The Best Baby Bibs to Capture Big Messes and Protect Outfits

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Baby bibs are an essential item of everything you need when your little one makes their arrival. They protect babies’ clothes from milk or food that may spill during feedings or drool and spit-up that can happen at any time. Babies are messy, and bibs can help cut down on outfit changes and laundry loads.

Before you purchase baby bibs, think about what material you’re looking for as you'll definitely want something that can be wiped for cleaning or machine-washed. Also, consider the size of the bib and special features like extra snaps or food catchers. We carefully considered design, features, size, material, ease of use, ease of cleaning and value when reviewing products. 

Here are the best baby bibs on the market.

Best for Toddlers

OXO Tot Waterproof Silicone Roll Up Bib

OXO Tot Waterproof Silicone Roll Up Bib with Comfort

Amazon

Pros
  • Waterproof fabric

  • Silicone pocket

  • Machine washable

Cons
  • Fabric harder to clean than silicone

The Oxo Tot Roll Up Bib ranks high on our list because this bib features a special pocket to catch leftovers. Made with waterproof fabric and a silicone pocket; this bib is BPA-free, PVC-free, and machine washable for easy cleaning. Its silicone pocket can catch most food and liquids, which is ideal for older or messier eaters. The bib is waterproof and large enough that it will cover up clothing and help in keeping it as clean as possible. 

This bib closes with a secure Velcro and is available in teal, green, navy, lavender, gray, or pink. After mealtime, just give this a quick scrub in the sink with soap and let dry. Then, when laundry day comes you just throw it in and you don't have to learn how to wash baby clothes again.

Key Specs:
Material:
Fabric and silicone | Machine Washable: Yes

Best Budget

Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Baby Bibs

Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Baby Bibs

Amazon

Pros
  • 3-layer construction for protection

  • Multiple color options available

  • Hook and loop closure 

Cons
  • Too small for some babies

  • No pocket to catch food

You're going to go through a lot of bibs, which equals a lot of laundry loads. To help make the piles of laundry you have less urgent, it's best to have a bunch of bibs you can use at a moment's notice without having to stress about throwing another load in the wash.

This 10-pack set from Green Sprouts gives you plenty of bibs to get you through your day at a budget price. The bibs are absorbent, with a terrycloth front, and waterproof backing so any liquids won't seep through to your baby's clothes. With an array of color choices, you're sure to find one that matches their outfit of the day (or dare we say the hour).

This bib comes in different sizes from 3 to 12 months old, but some reviewers say is somewhat small and is better suited for smaller infants who drool, spit-up, or starts solids food.

Key Specs:
Material:
Cotton | Machine Washable: Yes

Best Full Coverage

Bumkins Sleeved Bib

Bumkins Sleeved Bib

Amazon

Pros
  • Tie closure

  • Sleeves protect outfits

  • Machine washable

Cons
  • Stains from certain foods

  • Pocket could use improvement for catching food

If you've got a messy one on your hands, a long-sleeved bib is the way to go. These bibs cover the whole upper body with their waterproof fabric which is stain- and odor-resistant. This model has a pretty generous fit, so it will suit children from 6 to 24 months old. It ties at the back for a secure and comfortable fit and has a pocket at the bottom to catch food as spills happen.

Besides home usage, these bibs are great to leave in the car, and organize with all baby stuff inside the diaper bag for when you are dining out since they will save your kiddo's Sunday best from getting dirty. They're also a smart pick for crafting since they'll protect your little one from getting finger paint all over themselves, though we don't guarantee this will protect your walls.

Key Specs:
Material:
Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes

Best for Bottles

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Milk Feeding Bib

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Milk Feeding Bib

Amazon

Pros
  • Padded collar

  • Reversible design

  • Velcro fastening 

Cons
  • Soaks quickly

  • Velcro wears down over time

Any parent or caregiver who has bottle-fed knows that preparing baby formula or breastmilk has a way of accumulating in the neck folds, giving your baby a funky-smelling milk neck that can lead to irritation or even a yeast infection. To help prevent this from happening, a bib that is designed exclusively for bottle feeding is the best choice.

This favorite from Tommee Tippee is made out of a terry material that has extra absorbency around the neck to catch dribbles. It has a Velcro closure which makes putting it on and taking off a belt. Besides bottle feedings, this is also a smart option for teething babies since it absorbs well. While the plain bib is far from stylish, it is a basic color and will match any outfit your baby is wearing, so you won't need to worry about coordinating as you rush out the door.

Key Specs:
Material:
Cotton and polyester | Machine Washable: Yes

Best for Solids

Built 2-Piece Mess Mate Toddler Bib

Built 2-Piece Mess Mate Toddler Bib

Walmart

Pros
  • Stain resistant

  • Front access Velcro closure

  • Durable material

Cons
  • No pocket to catch food

When it comes time to feed your baby solids, you'll need a bib that is easy to clean and stain-resistant. Since you'll gradually start feeding your baby more and more as time goes on, you won't have the time to launder a bib for each meal of the day, and that's why a waterproof or easily washable bib is better.

This bib from Built is made out of neoprene, which is what scuba suits are made of, so it's waterproof. After your baby's first carrots, you can just rinse this off with soap and water in the kitchen sink and let dry, though you will want to launder after a few days' use to thoroughly clean it. These bibs are small, which is good for babies and toddlers since it will easily rest on them without getting bunched up. These close with Velcro and come in various colors and patterns.

