The 9 Best Burp Cloths

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Burp cloths are handy when it comes to taking care of a baby. They’re great for catching any spit up baby leaves behind after burping. You’ll find they typically come in a generously sized rectangular or square shape, and cover the shoulder (but have lots of other uses too). 

When you’re shopping for a burp cloth, you’ll want to consider the type of material to ensure it will catch anything baby spits up. Also, double check the size and quality so you’ll know it’ll fit perfectly over your shoulder while still keeping your clothes as safe as possible. We carefully considered design, material, value, washing instructions, ease of cleaning, and absorbency when reviewing products.

Here are the best burp cloths on the market.

Best Overall

aden + anais Burpy Bib

Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs
Amazon.com

The aden + anais Burpy Bib is our top pick because these cute burp cloths are made of several layers of super-soft, super-absorbent muslin. The fabric is really sturdy, so it holds up nicely through lots of washings, but it also gets softer over time, so it feels nice on baby's skin. Plus, the cloths curve on one side so that you can easily lay them over your shoulder while you're burping baby.

There are snaps on this burp rag so you can fasten it around your baby's neck and use it as a bib, too. Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs cost about $12 for one or about $20 for two. They come in several themes and colors as well.

Key Specs:
Material:
Cotton | Dimensions: 22.5 x 11 inches | Quantity per Pack: 2

Best Organic

Milkbarn Organic Burp Cloths

Milkbarn Organic Burp Cloths 2 Pack

Milkbarn

These square burp cloths measure 23 inches across and are made of GOTS-certified organic cotton muslin. They're simple but effective, and attractive to boot. The owl and elephant patterns are incredibly cute, but there are several other patterns available. Check out the dogs, chickens, ducks, peaches, and more. They come in sets of two, and they're coordinated in shades of blue, gray, orange, purple and rose.

Key Specs:
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 23 x 23 inches | Quantity per Pack: 2

Most Durable

Gerber 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diapers

Gerber Birdseye Prefold Cloth Diapers
Amazon.com

It might sound silly to a non-parent, but prefold diapers make fantastic burp cloths. After all, their main purpose in life is to absorb! Gerber Birdseye prefolds are one of the best inexpensive options for burp rags. They're big enough to cover a lot of your clothing, they're practically indestructible, and they soak up plenty of baby yuck. You can even find them in different colors. At under $10 for a package of four, you can't beat the price on these if you need to buy a bunch.

Key Specs:
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 23 x 23 inches | Quantity per Pack: 10

Best Budget

Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths

Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths

Amazon

These burp cloths are made of 100% cotton that’s extremely absorbent (6 layers!) and soft. When folded out, they’re 20 inches by 10 inches, which will cover any shoulder, or you can fold them in half for a smaller, but thick absorbent layer. 

The breathable fabric is perfect for you and baby, and once you’re finished using it, you can simply throw it in the washing machine. The entire set comes with 6 cloths for less than $13, too.

Key Specs:
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 20 x 10 inches | Quantity per Pack: 6

Best Flannel

QuiltsandGiftsGalore Baby Burp Cloths Set

Reversible Baby Burp Cloths Set

Courtesy of Etsy

Made with soft flannel, these adorable burp cloths are sure to be stylish even when they get dirty. You can choose from six different pattern options, which include patterns like fish, owls, elephants, and more. 

Each cloth is approximately 17.5 x 8.5 inches and handmade in a contoured design to fit the shoulder comfortably. The flannel material helps the cloth from slipping during any burping time.

Key Specs:
Material: Flannel | Dimensions: 17.5 x 8.5 inches | Quantity per Pack: 4 or 6

Best for Comfort

Kyapoo Microfiber Fleece Burp Cloths

Kyapoo Microfiber Coral Fleece Burp Cloths

Amazon

Made with super-soft microfiber coral fleece fabric, these burp cloths are sure to be useful for baby and you. They measure 22 inches by 10.8 inches and come in four different edge colors as a fun twist on a plain burp cloth. 

They come in a pack of 8, so you’ve got plenty for the day or however many you need. And they’re great at bath time as washcloths, too.

Key Specs:
Material: Microfiber coral fleece | Dimensions: 22 x 10.8 inches | Quantity per Pack: 8

Best Multipurpose

Munchkin Colic & Fever Rescue Kit

Munchkin Theraburpee Colic & Fever Rescue Kit

Amazon

These burp cloths are designed to not only catch any messes, but to also aid in teething pain, fevers, and more. The burp cloths are divided into three parts: a soft area of cotton and two inserts for gel packs. You can freeze the gel pack for a little one’s fevers and insert a warming gel pack on the bottom for baby’s tummy or colic. 

The gel packs can be used for more than just colic and fevers, too. Many parents and caregivers use them for teething pains, an upset stomach, bumps or bruises, and blocked milk ducts.

