and lower elementary school levels. She also uses the Montessori method at home with her three children. In her free time, Rachel loves spending time with her family, baking, reading, and crafting.