You can never have too many baby washcloths. Not only are they perfect for getting your baby’s sensitive skin clean without irritating it, but they are also great for wiping up spit-up, cleaning up after meals, and more. Below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best baby washcloths. They are absorbent, soft, and durable for easy cleanup every time.
Best Baby Washcloths
Depending on what fabric you’re wanting, you can choose from the Kyapoo and Spotted Play (microfiber), HIPHOP (bamboo), aden + anais (100% cotton), or remaining washcloths that are made of a cotton/polyester mix.
Spotted Play Baby Washcloths
The Spotted Play Baby Washcloths are made from microfiber coral fleece that results in a super soft design. They absorb water well but dry quickly after bath time, reducing the risk of odors or mildew.
While these do absorb water very well, they do not absorb a lot of baby soap or shampoo. This can make it hard to produce the lather you want at bath time. The softer design also isn’t the best for stuck-on messes. However, the gentle design is perfect for gently washing your baby during bath time.
One thing that is nice aside from the softness is that they won’t shrink or roll on the sides after washing. They maintain their softness as well, which makes them great for babies that have easily irritated skin.
These washcloths also are thin enough to wash your little one, though the larger size (12″ x 12″) makes them feel a little bulky. However, the larger size means your baby will be able to continue using the washcloths as they grow.
Pros
- Soft microfiber coral fleece is gentle on your baby’s skin
- Absorb water well
- Dry quickly after bath time
- Don’t shrink or roll up in the wash
- Thin enough to wash baby skin
- Bigger size is great for toddlers and older kids
Cons
- Not good for stuck-on messes
- A little big for a newborn
Simple Joys by Carter’s Washcloth Set
The Simple Joys by Carter’s Washcloth Set is great if you want a multipurpose washcloth. These can be used at bath time, for a teether, and to wipe up all types of baby messes. The 10-pack also comes with a variety of cute prints.
The washcloths are perfectly sized for newborns and toddlers, being 10″ x 10″. They are made of soft, absorbent terry cloth with a knit binding around the edge. The knit binding increases durability, which is something you’ll want since these are multipurpose.
One side of these washcloths is a soft material perfect for baths or wiping bottoms, while the other side is a little rougher for stuck-on messes like boogers or food. The texture of the washcloth is easy to grip, so it is also a good choice for babies and toddlers learning to clean themselves. They hold a nice lather without being too slippery.
These hold their shape well in the washer and dryer. The knit edge may shrink a little and roll up a bit, but it’s not too significant. Additionally, the knit around the edge stops loose threads from being a problem.
Pros
- Great multipurpose washcloth
- Knit around the edge increases durability and prevents loose threads
- Easy to grip which is great as your child learns to wash themselves
- Withstands washing and drying well
- Cute prints
- Two different textures
Cons
- Knit binding shrinks a little in the wash
Aden + Anais Washcloths
The Aden + Anais 3-Pack Washcloths are made of 100% cotton muslin for an incredibly soft design. Another cool feature is the loop in the corner, which is perfect for hanging the washcloths up to dry.
These are larger than most other baby washcloths, being 12″ on each side. This makes them great for older kids too, however, some parents found the washrags a little too bulky for a baby. However, they do feature a thin design that makes it easy to get into folds.
Another benefit of Aden + Anais washcloths is the absorbency- though it can make the cloth a little heavy when it’s full of water. It also might take a little more effort to wring it out after bath time than with other cloths.
Finally, the washcloths withstand washing and drying well. They don’t shrink, so they’re easy to fold even after washing. You also don’t have to worry about any loose threads. The durable design and large size make these great for a washcloth that your child can use as a toddler.
Pros
- Made of 100% cotton muslin
- Withstands washing well, doesn’t become rolled, damaged, or rough
- Very absorbent
- Bigger size is great for growing with your child
- Thin enough to get into baby folds
- Durable
- Very soft
Cons
- Bigger size might be bulky for a newborn
- Harder to wring out than other materials
Kyapoo Baby Microfiber Washcloths
The Kyapoo Baby Microfiber Washcloths are a great choice if you’re looking for something luxuriously soft for bath time. These come in a 12-pack, so you can be sure you’ll have enough.
The microfiber coral fleece makes for one of the softest washcloths whether it is wet or dry. They also absorb liquid well, so the cloths are good for bathing or wiping up spit-up. However, the washcloths might be too soft for some messes (like stuck-on food or dried boogers) so they aren’t as multipurpose as some other options.
