Products > Baby Care
byZara Hanawalt
Fact-Checked by Erin Cavoto
| January 11, 2024
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Best Burp Cloths
Best Overall Burp Cloths
Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths
$20 for 6
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Amazon
Most Absorbent Burp Cloths
Copper Pearl Premium Burp Cloths
$22 for 3
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Amazon
Best Affordable Burp Cloths
Gerber Flatfold Cloth Diapers
$15 for 10
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Amazon
Best Extra-Large Burp Cloths
Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths
$27 for 3
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Amazon
Best Organic Burp Cloths
Burt’s Bees Burp Cloths
$27 for 5
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Amazon
Best Wearable Burp Cloth
Aden + Anais Cotton Muslim Burpy Bibs
$25 for 2
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Amazon
Drool, spit-up and even projectile vomit are inevitable when you’re dealing with a newborn, which is why stocking up on burp cloths is key for any expecting parent. There are so many burp cloths to choose from, including options that are simple yet effective, double as a bib or provide extra layers for maximum protection.
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.
Below, we’ve rounded up some solid picks — and outlined some features to keep in mind if you’re in the market for new baby burp cloths.
How we chose the best burp cloths
- We utilized results from the What to Expect Feeding Awards, which polled more than 1,500 caregivers in the What to Expect Community.
- We spoke to three What to Expect staff members with five children between them who have tested a majority of the burp cloths on this list, in addition to my own experience using burp cloths for my twins.
- 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:
- Include multiple layers for absorbency
- Are made of fabric that’s gentle on baby’s delicate skin
- Are durable and can withstand frequent washing
Other factors to consider when buying burp cloths
Although we made sure all of the picks on our list received strong reviews when it came to absorbency, there are a few other features to consider when shopping for burp cloths.
- 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.
- Size: Burp cloths come in different sizes, and there are pros and cons to consider here. Many burp cloths are large enough (usually around 20 by 10 inches) to toss over your shoulder without worrying about getting a mess on your clothes. However, it might be easier to stash multiple smaller burp cloths in your diaper bag.
- 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.
How many burp cloths do I need?
The amount of burp cloths you should have depends on a few factors.
To start,newborns eat between eight to 12 times a day and, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should burp their babies during breaks in feedings. You’ll likely want a clean burp cloth on hand for every feeding in case your little one has a “wet burp” or spits up. So, depending on how frequently you do laundry — or plan to do laundry once baby arrives — will impact your decision on how many burp cloths to buy.
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.
With all that in mind, there’s no magic number of burp cloths every parent needs to have on hand, though users in What to Expect’s community recommend stocking up on about 10 to 12. You may want to assemble a small stash before the baby's birth, and buy additional burp cloths if needed.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
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Best Overall Burp Cloths
Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths
Photo credit: Comfy Cubs
Buying Option
Amazon
Target
Walmart
Pros
- Easy to pack
- 10 color options
- versatile
Cons
- Some parents felt the material was thin
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Efficient and easy on your budget,Comfy Cubs’ burp cloths are a favorite among parents in the What to Expect community. In fact, they were picked as the Best Burp Cloths in last year’s What to Expect Feeding Awards, What to Expect's 100 percent community-driven awards franchise. Voters praised the burp cloths for their generous size, as well as how easy they were to clean.
Parents also raved about the burp cloths’ ultra-soft muslin material, which is smooth and comfortable against your baby’s delicate skin. These cloths also boast quick-drying properties and won’t shrink in the wash. Reviewers were impressed by their absorbency, with six layers that are thin but will catch spit up and dribbles without a problem. Plus, they’re not too large or bulky, making them easy to stash in your diaper bag for messes on the go.
Material: Muslin
Dimensions: 20 x 10 inches
Quantity per pack: 6 or 10
Number of layers: 6
Community Reviews
bbbattlestargalactica
“[O]nce you hit the reflux or spit up stage these are everything. They’re very simple nothing fancy but they’re soft and absorbent. Just make sure you dry on low or air dry because they do shrink.”
cinquieme
“I also love Muslin swaddling blankets. Used those for a swaddle, nursing cover, burp cloth, sun shade, towel… so many uses!”
