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What Are Burp Cloths — And Why They’re a Must for Every New Parent

Apr 24, 2025 By SwaddleAn

When your baby burps, a little milk often comes up with it. These tiny spit-ups can happen several times a day, especially in the newborn stage — and without warning. That’s where burp cloths come in.A burp cloth is a soft, absorbent piece of fabric that you place on your shoulder, across your chest, or on your lap while burping your baby. Its purpose is simple: catch the mess before it catches you.It may seem like a small detail, but when you’re feeding and burping your baby 8 to 12 times a day, burp cloths quickly become one of the most-used items in your daily routine.

What Exactly Are Burp Cloths?

Think of a burp cloth as your daily shield — there to protect your clothes from those little spit-up surprises. Most burp cloths are rectangular or oval pieces of fabric, sized just right to cover your shoulder or lap.But not all burp cloths are created equal.Some are single-layer muslin — soft but may not hold much liquid. Others use thicker terry cotton or flannel, which can feel plush but bulky. And while grabbing a towel or random cloth might work in a pinch, they often aren’t gentle enough for your baby’s sensitive skin.At SwaddleAn, we designed our burp cloths to give you the best of all options:

  • Top layer: silky-soft bamboo rayon, gentle against your baby’s face.
  • Middle layer: absorbent polyester fleece, helping prevent leaks.
  • Bottom layer: breathable muslin cotton, quick-drying and lightweight.

The result? Three layers working together to keep you dry and your baby comfortable — every single time.

“Mother holding her baby with a soft burp cloth draped over her shoulder, ready to catch spit-up after feeding. The burp cloth features a SwaddleAn triple-layer design with bamboo, polyester fleece, and muslin for comfort and absorbency.

Do You Really Need Burp Cloths?

The short answer? Yes.Spit-up is completely normal in babies. Their little digestive systems are still developing, and during or after feeding, a bit of milk often comes back up. Without a burp cloth, that milk ends up on your shirt, your sofa, or your bedding.Burp cloths help you stay clean and prepared — so that you’re not changing your clothes (or your baby’s) after every feed. Especially if your baby tends to spit up a lot, or if they have reflux, having the right burp cloths on hand makes all the difference.

How Many Burp Cloths Do You Need?

Age / Situation Recommended Number of Burp Cloths
Newborn (frequent feedings, daily wash) 8–12 burp cloths
Newborn (every other day laundry) 15–20 burp cloths
Older babies (less frequent spit-up) 6–8 burp cloths

Pro tip: Keep extras in your diaper bag, next to the nursing chair, and by the bed for late-night feeds.

What Makes a Good Burp Cloth?

When choosing burp cloths, look for:

  • Softness: gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin, especially for newborns.
  • Absorbency: enough layers to soak up spit-up without soaking through.
  • Breathability: quick-drying fabrics prevent odors and irritation.
  • Durability: strong stitching, holds up well to frequent washing.
  • Size: large enough to cover your shoulder fully.

SwaddleAn’s triple-layer design brings together bamboo, polyester fleece, and muslin for that perfect balance of softness, absorbency, and practicality.

Why SwaddleAn’s Burp Cloths?

At SwaddleAn, we believe the small things — like a well-made burp cloth — are what make parenting smoother. Our burp cloths are designed not just to look beautiful but to work beautifully.

  • Silky-soft bamboo on top where it touches your baby’s face.
  • Hidden absorbent fleece to catch moisture quickly.
  • Lightweight muslin cotton underneath to keep things breathable.
  • Minimalist design, easy to match with any outfit or diaper bag.

We craft each piece with care — because your baby deserves comfort, and so do you.

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