Key Specs:
Material:
Neoprene | Machine Washable: Yes

Best for Drooling

Daulia 12- Pack Baby Bandana Drool Bibs

Daulia 12- Pack Baby Bandana Drool Bibs

Amazon

Pros
  • Stylish

  • Snap closure

  • Adjustable sizing 

Cons
  • Fabric soaks quickly

Ah, teething—it never seems to end. Starting around 4 to 7 months, your baby may start to act irritable and start gnawing on their hands. With this, you'll start to see a lot more drool and this is when a drool bib comes in handy. Drool bibs keep wet saliva from soaking your little one's clothing, which can cause irritation and a drool rash. can be downright uncomfortable. Bandana bibs are the best option for drooling because they are not only stylish, coming in an array of patterns, but they also absorb a lot of moisture with their fleece backing, which dries easily.

This 12-pack set is made of 100% organic cotton so you'll know only the best is sitting next to your baby's skin. The bibs have a snap on them, which prevents babies from ripping them off, and they can adjust in between sizes with the two different snap lengths.

Reviewers love the mixed patterns on these and have used them for newborns up to still drooling 2-year-olds. Some, comment these might be a little big for younger babies but they'll be handy well past their first birthday.

Key Specs:
Material:
Cotton and polyester | Machine Washable: Yes

Best for Travel

Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs

Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Baby Bibs

Amazon

Pros
  • All silicone material

  • Easy to clean

  • Deep pocket to catch food

Cons
  • Holes for buttons may rip over time

  • Material may catch on longer hair

Another great option for when you're feeding your baby solids is a silicone bib because you can just wipe or rinse them clean after they're done eating. This Amazon bestseller is made of 100% food-grade silicone and will help cut down on your laundry, thus saving water because you won't need to wash them like cloth bibs.

Available in four different colorways in sets of two, these brightly colored bibs will bring a smile to your face when you watch your baby chow down on food. They have a handy snap-like closure in the back which provides four different sizes and are suitable for children ages 6 months to 6 years.

What makes these even better is when you are out to dinner and need to prepare a daycare packing list for your baby you can just roll them up and stick them in your bag until you can give them a good rinse. The food and liquids will stay contained and won't make a mess. Plus, since they are silicone, you'll just need to bring one bib on your vacation and you can keep reusing it without needing to do laundry or waiting for it to dry.

Key Specs:
Material:
Silicone | Machine Washable: Yes

Final Verdict

For a silicone bib that’s easy to clean and catches food, we like the machine-washable Oxo Tot Roll Up Bib. For a more basic bib option, consider the Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Baby Bibs. The bibs are absorbent with a terry front and a waterproof backing so no liquids seep through your baby's clothes.

How We Selected the Best Baby Bibs

We chose the best baby bibs by researching reviews from customers and competitors and we studied the features of more than 20 products on the market. We considered price, design, features, ease of cleaning, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. Our editors and writers keep up-to-date on the latest trends from the baby industry and share everything we know about what families love year after year. 

What to Look for in Baby Bibs

Material

When you’re shopping for baby bibs, you’ll notice many of them come in a cloth-like fabric or silicone. It’s up to you which material you think would suit your little one best. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options, so whatever you choose, you really can’t go wrong. 

For example, cloth bibs can typically be thrown into the washing machine after use. So once you’re done with it, you don’t have to worry about wiping it off. With silicone bibs, they’re easy to clean as they can be washed with some soap and water in the sink once feeding is done. You’ll also want to consider material if your child has sensitive skin, as some silicone products may cause irritation. 

Size 

Many parents and caregivers don’t realize baby bibs come in different sizes, appropriate for kids of different ages. Toddler bibs, for example, are bigger than bibs designed for younger babies, and usually have a food-catcher feature.

If you have a newborn or small baby, you may prefer to buy newborn bibs. These are much smaller than your standard-sized bib. These are great to catch any milk or spit-up during feeding times. Overall, you really just want a bib that’s big enough to cover your baby, should there be (and there will be!) any messes. 

Features

While standard bibs are great for catching small amounts of liquid, a more modern bib will have additional features, like adjustable snaps or food catchers. For some families, these features are essential, while others do just fine with a basic bib. 

Food catchers are great to buy once children are starting to eat more solid food, as they catch anything that doesn’t make it into your little one’s mouth. Food doesn’t end up on the floor and your baby can still eat it so it doesn’t go to waste. 

Or, there are bibs that have adjustable snaps instead of Velcro. These allow babies to grow with the bibs so you can adjust them as they get older. They also act as an extra deterrent to keep your kiddo from trying to rip off their bib during mealtimes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of bibs are best?

    The best bib for your baby will depend on their age and activity, but there are certain qualities that any good bib should have. Look for a bib that has multiple layers and includes an absorbent material, like cotton or bamboo. You'll also want a bib that's adjustable so your baby can use it as they grow, and you may want one with pleats to absorb excess drool.

  • What type of bibs do newborns need?

    Newborns usually need a simple fabric bib to soak up drool, spit-up, and milk or formula dribbles. Since your baby likely won't be eating baby food until they're four to six months old, stick with basic bibs. Look for a soft, non-irritating material and an adjustable bib since newborns grow quickly.

  • Should a newborn wear a bib?

    Newborns may spit up frequently during feeding, so a bib helps protect those adorable new baby clothes! Bibs are useful from the minute you bring your baby home, but as they get older, you may want to switch from basic bibs to bibs that are larger and have food-catcher pockets.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer, a news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and loves using silicone bibs with deep pockets for her little one. They’re easy to clean and catch any food left behind.

3 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. St. Louis Children's Hospital. Newborn rashes.

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Teething: 4 to 7 months.

  3. Prasad A, Reeder MJ. Allergic contact dermatitis to silicone in a continuous positive airway pressure mask. Contact Derm. 2021;84(6):460-462. doi:10.1111/cod.13759