Baby Essentials

The Best Burp Cloths For Your Baby’s Delicate Skin

Updated on

Overview

Did you know that frequent burping and holding your baby upright for up to 30 minutes after a feeding can help relieve GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) symptoms and reduce spit-up? (1)(2)

While burping, your baby can drool or spit up on your shoulders. You can wear a burp cloth, so you don’t have to change your clothes each time.

It’s a good idea to choose super-soft, high-quality, and absorbent burp cloths that can be safe for your baby’s delicate skin. Durability is also important because these cloths need to be used and washed frequently.

Which burp cloths are worth buying? You can find our recommendations below.

The Best Burp Cloths

These are our top recommendations for the best burp cloths you can choose:

Best Organic Burp Cloth

  • Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Burp Cloths – $22 (pack of two)

Best 1-Ply Burp Cloth

  • Milkbarn Organic Cotton Burp Cloths – $19 (pack of two)

Best Therapy Set Burp Cloth

  • Munchkin TheraBurpee Hot & Cold Therapy Burp Cloth Set – $20 (two burp cloths plus hot & cold packs)

Best 2-in1 Burp Cloth and Bib

  • Aden + Anais Burpy Bib – $23.95 (pack of two)

Best 3-Ply Burp Cloth

  • Hudson Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloth – $10.99 to $12.99 (pack of four)

Best 2-Ply Burp Cloth

  • Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Burp Cloth – $14.95 (pack of three)

Best Muslin Burp Cloth

  • Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths – $26.99 (pack of three)

Best Burp Cloth with Fleece

  • Copper Pearl Baby Burp Cloths – $21.95 (pack of three)

Best Value Burp Cloths

  • Gerber Baby Flannel Burp Cloth – $19.99 to $21.99 (pack of eight)

Best Personalized Burp Cloth

  • Moonbeam Baby Personalized Burp Cloths – $9.95 to $13.95 (pack of one)

Best Burp Cloth and Bib Set

  • Pottery Barn Kids Bib & Burp Cloth Set – $46 (two burp cloths, two bibs)

Best Organic Bamboo Burp Cloth

  • Comfy Cubs Organic Bamboo Burp Cloth – $19.95 (pack of eight)

Best Burp Cloths with Vibrant Prints

  • KeaBabies Organic Baby Burp Cloths – $21.96 (pack of five)

Read on to learn more about each burp cloth.

Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Burp Cloths

Pricing/Packages

  • Pack of two: $22

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These burp cloths are certified organic by the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
  • All the products have a rating of STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. It’s given to textiles that are certified to be free of harmful substances and have high product safety.

Material & Size:

  • Organic combed cotton, rib-knit fabric

Durability & Absorbency

  • It’s a 1-ply burp cloth that might not be as absorbent or durable as thicker burp cloths.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine washable
  • Non-chlorine bleach, as needed
  • Tumble dry low
  • Warm iron, as needed

Designs & Variations

  • Each set comes with one striped and one printed cloth.

You can choose from these prints:

  • Rubber ducks
  • Apples
  • Daisies
  • Turtles

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • These are organic burp cloths that are certified to be free from harmful chemicals.
  • They have cute prints.

Cons

  • These are just 1-ply cloths.
  • They can be more expensive than non-organic products.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

YES YES YES! These were plush, soft, durable, great quality fabric. Even after washing and drying, they keep great shape, and softness!” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

We bought two packs of these because we like them so much. I am giving four instead of five stars simply because of the price.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Milkbarn Organic Cotton Burp Cloths

Pricing/Packages

  • Organic cotton, pack of two: $19
  • Bamboo muslin, pack of two: $17

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These burp cloths are made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
  • The production of these burp cloths complies with CPSIA (US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) safety regulations and standards.

Material & Size:

  • Organic cotton burp cloths
  • The other variation is made of 100% rayon from bamboo.
  • All the burp cloths are approximately 23 inches x 23 inches.

