“You can never have too many burp cloths!” vs “Are you talking 50? 100?”. That’s a never-ending debate among parents about the number of burp cloths they need. This might leave new parents confused when considering the definitive buying guide for baby must-haves: How many burp cloths do I need?
For a daily essential like burp cloths, the right number can save money, time, and hassle. But don’t worry! This article will be your compass that points you to the right answer, tailored to your needs and habits.
A Starting Point: How Many Burp Cloths Do You Need for a Newborn?
Let’s start with the most basic question: How many burp cloths do you need for newborns?
The Golden Number for New Parents

As a rule of thumb, you need about 8-12 burp cloths for a newborn. During the first months of life, they need to be fed every 2-3 hours, equivalent to 8-12 times a day. This means you probably have to burp your baby that much during the day.
So, 8-12 is the sweet spot, ensuring you always have a clean burp cloth on hand while others are going to the laundry. Remember that this is just a starting point. You might have to get more or less, depending on your case.
The Bare Minimum So You Never Run Out
If your family launders every day and your baby doesn’t spit up often, it’s safe to keep 4-6 burp cloths on hand. You can use 2-3 clean cloths and wash the others during the day.
However, keep in mind that this is the bare minimum number. After all, you never know when your little one will spit up out of nowhere.
Factors That Influence How Many Burp Cloths You Need
As mentioned, 8-12 is just for reference. The exact number depends on your laundry frequency and your baby’s spit-up situation.
How Often Your Family Does Laundry

If you frequently washes your burp cloths, you can have fewer. But if you do laundry every 2-3 days, you’ll need to stock up more for back-up. Make sure you always have a few clean burp cloths on hand when others are washed.
How Much Your Baby Spits Up (Does Your Baby Have Reflux?)
Do you have a big spitter? Does your baby have reflux (often spitting up milk and solids)? In this case, you might be looking at a significantly higher number of burp cloths, about 15-20 or even more.
Special Case: How Many Burp Cloths for Twins?
For families who welcome two angels at the same time, they have to consider the number of burp cloths for twins more carefully. Otherwise, it’s easy to run out of burp cloths for one or both of them. A simple rule is to double the basic number—at least 16-24 burp cloths.
Quality vs Quantity: Which One Matters More?
Why Investing in High-quality Burp Cloths Saves Your Money
High-quality burp cloths, which are made from bamboo rayon, are more absorbent and durable after many washes. One excellent burp cloth can do the job of two thin, cheap ones.
Even when your baby spits up a lot, the cloth can still soak up the mess well, preventing it from soiling your clothes. No matter how frequently your little one spits up or you do the laundry, these items can stand the test of time. This saves you money in the long run.
SwaddleAn’s Advice: Less is More

Don’t waste your hard-earned money on 20 cheap burp cloths that quickly wear out and barely soak up anything! Rather, invest in 10-20 high-quality burp cloths from SwaddleAn.
They are not only soft and safe for your baby’s sensitive skin. They meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and are also durable, saving money in the long term.
Conclusion
So, how many burp cloths do you need? There’s no magic number that works for every family. The ideal number of burp cloths really depends on your laundry routine, your baby’s needs, and the quality of the cloths you choose.
That said, starting with about 8–12 burp cloths is a practical choice for most parents. Choosing high-quality, super-absorbent, and safe burp cloths is a smart, sustainable investment for you.
Ready to build the perfect burp cloth collection for your little one? Shop our bamboo burp cloths—ultra-soft, eco-friendly, and always there to make your parenting journey a little easier.