We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
It may not be glamorous, but spit-up, drool, and vomit are a natural part of baby life, especially during feeding times.
Burp cloths are essential for cleaning messes, wiping sensitive skin, and protecting your clothing. They’re one of the staple items you’ll use left, right, and center during your baby’s first year and beyond.
You’ll definitely want to stock up on these valuable items, and it’s unlikely you’ll have more than you can use. You may find it ideal to have a quality reserve of fresh, clean, burp cloths to prevent and conquer the inevitable messes that await you.
A stockpile stashed in every corner, nook, and cranny will keep you prepared and save you from frequent laundry loads.
- Best overall: Luvable Friends Burp Cloths
- Best with trendy patterns: Copper Pearl Premium Burp Cloths
- Best double-duty: aden + anais Burpy Baby Bibs
- Best large: Milkbarn Two-Piece Burp Cloth Set
- Best affordable: Hudson Baby Burp Cloths
- Best to give as a gift: KeaBabies Organic Baby Burp Cloths
- Best for sensitive skin: Burt’s Bees Baby Burp Cloths
We’ve tracked down the best burp cloths on the market today based on popularity, reviews, and recommendations.
We looked for burp cloths that are:
- made of natural and semi-synthetic fabrics like cotton and bamboo rayon that are gentle enough for sensitive skin
- durable enough to withstand repeated use and washings
- made of high-quality materials with good stitching
- affordable enough to be purchased as multiple sets
- large enough to provide coverage
- absorbent, breathable, and quick-drying
- comfortable and easy to use
- stylish enough to brighten your day
Each product on our list has been vetted to ensure it aligns with our business standards and approach to wellbeing. Read more about our vetting process.
Pricing guide
Though the burp cloths on this list come in multi-packs, we based this pricing guide on the cost of one cloth:
- $ = under $4
- $$ = $4–$8
- $$$ = over $8
Best overall
Luvable Friends Burp Cloths
- Price: $
- Material: cotton
- Number per package: 4
- Size: 13 x 7 inches
The price is right and the quality is on point for these durable burp cloths by Luvable Friends, making them our best overall pick. Each cloth is large enough to provide coverage and you can easily fold it to fit on your shoulder. The cozy flannel fabric has multiple layers that are super absorbent, making clean-ups a breeze.
The 100% cotton sets of four are available in loads of whimsical and placid patterns, including geometric, animal, and floral prints. You can also use the cloth as a blanket or crib liner.
Pros
- inexpensive
- thick and absorbent
- soft yet durable
Cons
- colors fade after washing
- stitching may come loose, according to reviewers
Best with trendy patterns
Copper Pearl Premium Burp Cloths
- Price: $$
- Material: cotton
- Number per package: 3
- Size: 21 x 10 inches
With an array of vibrant contemporary prints to choose from, these 100% cotton burp cloths are easy on the eyes. You’ll likely fall in love with the snazzy patterns and may end up using one as a security blanket. Popular print options include stripes, tie-dye, and butterflies.
The large cloth covers your shoulders and stays put even if you move. Reviews say they offer superior absorbency with a thick, fleece middle layer acting as cushy armor to protect your clothing.
Pros
- absorbent middle fleece layer
- soft, thick fabric
- stylish, modern prints
Cons
- may lose shape after washing
- too bulky for some
Best double-duty
aden + anais Burpy Baby Bibs
- Price: $$$
- Material: cotton muslin
- Number per package: 2
- Size: 22.5 x 22.5 inches
These soft cotton muslin cloths from aden + anais are available in a multitude of subdued prints. The contoured shape makes for an easy fit over the shoulder while the four layers of absorbent cotton keep your outfit dry.
The innovative design transforms the burp cloth into a bib by snapping the ends together. The bib’s size covers your baby’s upper body, which is convenient for feeds as your baby gets older. You may even use it as a cape during haircuts or trims.
Take note, though: You’ll pay a smidge more for innovation, as these are the most expensive burp cloths on our list.
Pros
- doubles as a bib
- four fabric layers
- super soft and absorbent
Cons
- pricey option
- may shrink
Best large
Milkbarn Two-Piece Burp Cloth Set
- Price: $$$
- Material: cotton or bamboo rayon
- Number per package: 2
- Size: 23 x 23 inches
These Milkbarn burp cloths are slightly larger than the standard size, providing extra coverage. They’re are available in organic cotton and bamboo rayon fabric. They feature serene prints with a vintage feel.
The thin, single-layer muslin cloths are quick-drying, lightweight, and small enough to toss into a bag, car seat, or stroller for life on the go. Getting softer with each wash, you can easily use the cloth as a dish towel or blankie when the spit-up days are done. But, some parents did find that the single layer was not absorbent enough.
Worth a mention, Milkbarn has teamed with Exile International to enhance the lives of women and children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A portion of each sale goes toward supporting local communities in this area.