These maintain their shape and size in the laundry. While the softness remains, it is possible for threads to come loose occasionally because of the fleece design. You won’t want to use them for teether rags for this reason.
They are 12″ x 12″, so they might be a little big to use on a newborn. Fortunately, this also lets them grow with your child. The thin, soft texture makes it easier to get the big washcloth into small baby folds of skin and the material of the washcloth produces a great lather for cleaning.
Something that is nice about the absorbency of these is that they hold a lot of water but they also drain easily. They dry well, so there’s a lower risk of mold and mildew if you lay them out to dry between washings.
Pros
- Luxuriously soft wet or dry
- Great for bath time and spit-up
- Dry out quickly
- Very absorbent
- Holds up to washing and drying well
- Lathers well
- Thin enough for cleaning baby skin folds
Cons
- Not a good choice for stuck-on messes
- Fleece may have loose threads occasionally
Spasilk Soft Terry Bath Washcloths
The Spasilk Soft Terry Bath Washcloths are a great choice if you want a lot of washcloths for a lower price. They are gentle on your baby’s delicate skin and come in different brightly colored designs. In addition to the yellow dots pictured here, they are available in blue, blue dots, pink, and blue elephants.
These washcloths are made from a blend of 80% cotton and 20% polyester for a slightly stretchy design that won’t shrink or pill in the laundry. However, they may curl up which makes them hard to fold. They are 9″ on each side, which is perfect for baby-sized messes.
The washcloths also feature a thin, textured design. Its texture helps wipe away messes while the thin design is perfect for baby’s soft skin. One side is smooth and the other is rougher. Even though some users liked the rougher side for tougher messes (like stuck-on food), others found the washcloth a little too rough after washing for their baby’s sensitive skin.
Pros
- Baby-sized
- Available in several colors and patterns
- Stretchy but soft design
- Doesn’t pill in the wash
- Thin enough for baby folds
- One side is smooth and the other textured
Cons
- Some parents found the textured side too rough after washing
- Edges roll when washed and dried
HIPHOP Panda Bamboo Baby Washcloths
The HIPHOP Panda Bamboo Baby Washcloths are made from 90% rayon derived from bamboo. They are incredibly soft and feature a 2-layer design for added absorbency.
The washcloths are a little bigger than a baby washcloth but smaller than an adult cloth, being 10″ x 10″. This makes them small enough to use on a newborn but big enough that your child can continue using these washcloths as they become a toddler. Many adults have bought these to use on their faces as well.
The bamboo-derived rayon is hypoallergenic, making them great for your little one’s sensitive skin. It is also absorbent. The dual layers hold a lot of water, so it’s great for playing in the bath. However, they are also a little slippery when wet so it can be harder to get a good grip while cleaning your little one.
The layers can trap smells if they aren’t dried properly after use. You’ll want to wring as much of the water out as possible and then use the small hanging loop to let the rag dry completely.
These withstand washing and drying well and maintain their soft texture. They do shrink a little when dried, especially the hanging loop.
Pros
- Dual layers for extra absorbency
- Hypoallergenic
- Made from bamboo-derived rayon
- Durable, soft design
- Perfect size for babies and toddlers
- Hanging loop for drying the cloth after bath time
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Shrinks a little in the dryer
- Dual layers make it harder to grip
Luvable Friends Baby Washcloths
The Luvable Friends Baby Washcloths come in a set of 12 with cute patterns and designs. In addition to the color pictured, this set comes in various blue options, a yellow pattern for parents who want unisex washcloths, and other cute designs.
Each washcloth is 9″ x 9″. They are made from a blend of 75% cotton and 25% polyester. Each side of the washcloth has its texture, one is soft and the other is designed for scrubbing. One thing to note is that the side with the rougher texture may become scratchy after several washes.
These are a great price for 12 washcloths, making them a good choice for parents that want washcloths for everyday use. They also hold water well (though they are not as absorbent as bamboo) and dry out easily.
These wash rags withstand machine washing and drying well, however, they can curl up a little on the edges. Some parents have also said these stain more easily than some other cloths, so they may not be the choice for cleaning your baby’s bottom or for use with certain foods.
Pros
- Great for everyday use
- Affordable, budget-friendly baby washcloths
- Hold water well
- Dry easily after bath time
- Machine wash and dry
- Several cute designs
- Small size is perfect for use on newborns and babies
Cons
- Stain easily
- Textured side becomes rough with washing
Gerber Baby Washcloths
The Gerber Baby Washcloths are great for bath time and everyday use. They are 9″ x 9″, making them perfect for folding up in your diaper bag so you’re ready for messes on the go.