Most Absorbent Burp Cloths
Copper Pearl Premium Burp Cloths
Photo credit: Copper Pearl
Buying Option
Amazon
Target
Copper Pearl
Pros
- Over 70 color options
- thick
- includes middle fleece layer
Cons
- Fewer cloths per pack
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Cooper Pearl’s burp clothsare thick, plush and super absorbent. I personally used these burp cloths after I welcomed my twins and can vouch for their durability and absorbency. The secret to their absorbency: A hidden fleece layer that prevent messes from seeping through the cloth and onto your clothes or belongings. I also loved the shape of these burp cloths. The long design allows them to drape over the shoulder really well and provide extra coverage to catch spit-ups.
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.”
The one downside? They’re on the pricier side, with three cloths costing $22. However, I and several parents in the What to Expect community felt that the price is worth it because of the thickness and large size.
Material: Cotton exterior, fleece interior
Dimensions: 21 x 10 inches
Quantity per pack: 3
Number of layers: 3
Community Reviews
m823
“Yesssss. Copper Pearl burp cloths are SO worth it. I had cheaper Copper Pearl knock-offs from Amazon and they weren’t as nice. Also had a bunch of random burp cloths. I ended up purchasing more of the Copper Pearl because they were significantly better than anything else! I had a super spitty baby, so we went through so many burp cloths and bibs a day.”
TXFamof6
“I really loved them too. They were always my fav because of how big they are and they seemed to be more stain resistant. These and the burpy bibs were always my favorite that I found myself reaching for.”
amommyof2sweetpeas
“I did love these copper pearl with my son. They are huge and thick! They cover your shoulder great so you’re less likely to get spit up on you.”
Best Affordable Burp Cloths
Gerber Flatfold Cloth Diapers
Buying Option
Amazon
Walmart
Gerber Childrenswear
Pros
- Organic
- versatile
- less than $2 per cloth
Cons
- Must fold for layered effect
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Using diaper burp cloths is a wise parent hack that’ll save you money without compromising on absorbency. TheGerber Flatfold Cloth Diapers are a great option because they’re made of organic cotton that will be soft and gentle on baby’s face — and several reviewers mention successfully using these diapers as burp cloths. Many even say their own parents did the same. The cotton is quite thin — with many comparing it to cheesecloth — so parents advise folding it once or twice for adequate absorbency. The extended size allows plenty of fabric for folding while still protecting your clothes. And, because it’s designed to be used as a diaper, you can rest assured that it will soak up liquids super well. Plus, when baby no longer needs burp cloths, many reviewers say you can use these cloth diapers as rags for wiping or dusting surfaces.
Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 24 x 27 inches
Quantity per pack: 10
Number of layers: 1 before folding
Community Reviews
mommybecca24
“I second this! Four kids in and these are still my go to!”
babyAmomma44
“I bought the Gerber cloth diapers and used them as burp cloths. They’re just plain white but really when you’re wiping spit up, how cute does it need to be? ?? They are nice and absorbent which I didn’t think most actual burp cloths were.”
mamabear24308
“We always used these when I was a preschool and childcare teacher! I thought it was hilarious when I found out they were cloth diapers.”
WillaMay
“Gerber cloth diapers in a pack of 10 are hands down the best burp rags out there.”
annmay
“Get Gerber Cloth Diapers makes very absorbent burp clothes and much cheaper than traditional ones.”
Best Extra-Large Burp Cloths
Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths
Photo credit: Green Sprouts
Buying Option
Amazon
Target
Green Sprouts
Pros
- Organic
- unique kidney shape to stay on shoulder
- thick
Cons
- Fewer cloths per pack
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
TheseGreen Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths are made in a kidney bean shape to ensure they’ll stay on your shoulder. And because they have a wider and longer design than most burp cloths, they’ll provide extra coverage. Each cloth is made of organic muslin, so they’ll also be comfortable and gentle against baby’s skin. And, with four layers of fabric, they’re thick enough to withstand big spit ups.
Alexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director with What to Expect, used Green Sprouts burp cloths for her daughter’s first year. “We loved how soft they were, and they held up to many many washes and constant use,” she says. “They also never retained any smells or stains from the spit ups after washing. The curved shape around the neck was also comfortable, and the size was ideal.”
Parents found that they were plenty absorbent and, like Alexandra, appreciated the shape so it was less likely to slip off and lead to messes on their clothes. Keep things simple and stock the nursery with white, or pick from other bright solids.
Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 22 x 11 inches
Quantity per pack: 3
Number of layers: 4
Community Reviews
herman77
“These are Green Sprouts muslin cloths from Target, super absorbent! Honestly the only kind I've tried so far.”
meela
“Green sprouts all day!!!”
Best Organic Burp Cloths
Burt’s Bees Burp Cloths
Photo credit: Burt's Bees
Buying Option
Amazon
Target
Walmart
Pros
- Organic
- easy to pack
- very soft
- over 15 pattern and color options
Cons
- Smaller than other cloths
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Burt’s Bees is known among What to Expect parents for its quality organic products, andthese organic burp cloths are no exception. They'remade from 100-percent organic cotton and — unlike other organic cotton picks on this list — are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, which is the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibers. Essentially, you can rest assured that Burt’s Bees organic cotton is of super high quality and sustainably made, which means it’ll be extra gentle on baby’s sensitive skin.
Parents have found that these burp cloths are super soft and don’t fall apart in the washing machine, even after constant cleaning. In fact, Jamison Hermann, Senior Video Producer at What to Expect, was able to use these Burt’s Bees burp cloths for both of his children, three years apart. “They’re soft and durable and have held up well from one baby to the next,” he says. “The colors and patterns are nice as well. They’re tasteful without being distracting.” And, because you’ll get five in a pack and they’re on the thinner side, you can easily store them in diaper bags and all over your home for when you need them at a moment’s notice — a tip that Jamison recommends for new parents.
Karen uses Burt’s Bees burp cloths in addition to the Copper Pearl cloths and has found that they’ve “held up incredibly well with many washes across two babies that spit up a ton.” She likes keeping these as backups in her diaper bag because they’re thin and tuck away more easily than the thick Copper Pearl ones.
Some parents noted, however, that they wished these cloths were larger and absorbed liquid more quickly.
Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 16 x 11.8 inches
Quantity per pack: 5
Number of layers: 2
Community Reviews
mmrichards1108
“Burt’s bees are my fav!”
AMomma80
“I use the Burt Bees burp cloth. I love them. They are [small] and I keep one in every room because you never know when the spit up will come. They are super soft as well!”
Donnababyb
“I love the burts bees burp cloths. They fit in my diaper bag without being too bulky.”
Best Wearable Burp Cloth
Aden + Anais Cotton Muslim Burpy Bibs
Photo credit: Aden + Anais
Buying Option
Amazon
Target
Aden + Anais
Pros
- Versatile
- 15 pattern options
- extra-large size
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
For a versatile burp cloth that you can use for a long time, check out the Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs. With four layers, these burpy bibs are perfect for soaking up messes that newborn are known for. They also have a kidney-shaped design to ensure they’ll stay on your shoulder and provide plenty of coverage.
Once your baby starts eating solid foods, you can repurpose it to protect their clothes (no puree stains here thanks to these large bibs!). The kidney design makes it easy to drape over baby’s shoulders, then use the snaps to keep it closed. Parents liked that they’re bigger than most bibs to keep clothes clean and make post-meal cleanup easier. You can also choose between a wide range of adorable designs.
Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 inches
Quantity per pack: 1
Number of layers: 4
Community Reviews
SmallPotatoes
“Aden and Anais Burpy Bibs. They are a burp cloth and bib combined. They’re super thick and get softer and better with each wash. They are also amazing when it comes to starting solids!”
ginaminich
“Aden and anais burpy bibs are what we use and I love them! They have a bunch of patterns and are really soft and absorbent.”
blueant
“I stumbled across Aden anais burpy bibs when my son started solids - they are giant bibs that pretty much cover your child's entire torso. They can also double as burp cloths. I wish I'd just bought 6 or so of those in the beginning since they could be large burp cloths for a newborn and then great for a new solid food eating bib.”
VelmaDinkley86
“They're a little pricey compared to regular burp cloths but totally worth if you have a baby that spits up a lot.”
View Sources
- WhatToExpect.com,How Much Should My Baby Eat?, January 2023.
- WhatToExpect.com, How Much Baby Spit-Up Is Normal?, September 2021.
- American Academy of Pediatrics,Why Babies Spit Up, October 2022.
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