Durability & Absorbency

  • Despite being thin (1-ply), these burp cloths can still be absorbent.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • It may be better if you hand wash this cloth.

Designs & Variations

Different prints and designs are available, with the following themes:

  • Land animals and birds
  • Plants and flowers
  • Fruits

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • They’re made from natural, organic materials.
  • They make a great baby shower gift because each pack comes styled with ribbons.

Cons

  • These are thin, 1-ply burp cloths that might be less absorbent and durable than thicker options.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Love the Milk Barn organic cotton burp cloths! They are absorbent, soft, and very cute. Makes a perfect lovey for baby too!” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Unfortunately, these didn’t even survive one wash. They’re beautiful, and I love the print, but they came unraveled after one wash, and I followed cleaning instructions.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Munchkin TheraBurpee Hot & Cold Therapy Burp Cloth Set

Pricing/Packages

  • Pack of two burp cloths, with hot and cold gel packs: $20
  • Pack of two burp cloths, with hot and cold gel packs plus essential oils and aroma pads: $30
  • Pack of two burp cloths only: $12
  • Hot and cold gel packs only: $12

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These burp cloths have built-in pockets for hot or cold therapy gel packs (can be bought separately if you’re not buying the set).
  • You can use a hot pack inside the lower pocket to relieve colic symptoms.
  • You can put the cold pack inside the middle pocket for cold therapy when your baby has a fever.

Material & Size:

  • 100 percent cotton burp cloths
  • 20 x 9.75 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • This burp cloth can be super soft and absorbent.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • These soft cloths can be easy to wash.

Designs & Variations

  • These only come in blue and teal.

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • These burp cloths can double as a therapy kit when your baby is not feeling well.
  • The hot packs may also be used to ease breastfeeding concerns, including engorgement and blocked milk ducts.
  • If you opt for the set with the essential oils, you will receive two spray bottles: A soothing blend (lavender and chamomile) and a wellness blend (eucalyptus, lemon, and frankincense). These are pre-diluted paraben-free, phthalate-free essential oils.
  • The burp cloth set comes in a box and can also be a nice baby shower gift.

Cons

  • No cute designs or prints.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I am so glad I bought this! For me, it is the solution to colic. Colic Mystery Solved! It comforts both me and baby when I use it.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Literally made no difference in our colicky baby.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Aden + Anais Burpy Bib

Pricing/Packages

  • Pack of one: $12.95
  • Pack of two: $23.95

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • It’s a 2-in-1 burpy bib and cloth. Just drape it around your baby’s shoulders and lock it in place with the snaps for use as a burpy bib.

Material & Size:

  • 100% cotton muslin
  • 22.5 x 11 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • It’s a 4-ply burp cloth.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine washable
  • Non-chlorine bleach, when needed
  • Tumble dry low
  • Warm iron, if needed
  • Not suitable for dry cleaning

Designs & Variations

  • Pastel prints of animals and nature

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • These are thick, 4-ply burp cloths that can also be used as burpy bibs for your growing baby.
  • Lots of cute prints are available.

Cons

  • It can shrink after the first wash.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

They actually stay on your shoulder, absorb spit up nicely, wash well, and feel so nice on your skin.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

It’s soft. I gave 2 stars only because after the first wash following the instruction, it shrink by 30%.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Hudson Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloth

Pricing/Packages

  • Hudson Baby flannel burp cloth (pack of four): $10.99 to $12.99
  • Hudson Baby layered flannel burp cloth (pack of four): $12.99
  • Hudson Baby flannel burp cloth (pack of seven): $14.99 to $16.99
  • Hudson Baby muslin burp cloth (pack of seven): $17.99
  • Hudson Baby rayon from bamboo burp cloth (pack of six): $14.99
  • Hudson Baby bib and burp cloth set (six-piece set): $10.99
  • Luvable Friends flannel burp cloth (pack of four): $9.99 to $12.99
  • Little Treasure (pack of seven): $16.99

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These burp cloths have multiple layers of fabric that may add to their absorbency, but they’re still soft on your baby’s skin.

