The Best Baby Bibs

Buying Guide for Baby Bibs

Why buy baby bibs?

Babies make a mess. But unless you enjoy having them run around in food-stained clothing all day, a good baby bib can keep them just that much cleaner. While you might be unable to contain all the mess they make, a good baby bib can catch wayward food and keep it out of their little laps—including drips from their bottles.

What should you consider when shopping for the best baby bibs?

• Durability: Look for waterproof bibs that offer added protection and help keep your baby or toddler dry during mealtimes. Also, consider bibs made from plastic or silicone, as this adds to the durability.
• Material: Since this will be against your baby’s delicate skin, you’ll want something soft yet comfortable. Traditional options like cotton and muslin are ideal for this — especially if you’re using a bib to wipe drool during a teething spell.
• Adjustable Neckband: You want to have a neckband that comfortably fits your little one’s neck size and doesn’t allow food to fall in between.
• Pouch/Pocket: While not a requirement, bibs made with a literal pouch or pocket on the front catch all the extra mess your little one creates in the high chair.
• Cost-effectiveness: Many times, bibs are sold in sets, which can be a smart, economical approach—especially if you’re going through several bibs a day. Cloth bibs usually are sold in large multipacks, while silicone and plastic options may be sold as singles or in two-packs.

How should you clean silicone and plastic bibs?

No matter the fabric, most bibs can be thrown in the washer with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Cloth can tumble-dry on low heat after, but be sure to let plastic or silicone air-dry on its own.

Our Picks for the Best Baby Bibs

Pros: Especially if you’re firmly in the stage of solid food (yes, even baby food), a bib with a pouch is a must-have. This smart three-pack set features food-grade silicone construction and is ideal for babies from infancy through toddlerhood. The sturdy pocket is designed to catch food, and you’ll like the adjustable neck band.

Cons: There may be a strong chemical smell, especially when using these fresh out of the package.

Bottom Line: Parents of messy eaters will rejoice with this three-pack of silicone pouch baby bibs. They’re adjustable, meaning you can use them well past infancy.

 

Pros: Whether you’re buying a gift for expectant parents or you need to stock up on bibs, this economical pack of 10 bibs is smart. With a range of colors to choose from, you’ll love that they’re also one size, meaning they can work for a wider age range. They feature a classic snap closure as well.

Cons: These bibs aren’t as absorbent as others. So, if you’re using them to catch drool, you might find that you need to replace them more frequently.

Bottom Word: Save money with an economical pack of 10 bibs that can be used for any purpose. But if you have a heavy drooler on your hip, these bibs might not be up to the challenge.

 

Pros: Anyone who’s had to manage a teething baby knows it’s a rough time for all parties involved. Drool gets everywhere, and the poor things are in agony. These adorable bandana bibs are designed to help wipe up that telltale drool. Better yet, they come with an attached teether to help give little ones something to nibble on to ease their mouth pain.

Cons: The buttons to close the neckband and hold the teether in place can begin to fail prematurely.

Bottom Line: Parents of teething babies will appreciate that these bandana bibs are sold in a six-pack and come with detachable teether toys. However, the buttons to close the bandana and hold the toys in place may experience premature fatigue.

 

Pros: Once your child gets the hang of eating on their own, things can get pretty wild in no time. This complete bib over-shirt is a great solution that still allows them to be independent but cuts down on the laundry. This machine washable bib closes with velcro for an adjustable fit.

Cons: While it’s intended to fit over your baby and their high chair, this might not always be feasible—even with the adjustable velcro closure. Likewise, the velcro begins to fail pretty quickly.

Bottom Line: This full-coverage bib is a smart alternative if you have a messy eater. But you might struggle to get it to close over your baby and their high chair.

 

Pros: Sometimes, you don’t want to take your household baby supplies on the road because it’s too easy to lose things. If that sounds familiar, this 32-pack set of disposable baby bibs is the perfect solution. They feature a reusable fastener with a hook-and-loop closure. Plus, they have a patented crumb catcher lining that’s leakproof.

Cons: The neck hole may be a bit tight for some babies.

Bottom Line: These disposable bibs are perfect if you’re hitting the road with your little one. Their crumb catcher design that’s leakproof for added security is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

Crumbs, drool, and dirt are inevitable when it comes to taking care of a baby. But a quality bib can really minimize the stress and worry of keeping your child clean as they eat and play. Enjoy your time with your kiddo instead of picking up their leftovers (literally) by adding a bib to your childcare essentials.