Key Specs:
Material:
Cotton | Dimensions: 20 x 9.75 inches | Quantity per Pack: 2

Best Muslin

Natemia Baby Burp Cloths

Natemia Bamboo Muslin Baby Burp Cloths

Amazon

These rectangle burp cloths measure 21 inches by 11 inches, so they’re perfect for any shoulder. They have a simple design and come in different color options, like dark orange, white, mustard yellow, and more. 

Expect a soft and luxurious feel to the cloths as they’re made from bamboo fabric and cotton. You’ll quickly realize just how much they’ll become a diaper bag staple.

Key Specs:
Material: Bamboo fabric and cotton | Dimensions: 21 x 11 inches | Quantity per Pack: 3

Best Absorbent

Copper Pearl Premium Burp Cloths

Copper and Pearl

Courtesy of Copper and Pearl

Measuring 21 x 10 inches, this oversized burp cloth is designed to fit anyone's shoulder without a mess being left behind. These burp cloths were designed with comfort in mind for not only you or another caregiver, but baby, too. Made with 100% ultra-soft cotton, you can pick from solid colors or patterns.

Aside from their large size, these burp cloths also feature a specially designed absorbent layer. The middle layer is made with fleece to prevent any messes from soaking through. And, the burp cloths can easily be cleaned by simply tossing them in the washing machine and then tumble drying on low heat.

Key Specs:
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 21 x 10 inches | Quantity per Pack: 3

Final Verdict

Made of several layers of super-soft, super-absorbent muslin, you’ll want to check out the Aden + Anais Burpy Bib (view at Amazon). Not only did they make our Best Overall pick, but they curve on one side so that you can easily lay them over your shoulder while you're burping baby. There’s also the Munchkin Theraburpee Colic and Fever Rescue Kit (view at Amazon). The burp cloths are divided into three parts: a soft area of cotton and two inserts for gel packs designed for colic, fevers, teething pain, and more.

What to Look for in Baby Burp Cloths

Material 

Check the material of the burp cloths you're considering before making your final purchase. Some materials are more absorbent than others which is essential when it comes to burping a baby. You’ll want a material that can hold any amount of moisture it takes in. 

If you’re unsure of where to start, check out burp cloths made with cotton or bamboo first. These materials are extremely absorbent so any moisture they take in will keep you more dry in the long run. Because you never know how much baby will spit up, it’s vital to buy burp cloths made with an absorbent fabric. 

Size 

You want to ensure that a burp cloth is big enough to cover your shoulder (or anyone else’s who might be burping baby). Since not all burp cloths are the same size, you’ll want to double check before buying so you know you’ll be protected. 

Most burp cloths measure around 20 x 11 inches, which should be suitable for most parents. Some burp cloths even come in a contoured shape. These are designed to look more than like an hourglass than a rectangle, so you don't have flaps of fabric hanging off the side of your shoulder. 

Absorbency

While you want to keep yourself and your clothing dry, you also want baby to be comfortable during burping. A cloth that soaks up spit-up to keep it away from baby's face feels better for them. 

Some burp cloths are made of multiple layers. These can help trap moisture inside the cloth, leaving the surfaces (that touch your clothing and your baby's face) more clean and dry.

Durability

You’ll also want burp cloths that can withstand a lot of washing. Babies can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to spit-up, so you’ll be washing them often and want cloths that are machine washable and won’t be worn out after a few trips through the washer and dryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many burp cloths do I need?

    How many burp cloths you will need depends on how much spit-up your baby generates, which is hard to predict until you have your baby home with you and are in a routine. A general rule of thumb is to have one burp cloth for every two newborn feedings. If you get fewer burp cloths, be prepared to do more laundry. It’s always best to get more than you think you will need, and adding burp cloths to your baby registry is a good idea. You can repurpose them as cleaning rags. 

  • How do I sanitize burp cloths?

    To help keep baby's face fresh and clean, replace your burp cloth frequently. Most can be washed in the washing machine. Depending on the type of fabric, some can be put in the dryer. Check the tag to get specific recommendations for laundering your burp cloths to keep them in the best shape possible. Try not to use bleach if at all possible because it could irritate your baby's skin.

  • How many layers should a burp cloth have?

    It depends on how absorbent the fabric of the burp cloth is, but most burp cloths should have more than one layer. Multiple layers help absorb more spit-up, keeping both you and baby cleaner and fresher. A burp cloth with more layers can also help keep the integrity of the fabric together after multiple runs through the washing machine. The best material for burp cloths depends on your lifestyle and desires, but generally, cotton, muslin, and bamboo are best because they absorb the most moisture. That’s helpful when you are dealing with a lot of spit-up in the early months.  Fleece, microfiber, and flannel are also options. 

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina enjoyed burp cloths with an extra-large or contoured design. These prevented her from being messy herself during any spit-ups while still keeping her and baby comfortable.