Pros
- large size provides added coverage
- washes up nicely
- doubles as a blanket
Cons
- too thin for some
- no reviews on website
Best affordable
Hudson Baby Burp Cloths
- Price: $
- Material: cotton
- Number per package: 4
- Size: 20 x 14 inches
The Hudson Baby Burp Cloths are available in various multipack sizes at an affordable price point so you can stock up. The 100% cotton burp cloths come in plain colors and all types of eye-catching patterns, including leopard, giraffe, and cupcake prints. They feature three absorbent fabric layers, and the material is soft enough for delicate skin.
The cloth fits over your shoulder or can be used under your baby’s chin during bottle feeds. Customers report that these cloths are thick without being bulky, and you can conveniently throw them into your diaper bag without sacrificing precious space.
Pros
- inexpensive
- three fabric layers
- unique prints
Cons
- too small for some
- may not be as absorbent as others on our list
Best to give as a gift
KeaBabies Organic Baby Burp Cloths
- Price: $$
- Material: cotton
- Number per package: 5
- Size: 21 x 10.5 in
Focusing on practicality is always a win when you’re buying baby gifts. These KeaBabies burp cloths make a fantastic present option. Available in packs of five, they come in refreshing prints and solid colors with plenty of gender-neutral options.
The cloths are packaged in recyclable cardboard that’s presentable on its own, with minimal decorations, or as part of a gift bundle. They’re 100% organic cotton, which is soft, thick, and absorbent.
Parents love that the cloths stay on your shoulder even if you have to bend forward or reach for something.
Pros
- soft, thick fabric absorbs well
- curved shape
- gender neutral prints
Cons
- color fades
- fabric may bunch
Best for sensitive skin
Burt’s Bees Baby Burp Cloths
- Price: $$
- Material: cotton
- Number per package: 5
- Size: 17 x 12 inches
Burt’s Bees Baby Burp Cloths are soft and gentle enough for sensitive skin so you can confidently wipe your baby’s skin without causing a rash, redness, or irritation. The cloths are composed of 100% organic cotton, making them a sustainable, environmentally friendly option.
Available in packs of five, these fan favorites come in soft prints and solid colors, featuring lightweight fabric designed to withstand wear, tear, and washings. The cloths fold up compactly and are terrific to take on trips and on the go. You can add a bunch to your suitcase or diaper bag, knowing that they’ll be easy to clean while you’re away from home.
Pros
- organic cotton
- gentle on sensitive skin
- excellent softness and durability
Cons
- not as absorbent as others on our list
- smaller size
- may shrink
| Product | Price | Material | Quantity per pack | Size | Why we love it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luvable Friends Burp Cloths | $ | cotton | 4 | 13 x 7 inches | durable and absorbent |
| Copper Pearl Premium Burp Cloths | $$ | cotton | 3 | 21 x 10 inches | absorbent middle fleece layer |
| aden + anais Burpy Baby Bibs | $$$ | cotton muslin | 2 | 22.5 x 22.5 inches | doubles as a bib |
| Milkbarn Two-Piece Burp Cloth Set | $$$ | cotton or bamboo rayon | 2 | 23 x 23 inches | larger than average |
| Hudson Baby Burp Cloths | $ | cotton | 4 | 20 x 14 inches | three fabric layers |
| KeaBabies Organic Baby Burp Cloths | $$ | cotton | 5 | 21 x 10.5 in | curved design |
| Burt’s Bees Baby Burp Cloths | $$ | cotton | 5 | 17 x 12 inches | organic cotton |
What fabric is best for burp cloths?
The best material for burp cloths is a natural, absorbent fabric such as cotton. Other options include semi-synthetic fabrics such as bamboo and rayon. These materials are soft, breathable, and absorbent. Plus, they feel comfortable against the skin.
Is muslin good for burp cloths?
Muslin is a type of cotton that has a loose, open weave. While it may not be absorbent enough on its own to use as a burp cloth, several layers together — like the aden + anais burp cloths on our list — can work great and offer a touch of softness.
What shape of burp cloth is the best?
Rectangular-shaped burp cloths are arguably the best since they’re easy to place over your shoulder and to fold. Some cloths have a curve to fit around your neck and stay put on your shoulder.
What is considered normal baby spit-up?
Normal baby spit-up is a small amount of white or clear liquid that a baby expels from their stomach during or after a feeding. Usually, it looks like regular milk or formula, though it can be curdled.
How do I stop my baby from spitting up?
You can’t prevent a baby from spitting up. However, to reduce spit-up, avoid overfeeding them or feeding them too fast.
For bottle feeding or breastfeeding (also known as chestfeeding), there are positions and techniques that help a baby eat at their own pace. This typically results in the baby swallowing less air, thus less spitting up.
It also helps to burp babies before, during, and after feedings.
After feedings, keep your baby upright for 30 minutes and avoid excessive movement and stimulation such as bouncing and tummy time.
How many burp cloths do I need?
You should have a minimum of 10 burp cloths. This gives you enough cloths to get through daily feedings and stash a few in your diaper bag. Buy more if you want to do laundry less often.
Burp cloths are a valuable addition to your arsenal of baby supplies. You’ll want to have plenty on hand, especially if you want to use them as blankets or changing pads.
Use this list as a starting point to make your selection. You can always try out a few brands before investing in multiple sets.