There’s no getting around it: babies are very messy eaters. If you’re a new parent, then you know just how quickly meal time can turn into clean-up time. To minimize accidents, you’ll want to consider buying a bib. Nowadays, there are all sorts of different bibs for different needs. There are waterproof bibs, bibs with built-in spill catchers, bibs designed specifically for drool, bibs with sleeves, stylish bibs for all-day wear, and many more. They also come in a range of different materials, from silicone to organic cotton, so it’s easy to find one that suits you and your baby.
After researching all the different models available on the market right now, we’ve gone ahead and selected our top 6 picks. In this guide, you’ll find our reviews, broken down by category and need. We’ll also walk you through all the different features you should watch out for when shopping for a bib.
Our Top Picks: Summary
- Best Overall: WeeSprout Silicone Bib
- Best On-The-Go: OXO Tot Waterproof Silicone Roll Up Bib
- Best for Nursing: Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Milk Catcher Bibs
- Best Bandana Bib: Alva Baby Bandana Bibs
- Best Smock Bib: Bumkins Sleeved Waterproof Bib
- Best Organic: Burt’s Bees Organic Drool Cloth Bibs
Best Overall: WeeSprout Silicone Bib
WeeSprout Silicone Bib
A built-in tray catches spills and the entire bib can easily be rinsed off.
Why we Picked It
We picked WeeSprout’s Silicone Bib as our top choice because it scores highly in every category. Most importantly, the built-in tray provides full-coverage and keeps all spills in one easy-to-empty place. Meanwhile, the silicone is both dishwasher-safe and hand-washable, which makes it much faster and easier to clean than bibs made out of fabric. Another big advantage it has over fabric bibs is the clasp: while most fabric bibs are fastened with scratchy velcros or too-loose ties, the Silicone Bib’s neckline is kept in place with a row of comfortable, adjustable silicone buttons that won’t irritate your baby’s neck. Additionally, like other silicone bibs, it won’t stain, fray, or fall apart after repeated washes. Finally, it’s completely rollable, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
WeeSprout’s Silicone Bib is sold in packs of 2, available in 4 different color combinations. It’s waterproof, food-grade and stain-resistant, and suitable for use by children between 6 months and 6 years old.
Keep in Mind
Some reviewers reported it was too easy for their babies to undo the clasp. Additionally, WeeSprout suggests users keep the bib off very young children’s bare skin, since the silicone might cause irritation.
In a Nutshell
- Easy to clean
- Lifetime money back guarantee
- Dishwasher-safe
Best On-The-Go: OXO Tot Waterproof Silicone Roll Up Bib
OXO Tot
This bib easily rolls up to keep things clean and tidy.
Why We Picked It
We picked OXO Tot’s Waterproof Silicone Roll Up Bib because it’s designed specifically for on-the-go use. The bib is made out of two components: a fabric upper and a silicone tray, both wipeable and machine-washable for easy cleaning. Not only does the tray collect all food-spills in one place, but it also doubles as a lockable pocket for the rest of the bib when you roll it up for transport. Additionally, the bib goes on easily and stays on: while the adjustable neck is fastened with velcro, it resists tugging from small fingers.
The Waterproof Silicone Roll Up Bib comes in a pack of 1, available in 4 different colors: gray, navy, pink, and teal. It’s suitable for children ages 6 months and older.
Keep in Mind
Some reviewers had issues with the fabric portion of the bib, reporting it frayed, stained, and leaked dye after repeated use.
In a Nutshell
- Portable and travel-friendly
- Tug-resistant
- Machine-washable and wipeable
Best for Nursing: Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Milk Catcher
Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Milk Catcher
Extra absorbent, full coverage, and machine washable.
Why we Picked It
We picked Green Sprouts’ Stay-Dry Milk-Catcher Bib because it’s the most effective at protecting both your baby and their clothes from irritating milk dribbles. While many bibs only offer chest or stomach coverage, this product Velcros snugly around the neck to prevent leaks from the top-down. It’s made out of three layers for extra absorbency: two outer layers made out of soft terry-cloth sandwich a waterproof inner layer that prevents the milk from soaking your baby’s clothes. It’s also fully machine-washable, which keeps things easy to clean.
The Milk-Catcher Bib comes in a pack of 3, available in 4 different color combinations. It’s suitable for babies between the ages of 0 and 3 years old.
Keep in Mind
Some reviewers said the collar was too tight for their babies’ necks. Others said the terry cloth layers start to get rough after repeated washes.
In a Nutshell
- Easy put on and take off
- Waterproof and super-absorbent
- Soft cushioning
Best Bandana Bib: Alva Baby Bandana
Alva Baby Bandana
Stylish and lined with fleece, these bibs are comfortable and absorbent.