Material & Size:

  • 100% flannel cotton
  • 20 x 14 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • These burp cloths are absorbent, with 3-ply fabric in the middle panels and 2-ply on the outside.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine washable

Designs & Variations

  • Each pack of four comes with one burp cloth in solid color, while the rest have varied prints and designs.
  • The patterns vary but include stripes or plaids, shapes, kid-friendly objects and artwork, animals, or nature.

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • They’re soft and have several layers of fabric.
  • Each pack contains four different designs.

Cons

  • Some customers complained about the stitch quality of these burp cloths.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I love using these as burp clothes as “quoted” burp clothes I don’t feel are big enough and more expensive.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Each cloth and every edge that was sewn has thread coming off and fabric is fraying.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Burp Cloth

Pricing/Packages

  • Pack of three: $14.95
  • Pack of five: $22.95 to $24.95

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These cloths are made of GOTS-certified, breathable organic cotton.
  • Each one comes in a three-panel prefold design.

Material & Size:

  • 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton
  • 16 x 11.75 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • These are 2-ply burp cloths.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine washable

Designs & Variations

Some of the packs contain cloths with just one color, but you can also opt for packs that have different prints.

Options for the prints can include:

  • Nature (flowers)
  • Watercolor artwork
  • Cute animals
  • Educational (numbers)

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • These products are made of certified organic cotton.
  • There are plenty of nice prints available.

Cons

  • These are just a 2-ply burp cloth that may be thinner than other products.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

We’ve started to put them down under her head on the changing table and on the floor during playtime, so when the inevitable spit up happens, we don’t have to wash our covers and mats so often.” – Reviewer on the Burt’s Bees Baby website.

Negative Reviews

Way too small and thin. Have only used as a napkin for wiping up spit up.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths

Pricing/Packages

  • Pack of three: $26.99

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These are organic and hypoallergenic burp cloths made with no harsh chemicals.
  • The contoured hourglass shape can ensure that this burp cloth won’t bunch up on your shoulder.

Material & Size:

  • 100% organic muslin cotton
  • 22 x 11 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • They can be durable and absorbent.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine washable
  • Tumble dry medium
  • Non-chlorine bleach, when needed
  • Warm iron when needed

Designs & Variations

  • Only solid colors are available, but different colors are available per pack (except for the white pack).

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • They’re hourglass-shaped organic cotton burp cloths.

Cons

  • There are no cute prints available.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

They’re soft yet thick to do the job.” – Reviewer on Green Sprout Baby’s website.

Negative Reviews

Their absorbency was not that great and sometimes the spit up would just run right off.” – Reviewer on Green Sprout Baby’s website.

Copper Pearl Baby Burp Cloths

Pricing/Packages

  • Pack of three: $21.95

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These cloths feature an absorbent fleece layer, but the outer portions are made of soft cotton.
  • Lots of prints available.

Material & Size:

  • 100% cotton surface layers, fleece middle layer
  • 21 x 10 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • The fleece layer can make this cloth extra absorbent.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine wash cold
  • Tumble dry low heat

Designs & Variations

  • There are 58 different prints available.

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • These organic cloths can be safe on your baby’s skin.

Cons

  • These are more expensive than non-organic burp cloths.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

They are soft, layered and super absorbent. And super cute patterns.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

The pink on the lash bib washes out and leaves it all splotchy.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Gerber Baby Flannel Burp Cloth

Pricing/Packages

  • Pack of eight: $19.99 to $21.99
  • Pack of four: $11.99 to $20

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These are soft, flannel burp cloths that can be durable.