These baby washcloths are made from a blend of 80% cotton and 20% polyester. There is trim around the edges that increases durability. They are also machine washable, however, they do tend to roll up after washing and drying.
These are soft, thin, and absorbent. They hold enough water to clean your baby’s skin but dry quickly after use. Additionally, the soft material is great for gently cleansing your little one.
These come in three cute designs, including the one pictured, a gray design, and a pink princess design. One thing to note is that some parents found them too thin. While the thin design is great for cleaning your baby’s face and body (or as a teething rag), it isn’t absorbent enough for big messes.
Pros
- 9″ x 9″ design is small enough for babies
- 80% cotton and 20% polyester
- Very soft
- Cute design
- Great multipurpose cloth
- Threading around the edge to increase durability
- Machine washable
Cons
- Very thin design
- Rolls up in the wash
Best Organic Baby Washcloths
The Burt’s Bees washcloths are by far the better-selling washcloths compared to the Brooklyn washcloths. With that being said, the Brooklyn washcloths are slightly larger (10 x 10 inches) compared to the Burt’s Bees washcloths (9 x 9 inches).
Burt’s Bees Baby Washcloths
The Burt’s Bees Baby Washcloths are made from organic cotton with a knit terry design. They also have a dual-sided design that is smooth on one side and looped on the other, which is great for making these multipurpose cloths.
The cotton in this washcloth is GOTS certified. It has been woven into a knit terry design so it won’t pill in the washing machine. Additionally, there is a cotton trim that goes around the washcloth for added durability from loose threads. The washcloth is 8.5″ on each side and has rounded edges.
In addition to being soft and gentle on baby’s skin, the knit design of the cotton makes this washcloth very absorbent. Its absorbency and the gentle design make it great for bath time.
Even though the washcloth is durable enough to withstand the washer and dryer, the trim can shrink slightly. The washcloth still gets the job done, but the unevenness makes it harder to fold flat.
Pros
- Made of certified 100% organic cotton
- Knit terry design is durable and absorbent
- Soft on your baby’s skin
- Cotton trim increases durability
- Maintains softness after being washed
- Flat side and loop side for multipurpose cleaning
Cons
- Doesn’t fold flat after being dried
Need some good baby soap to go with that washcloth? Check out our favorite natural baby soaps for keeping baby’s skin silky soft.
Brooklyn Bamboo Baby Washcloths
Brooklyn Bamboo Baby Washcloths are made from a blend of 80% organic bamboo and 20% cotton. Each cloth is individually wrapped with a bow, which makes them a great baby shower gift.
Brooklyn Bamboo Baby Washcloths are 10″ x 10″, which makes them the perfect size for babies and toddlers. They absorb more than a cotton washcloth and later well. As an added benefit, they drain well and are quick-drying. This helps with proper drying after bath time, so there’s a lower chance of bad odors or mildew growth. Bamboo fibers are also anti-microbial which reduces the risk of these problems.
Even though these say they can be machine washed and dried, the tag on the washcloths states that they should be hand-washed. Some parents that did machine wash note that threads came loose afterward. It isn’t always practical to keep washing something you use a lot by hand, so you’ll want to keep this in mind before buying.
Pros
- Incredibly soft
- Become softer with more washes
- Bamboo fibers are anti-microbial
- Dry quickly
- Absorb water well
- Good-sized for babies and toddlers
- Eco-friendly
- Cute baby shower gift
Cons
- Loose threads after washing
- Says they are machine washable but tags say to handwash
Best Baby Washcloths Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed.
The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with
the product compared to others in the table.Burt's Bees Baby Washcloths 9.9 9.6 14.00 Spotted Play Baby Washcloths 9.6 9.6 12.99 Brooklyn Bamboo Baby Washcloths 7.9 9.4 12.99 Simple Joys by Carter's Washcloth Set 9.7 9.4 12.40 Luvable Friends Baby Washcloths 8.9 9.2 11.99 Kyapoo Baby Microfiber Washcloths 9.9 9.6 9.99 HIPHOP Panda Bamboo Baby Washcloths 9.9 9.6 9.97 Spasilk Soft Terry Bath Washcloths 9.9 9.2 7.99 Aden + Anais Washcloths 3.9 9.0 - Gerber Baby Washcloths 5.9 9.2 -
Buying Criteria for Baby Washcloths
Softness
The softness of a washcloth usually depends on the material the cloth is made from. Some of the most common fabrics include cotton, microfiber, bamboo, and flannel. Ideally, you’ll want a washcloth that is firm enough to clean but gentle enough that it doesn’t irritate your baby’s skin.
