How Many Burp Cloths Do I Need? Guide for New Moms.

As a first-time mom, chances are you’re all over the place – feeling excited and nervous at the same time. You probably have a list of baby items you need to start buying before the big day.

While I don’t doubt that a burp cloth is high up on your list, I also know that many new moms (like me) don’t know precisely how many burp cloths they need.

Don’t worry – I have you covered. In this post, I’ll let you in on how many burp cloths you need in your baby registry. I’ll also outline other essential factors you should consider on burp cloths.

If you are in a hurry, what you need to know is the following:

You should have at least 10 to 12 burp cloths in your baby registry as a rule of thumb.

Now, let’s dive into the details.

What Is a Burp Cloth?

Babies swallow air whenever you feed them breast milk, and that much air in their stomach makes them uncomfortable. So at some point, you’re going to have to burp them. 

That is, you will have to gett rid of the gas in their tummy. Be warned, though – your baby will most likely spit up some of their milk.

This is where the burp cloth comes in. Usually, parents place the fabric on their shoulders while burping the baby. By doing so, you can clean up whatever your baby vomits and also protect yourself from the regurgitated milk.

When Do Babies Need Burp Cloths?

when do babies need burp cloths

You should use burp cloths for your newborn until they’re about 6 to 9 months. 

Once your baby starts sitting or crawling around, you don’t have to burp them anymore. So at that point, there’ll be no need for the burp cloths.

However, you might not need to put away the burp cloths just yet. They are super-versatile and will serve other purposes.

In the future, you might need the cloth to do the following:

  • Wipe your baby’s drool when they’re teething
  • Wipe their hands after they begin eating solids
  • As a bib when you don’t have them around, etc.

How Many Burp Cloths Do I Need for a Newborn?

How many burp cloths do I need for a newborn

Two factors determine how many burp cloths you’ll need for a newborn:

  • How often does your baby spit up?
  • How often do you do your laundry?

Still, as I mentioned previously, you should have at least 10 to 12 burp cloths in your baby registry. 

Newborn babies feed a lot – about 8 to 12 times per day. So keep one of the burp cloths with you every time you feed your baby, even though you might not need to use them every time.

I’d recommend starting with ten cloths and seeing how often you use them. Then, if you notice your little one spits up frequently, it’s time to get a few extras.

How Many Burp Cloths Do I Need For Twins?

For twins, you’d need double the number of burp cloths, so start with 20 or more, especially if you plan on feeding your twins at the same time.

If you aren’t feeding both of your little ones simultaneously, you can get fewer cloths.

How Often Should You Change and Wash Burp Cloths?

Burp cloths should be washed every time you use them. So you should change your burp cloth each time your baby burps, drools, or vomits. 

If you’re planning on reusing the burp cloth more than once before placing it in the laundry bag, that’s not a good hygienic decision. 

Your burp cloth stays close to your baby’s face when you wear it on your shoulder. So for your baby’s health, you should use a clean cloth free of dirt and stains. 

Also, be sure to use mild detergent while washing. Using harsh detergent can harm the little one’s sensitive skin.

What Material Is Best for Baby Burp Cloths?

Muslin

muslin burp cloth

Muslin, which consists of loosely woven layers of cotton, is known for its softness and exceptional absorbency, so it is an ideal choice for your baby’s sensitive skin. 

However, burp cloths made of cotton muslin can fade easily. So if you use them frequently, you’ll need to replace them every two months or so.

Organic Cotton

organic cotton burp cloth

Although there are various fabrics, cotton burp cloths remain the most popular due to their softness and absorbency.

If you go with the cotton, you should ensure that the cotton burp cloths are made with multiple layers to prevent the mess from soaking right through. 

Parents also choose organic cotton because it is chemical and pesticide-free. This will give you peace of mind that your little one is not exposed to harmful chemicals. 

In addition, burp cloths made from organic cotton are safe to use for babies with sensitive skins.

Flannel

flannel burp cloth

Flannel is exceptionally absorbent but also a little stiff. If you buy burp cloths made with flannel, ensure that they’re generously sized and have multiple layers.

Flannel is a fabric that is made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fiber. It is usually soft and fuzzy.

Jerseys and Fleece

Lastly, you can also find burp cloths made of jerseys and fleece, although it is generally not as popular. 

No matter what material you select, keep in mind that burp cloths should be washed frequently with hot water, as they’ll be used a lot!

How to Care for Burp Cloths

how to care for burp cloths

Constant spills from breast milk, formula, and baby food can discolor your burp cloths over time. This is why it’s essential to take care of them. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to make them last longer:

  1. Before placing the burp cloths in the washing machine, spray them with a stain fighter. Ensure you use cleaning products that are safe for children.
  2. Rub the material to get the stain out and let the cloths sit for a few minutes (about five to ten minutes).
  3. Fill your washing machine with warm water, add baby-safe detergent, and use the delicate cycle.
  4. Then, place the burp cloths in the dryer and put the heat on a low setting. This will ensure the clothes don’t shrink.
  5. Put them in a convenient spot after folding them in half or quarters.

Do I Need To Bring Burp Cloths To The Hospital?

Yes. Although burp cloths are typically an optional item, bring at least one burp cloth to the hospital if you’re giving birth.

When your little one is born, spit-up will be common, especially during the first few weeks of breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Since burp cloths can absorb milk quickly and efficiently, it’s an essential item for infants.

You don’t want to be caught off guard when your baby lets out a burp!

Are Burp Cloths The Same As Receiving Blankets?

No, burp cloths are not the same as receiving blankets. While burp cloths are designed to gather spit-up, burp cloths are not made for swaddling or warmth.

Receiving blankets are ideal for swaddling. So have both in your hospital bag!

Can You Use Hand Towel As Burp Cloth?

Yes, if you don’t have burp cloths handy, you could use a hand towel as it could serve the same purpose as burp cloth. Just make sure it is soft and made from a good material that will be gentle on your baby’s skin.

Is There A Difference Between Burp Cloths And Bibs?

Yes, burp cloths are typically smaller than bibs.

Burp cloths are designed to catch drool, spit-up, and burps.

Bibs are larger than burp cloths. A bib protects your baby’s clothing by covering their chest from drool, spit-up, and other food spills.

List of Best Baby Burp Cloths

When selecting baby burp cloths, you have to pay attention to the following factors:

  • Type of fabric – cotton is usually the best
  • Durability
  • Size – big enough to cover the desired area, i.e., your shoulders
  • Soft, absorbent, and breathable
  • Easy to use and comfortable
  • Aesthetics – go for burp cloths with patterns and warm colors
  • Price 

With these in mind, we’ve put together a list of our recommendations for the best baby burp cloths:

Final Thoughts

Baby is arriving soon – exciting! Be strategic while planning for your baby’s arrival. From burp cloths to diapers to crib sheets, make sure you have enough. The time is now to do thorough research and put everything you need on your baby registry.

Babies are unpredictable, and you wouldn’t want to be without a spare in case of an emergency. Nor do I recommend relying on just getting things later.

I hope this article helped you answer how many burp cloths you need, materials that are the best, and how to wash them so they last longer.