Material & Size:

  • 100% cotton woven flannel
  • 20 inches x 14 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • Finished edges can prevent fraying for added durability.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine wash
  • Tumble dry

Designs & Variations

  • Neutral colors with different prints and patterns, including geometric shapes, stripes, and cute animals

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The finished edges can prevent fraying.

Cons

  • Some parents observed that this product isn’t as absorbent as the other brands they’ve tried.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

They absorb a good amount and I love how big they are. Our baby spits up a good amount and these are the only ones that make me feel like they’re actually soaking it up.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

I’ve never been more messy with breastfeeding by than when trying to use these burp cloths. Milks beads up and rolls right off of them. My pants are soaked, hands are sticky, and the burp cloth is completely dry because everything rolled off of it.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Moonbeam Baby Personalized Burp Cloths

Pricing/Packages

  • Personalized burp cloth (one piece): $9.95 to $13.95

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • These can be personalized with your child’s name or initials.

Material & Size:

  • 100% cotton service-quality diaper cloth
  • 20 x 14 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • The cotton materials used for these products can be absorbent and durable.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine wash, gentle cycle in cold water
  • Tumble dry on low heat

Designs & Variations

  • You can choose the design, colors, and font styles for these personalized products.
  • Options are available for monogrammed pieces or with names spelled out.

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • You can order these products as a baby shower gift. Each one comes folded and bound by a tulle bow.
  • These burp cloths can also be used as cloth diapers.

Cons

  • The cloth shrinks after washing.

What Customers Say

Reviews

A friend sent me engraved “burb cloths” for my new grandchild – they were fabulous & I ordered more. Very helpful, according to my DIL when in group sessions with baby.” – Reviewer on the Facebook page, Moonbeam Baby – Personalized Gifts.

Pottery Barn Kids Bib & Burp Cloth Set

Pricing/Packages

  • Organic muslin bib & burp cloth set (four-piece set): $46
  • Organic muslin burp cloth (three pieces): $40

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • It’s a GOTS-certified set with two burp cloths and two matching bibs.
  • Complies with strict social and environmental standards

Material & Size:

  • Made of 100% organic cotton muslin
  • 100% cotton jersey lining
  • Burp cloth: 23.5 x 10 inches
  • Bib: 12.5 x 9.75 inches, with a neck opening of 5 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • This organic muslin cloth can be absorbent.
  • The jersey lining can help improve its durability.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine washable on gentle cycle with cold water
  • Tumble dry on low heat
  • Non-chlorine bleach only, if needed
  • Warm iron as needed

Designs & Variations

  • Floral and unisex prints with neutral colors are available.

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • This set comes with both burp cloths and bibs.

Cons

  • This organic set can be more expensive than other organic options available.
  • There are no product reviews posted on their website.
  • The products are not readily available in major online stores.

Comfy Cubs Organic Bamboo Burp Cloth

Pricing/Packages

  • Bamboo burp cloth, pack of eight: $19.95
  • Muslin burp cloth, pack of six: $19.95

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • It’s made of organic bamboo that can be soft and safe on your baby’s face.

Material & Size:

  • 100% organic bamboo or 100% breathable cotton muslin
  • 20 x 10 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • The bamboo version can absorb 60% more than the muslin cotton and can dry faster.

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine washable

Designs & Variations

  • Rounded hourglass shape for the bamboo cloths; only available in white
  • Rectangle for the muslin cloths; some pastel prints are available

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • These are made of organic bamboo that may be more absorbent than cotton.
  • The seams have a lining that can help improve their durability.

Cons

  • The material might easily get frayed with frequent washing.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Softness: the bamboo fabric is suuuuper soft! This is really important because the baby’s face is leaning right on it! It’s not scratchy at all, and it is softer than any of my plain cotton burp cloths.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Don’t waste your money! These did not last long at all. They unraveled and fell apart, especially when washing them with bibs and swaddles that have Velcro on them. Once they touch the Velcro, they get stuck and are ruined once pulled apart.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

KeaBabies Organic Baby Burp Cloths

Pricing/Packages

  • Urban organic baby burp cloth (pack of five): $21.96
  • Urban organic baby burp cloth (limited edition, pack of five): $24.96

Key Features

Best Features & Safety:

  • The burp cloths are made of GOTS-certified organic cotton that can be safe for your baby’s sensitive skin.
  • These products have vibrant prints.