Babies are known for their soft, delicate skin. The microstructure is less dense and up to 30% thinner than in adults. This means your baby’s skin is also more likely to be irritated by a rough washcloth.
To avoid irritation, we considered the overall softness of a washcloth. We also considered how soft the washcloth was after being washed. Not only is a softer cloth better for baby’s skin, but it also will make them more comfortable at bath time.
Functionality
Some washcloths are softer and better for bath time, while others have a rougher texture for cleaning boogers and stuck-on food. Parents who want something multipurpose will want a washcloth that has a rougher texture. You can also find double-sided washcloths. Usually, these will have a softer side and a textured side.
As you look, be sure to consider how the fabric will withstand being washed. You don’t want something that is going to become too rough to use comfortably after a few washes.
Durability
Baby washcloths can be used for a lot more than just washing your little one in the tub. You can wipe away messes after mealtime, clean up spit-up, and do so much more.
With all these uses, though, you’ll be washing the cloths a lot. You’ll want something durable so you don’t have to worry about stray threads coming unraveled, too. These can wrap around baby fingers and toes, causing pain and cutting off circulation. Loose threads may also be swallowed.
Some materials are just more prone to loose ends than others. Sometimes, manufacturers add a knit trim or threading that helps prevent loose threads.
Something else to consider regarding durability is how the washcloths should be washed. Some cloths are not durable enough to withstand machine washing. If you only have a few cloths, it wouldn’t be hard to do this when needed. However, most babies make a lot of messes and you’ll want to consider if you’ll have time to hand wash the rags while you’re busy with your little one.
Absorbency
Whether you are wiping away food after mealtime or making water fall over your baby in the tub, you want a washcloth that can hold some water. This means you won’t have to keep wetting it while you are using it.
In addition to being absorbent, you’ll want a fabric that dries well after bath time. If a cloth stays wet instead of drying, it can cause odors. There’s also a higher risk of mildew or mold growing.
Size
A standard adult-sized washcloth is usually 12″ x 12″ or 13″ x 13″. Many parents find a standard-sized washcloth is too big for their baby’s small features. This is why many baby washcloths are smaller, though they vary in size.
Additionally, most baby washcloths have a thinner design that is better for getting into your little one’s folds of skin. However, you don’t want it to be so thin that it doesn’t absorb water well.
Design
The last thing you’ll want to consider is the design. Some baby washcloths may be brightly colored or feature cute patterns or animal designs. If you are going to opt for some more fun baby washcloths for bath time, consider picking up a pack of plain ones for cleaning up everyday messes, too.
Something else to keep in mind is the risk of staining. If you plan on using it on your little one’s bottom, you’ll want to choose a darker color or a fabric that is less likely to stain.
FAQs – Baby Washcloths
Do babies need special washcloths?
While special washcloths aren’t really “necessary”, they do make bath time easier. Even though you might look at a normal-sized washcloth and think it is small enough, most parents find they are too big to clean the delicate folds of their baby’s skin.
Additionally, baby washcloths are often made using softer, gentler materials than washcloths made for the average adult. Something softer is important because baby skin is more prone to irritation and inflammation than the skin of adults. Babies are also more likely to have problems like eczema, baby acne, and general sensitivity.
What are baby washcloths used for?
There are a lot of uses for your baby’s washcloths outside of the tub. Washcloths are great for any mess, including small spills, cleaning up after eating and wiping spit-up. Some parents may also use a warm, wet washcloth instead of a baby wipe if their little one’s bottom has a rash or is irritated.
Baby washcloths also make great teethers. All you have to do is moisten it a little bit and stick it in the freezer. (This is another time when durability is important since you’ll want to be sure the washcloth you use doesn’t have any loose threads).
How many washcloths does a baby need?
Even though you won’t be bathing your baby every day, you should still keep several washcloths on hand. You’ll find they come in handy when you run out of drool rags or for cleaning up after eating. There isn’t really any standard for washcloths- but a pack of 12 is probably a good place to start. You’ll probably also want 3-4 hooded towels for bath time so you don’t have to worry about finding a clean one.