Why we Picked It
Since drool bibs are designed for all-day wear, it’s important to pick one that looks like it could be part of your child’s outfit. We picked Alva’s Baby Bandana Bib because it comes in eight stylish patterns, from polka dots to cute reindeer to nautical anchors. Aesthetics aside, it’s also very effective at catching drool: The front layer is made out of soft 100% cotton, which won’t irritate your baby’s skin, while the back layer is made out of a super-absorbent fleece that will keep saliva and spit-up from soaking your child’s clothes. Additionally, while most bibs are only machine-washable, this one can be used with a washer, dryer, and even an iron, as long as it’s set to “cool.”
Alva’s Baby Bandana Bib comes in a pack of 1, with 8 different colors available. It’s suitable for use by babies between 0 and 3 years old.
Keep in Mind
For a couple of reviewers, the back of the bib started pilling after a few washes.
In a Nutshell
- Stylish patterns
- Machine-washable, dryable, and okay for use with a cool iron
- Easily adjustable
Best Smock Bib: Bumkins Sleeved Waterproof Bib
Bumkins Sleeved Waterproof Bib
Wipeable and machine-washable, this bib covers the entire upper body.
Why we Picked It
When it comes to full-coverage, Bumkins’ Sleeved Waterproof Bib does the job. In addition to covering your child’s entire torso, it also has two long sleeves attached to keep the arms splatter-free. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about stains, smells, or bacteria: the bib is made out of a waterproof, stain- and odor-resistant fabric in a single-ply construction, which keeps mold from growing in between the layers. Plus, the simple ribbon tie in the back means it goes on and off easily. Finally, it’s very easy to keep clean, despite the size: the whole thing is both wipeable and machine-washable.
Bumkins’ Sleeved Waterproof Bib comes in a pack of 1, available in 21 different patterns. It’s suitable for use by babies between the ages of 6 and 24 months.
Keep in Mind
The bib stained too easily for some reviewers.
In a Nutshell
- Both wipeable and machine-washable
- Waterproof, stain-resistant, and odor-resistant
- Single-ply construction keeps mold from growing
Best Organic: Burt’s Bees Organic Drool Cloth Bibs
Organic cotton terry and an easy-to-use elastic neckline.
Why we Picked It
We picked Burts’ Bees’ Organic Drool Cloth Bib because it’s designed specifically to be worn all-day. While many bibs go on with clasps or fasteners, which can be tugged off with enough force, this model slips on with an elastic neckline, which also keeps the bib snugly around your baby’s neck for maximum absorption. It’s made out of a GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton, which keeps things soft enough for the most sensitive of skin-types and can be thrown in the wash. Additionally, it can also double as a meal-time bib: the terry cloth back not only keeps things extra absorbent, but it can also be used to wipe your baby’s face after feeding.
Burt’s Bees’ Organic Drool Cloth Bibs come in packs of 2 and 4, available in 4 different color options each. It’s suitable for use by newborns, with no information available for an upper age limit.
Keep in Mind
Keep in mind that the bib doesn’t have a clasp, which means it stretches over your baby’s head. For some reviewers, this repeated stretching led to the elastic getting too loose to catch drool properly.
In a Nutshell
- 100% organic, GOLS-certified cotton
- Terry towel backing doubles as face wipe
- Machine-washable
How We Chose the Best Bibs
Coverage
There’s no predicting how messy a baby can be. So to account for spills of all sizes, we made coverage a priority when narrowing down bibs. For meal-time varieties, we looked for bibs that extended across the shoulders and down over the stomach, as well as those that contained built-in trays to collect any run-off for easy clean-up. Meanwhile, for drool bibs, we looked for those with fabric behind the neck as well as in front, for absorbing drool when babies are dozing off or lying on their backs. Finally, for nursing bibs, we looked for models with full coverage around the neck, both to keep stray formula or milk from getting on your baby if they bottle-feed, and to keep milk from staining you if you breast-feed.
Comfort
Since your baby will be wearing their bib at least three times a day, comfort is one of the most important things to remember when shopping for a bib. This is why we looked for models that were ranked the most comfortable by reviewers. We made sure necklines weren’t too tight, velcros didn’t scratch, and snaps didn’t dig into the skin. We also searched for soft fabrics and silicones, as well as organic and chemical-free materials to prevent rashes and other allergic reactions. When you’re shopping, it might be a good idea to have your baby try them on in person before you make a final decision.
Ease of Cleaning
Bibs are designed to take the mess that would otherwise go on your baby’s clothes, so it’s inevitable that they’ll get dirty at least three times a day. This means a good bib should be able to be regularly cleaned, to prevent your child from eating with a filthy bib, which can pose a huge hygiene issue. When doing our research, we looked for meal-time bibs that can be cleaned after every meal, like dishwasher-safe silicones and wipeable waterproof nylons. Meanwhile, for absorbent bibs (like those used for drool), we looked for those that can be thrown in the wash.
Durability
Your child will need a bib until they’re coordinated enough to keep from drooling or spilling on themselves, so a good bib should last you at least three years. This is why durability was a huge priority when compiling our list. We searched for fabric bibs that won’t fade, lose texture, or stop absorbing after going through the wash a few times, as well as silicone bibs that won’t lose their shape when repeatedly put in the dish-washer. We also kept an eye out for clasps that will stay on and fasteners that won’t unravel, as well as bibs that could handle being regularly toted around.
