Once you find out you are pregnant you are suddenly thrown into the world of baby products, and one of these items is bibs. But with so many different types which should you choose? In this article, we help you select which is the best bib for your baby.
The bibs you choose will largely depend on two factors. The age of your baby and how they are being used. Below we discuss each type and its best use.
Cotton Bibs
The most popular and widely used bibs are made from cotton and can be found just about anywhere. These are your day-to-day bibs that will get a good workout. There are some features that you should look for including making sure they are machine washable, have adjustable fasteners, and are made from absorbent materials.
Depending on the brand, they can come in a variety of sizes to fit different ages. Most cotton bibs will suit newborns through to two years.
Dribble Bibs
Dribble bibs, also known as bandana or drool bibs are also cotton bibs, however, they have a very specific function, to capture dribble and to keep your baby dry. A dribble bib should have multiple layers of fabric, adjustable and be made from absorbent materials like cotton or bamboo. It’s worth investing in several good quality, machine-washable dribble bibs. And once your baby starts teething you will be using plenty. This type of bib is normally used around 3 months through to two years.
Teething Bibs
A teething bib is similar to a bandana bib but has a silicone triangle on the end. This is for the baby to chew when they start teething. They aren’t very popular as aesthetically they aren’t very nice. And parents prefer to give teething toys as an alternative.
Binky Bibs
This is a bib with a connection for a dummy or teether on the end. Similar to the teething bib they aren’t very popular in Australia. And if you choose to buy one make sure it has been tested and approved to Australian Standards. There aren’t any Australian Standards covering bibs but this style falls into the dummy chain category which is governed by Australian Standard AS 2432:2015.
Smock Bibs
A smock bib is primarily used during feeding. It has long sleeves and covers the top half of the baby’s torso and buttons up at the back. They are made from plastic so are easily wiped clean after each use. This bib is better for older babies and toddlers and great for reducing mess when they are learning to feed themselves.
Vintage Bibs
A vintage bib has lace and trimmings around it and normally has floral or Victorian-era designs. These are beautiful-looking bibs but should be brought with care. The attachment is normally a string which we wouldn’t recommend when considering bib safety. However if the vintage bib you choose has push studs as a fastener these are safe to use. You would buy this type of bib for special occasions or outings for babies aged from newborn to 2 years.
Silicone Feeding Bibs
These are popular bibs for feeding time. They are made from silicone so are easy to clean. There is a trough at the bottom to catch any dropped food, keeping both the baby and the floor clean. These are for older babies and toddlers and like the smock bib, perfect for those who are learning to feed themselves.
Plastic Front Bibs
You will see this type of bib in many supermarkets or large department stores. This bib has a thin layer of cotton with a plastic front. It can be used as a day-to-day bib but we don’t recommend this style. They aren’t environmentally friendly, and the plastic front doesn’t capture any moisture, it just moves it onto the baby’s clothes.
In conclusion, we recommend buying quality cotton bibs that have multiple layers made with absorbent materials and are adjustable. We hope this article has helped you choose the best bib for your needs.
This article was written by Luisa Figueroa. She is the designer, maker and owner of the My Little Love Heart range of bibs.