Material & Size:

  • 100% organic cotton
  • 21 x 10.5 inches

Durability & Absorbency

  • Thick cloth with three layers of absorbency

Cleaning & Washing Options

  • Machine wash in cold water with mild detergent
  • Tumble dry low
  • Don’t use bleach or fabric softener

Designs & Variations

These burp cloths are available in:

  • Unisex prints and designs
  • Colorful prints
  • Pastel colors
  • Plain, solid colors

Product Recall

  • None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • These organic burp cloths can be soft on your baby’s face.
  • Each set ships in a box that makes this ideal as a shower gift, too.

Cons

  • These might not be as durable as other burp cloths.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

These are amazing!! So soft and absorbant and look amazing.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

I was super happy with it until I washed it and the inside layer ( they have 3 layers) rolled down at both ends. It happened on all 5 of them , so I don’t think the inside layer is sewn in with the other fabric.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Summary & Recommendation

The following are some of the best burp cloths that you can buy for your baby:

  • Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Burp Cloths
  • Milkbarn Organic Cotton Burp Cloths
  • Munchkin TheraBurpee Hot & Cold Therapy Burp Cloth Set
  • Aden + Anais Burpy Bib
  • Hudson Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloth
  • Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Burp Cloth
  • Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths
  • Copper Pearl Baby Burp Cloths
  • Gerber Baby Flannel Burp Cloth
  • Moonbeam Baby Personalized Burp Cloths
  • Pottery Barn Kids Bib & Burp Cloth Set
  • Comfy Cubs Organic Bamboo Burp Cloth
  • KeaBabies Organic Baby Burp Cloths

Factors To Consider In Choosing Burp Cloths

What Is The Best Material For A Burp Cloth?

They’re designed to absorb drool and spit-up, so the best burp cloths are made of absorbent materials like cotton, muslin, flannel, and terry. Avoid liquid-repelling materials like fleece.

Because they’ll be in contact with your baby’s delicate skin, the burp cloth should also be super soft and shouldn’t have any harsh or harmful chemicals.

The ones made of 100% organic cotton or 100% organic bamboo fibers can be the safest for your baby’s sensitive skin. But they could cost more than burp cloths made of other materials.

Size & Thickness

The size should depend on your shoulders.

For best results, the burp cloth should generously cover the front and back of your shoulder. The ideal size is around 20 x 14 inches.

It might also be better to pick 2-ply or 3-ply burp cloths because they have more absorbent layers than a 1-ply product made of the same material.

Why Are Burp Cloths Thicker In The Middle?

Many burp cloths are thicker in the middle to maximize absorption.

Durability & Washability

The best value burp cloths are those that can be washed and used several times. So, durability and washability are also important.

You can pick machine-washable burp rags and cloths.

How Many Burp Cloths Should I Have?

Babies differ in many ways, including how often and how much they spit up.

But it’s still a good idea to have around 10 to 20 burp cloths because they can be easier (and cheaper) to replace than your clothes.

You can bring two or three burp cloths in your diaper bag.

Even if your baby doesn’t spit up all the time, you can still use these cloths to keep the drool off your shoulders while your child sleeps or to wipe the corners of your baby’s mouth after feeding.

Other Baby Products & Essentials

  • Diaper bag
  • Copper Pearl 5-in-1 baby car seat canopy and nursing cover
  • Car seat
  • Pacifier
  • Baby bottles
  • Breast pump
  • Baby bibs

REFERENCES:

(1) https://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/38/10/449

(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659398/

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