Customer Reviews
When doing our research, customer reviews were our most important resource. As with all baby products, we looked through hundreds to make sure that the bibs we chose will keep your child safe and comfortable while also doing their job. Since it’s your baby and not you who’ll be using the bib, we only wanted bibs with customer reviews that expressly talked about their babies’ experiences. In general, we tended to trust reviews that described their babies’ reactions to the product in detail more than those that only mentioned them in passing.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bib
Ready to get a bib (or 8)? Here’s what to look for.
Intended Use
When shopping for a bib, keep in mind when and how your baby will be using it. Are you buying a bib to soak up drool and spit-up? Will you primarily be using it during nursing time, or do you want something bandana-style that your baby can wear all the time? Is this something you only want to take out during meal-time? Since different bib designs are meant for different lengths of use, it’s important that you find something which will stay comfortable for your baby no matter how long they have it on.
Material
Bibs come in all sorts of different materials, from machine-washable fabrics to wipeable plastic, so this is something that can help you narrow down your search. Consider the following: What will your child find comfortable? Do they need something soft and fuzzy, or can they tolerate a plasticky texture? Do you need it to be waterproof? Do you want something that absorbs moisture (like terrycloth) or repels it (like silicone)? How often do you want to clean it, and using what method? You’ll also want to keep in mind allergies and skin sensitivities. Look for plastics that are certified BHA-free and natural fabrics like organic cotton.
Portability
When shopping for a bib, it’s important that you keep in mind portability. Although bibs aren’t known for being bulky, some have design features that prevent them from being easily stashed. From bulky built-in trays to long sleeves, not every bib is meant for on-the-go use. This means you should look for bibs that can be folded up, rolled up, or bundled together and thrown in a diaper bag or purse. This is especially true for meal-time and nursing bibs, since you’ll want something you can transport from home to restaurants to picnics.
Design
Since your baby will be using a bib at every meal-time, if not more, it’s important that both of you like the way it looks and fits. Most bibs come in a variety of different colors, patterns, and cuts, so you’ll have your pick. Consider things like: Does the bib go well with your baby’s wardrobe? Do you want something bright and fun, or classy and pastel? Is there a good balance of coverage and compactness? How does your baby react when they put it on? Do they sit still, or are they constantly fidgeting with it due to awkward components?
Different Types of Bibs
Not sure what kind of bib you need? Learn about the different types below.
Drool Bibs
Because babies’ mouth muscles are still developing, they tend to drool a lot. In fact, it’s not unusual for your child to be producing lots of drool up until they’re two years old. This is where a drool bib might come in handy. Designed for all-day wear, drool bibs are made out of soft, absorbent materials like terry cloth, fleece, and cotton, which prevents all that excess saliva from soaking or staining your child’s clothes. Generally speaking, they’re appropriate for babies from 0 – 24 months.
Bandana Bibs
Because babies drool around the clock, they’ll have to wear their drool bibs all the time. This means you might want to spring for a design that goes well with their outfit and doesn’t look like an obvious bib. Bandana bibs are a great solution. A more stylish sub-category of drool bibs, they’re designed to look like bandanas while providing all of the absorbency of a regular drool bib. Like other drool bibs, they’re appropriate for babies between the ages of 0 – 24 months.
Nursing Bibs
As the name suggests, nursing bibs are designed specifically for use when your baby is nursing, whether that be through breastfeeding or with a bottle. Since run-off from formula and breast-milk can end up causing a rash, these bibs are designed to fit snugly against your baby’s neck to prevent any spills from leaking through and resulting in irritation. In general, they’re made out of soft, absorbent fabrics (like terry cloth or cotton) with a waterproof layer. They’re suitable for babies as long as they continue to nurse, which is ideally up to two years.
Smock Bibs
While many bibs only offer protection around the neck and chest, smock bibs are designed for full-body coverage. Frequently, they’re made out of stain-resistant, odor-resistant, and waterproof fabrics that can be easily cleaned, and often come with sleeves. This makes them great for particularly messy eaters, and in some cases can even double as art smocks. Generally speaking, they’re safest for use by babies who are at least 6 months old. Depending on the design and sizing, some can be used up to three years or even longer.
Silicone Bibs
The vast majority of bibs are made out of fabric. Fast-absorbing, water-proof, and often stain-resistant, they should keep off most spills until they’re ready to be thrown in the wash. Sometimes, though, they can get a little too messy before laundry day arrives. Silicone bibs are a great alternative. Made out of soft, pliable plastic, these can be wiped off quickly or washed in the sink right after meal-time. Many are even dishwasher-safe. In general, these are meant for babies who’ve started transitioning from an all-milk diet to baby-food, so should be appropriate for babies between 6 and 24 months.
Related Resources
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