I’m sure you’re here looking for the best, most absorbent burp cloths and what fabric to use in your burp cloths , and I am super excited that I can share that with you.
If you’ve ever been holding a baby and experienced:
- projectile vomit that comes from nowhere
- regular spitting in large volumes that a regular burp cloth just can’t handle
- the dreaded shoulder spit because your burp cloth doesn’t cover you or won’t stay where its supposed to
- the slime effect--you know, when a burp cloth just smears the mess instead of cleaning it up
Then these burp cloths are for you. I’ve even made a free downloadable pattern for you below.
I’ve used a lot of burp cloths in my day…with four babies with reflux, I’ve gone through a ton of different types and designs. So I feel pretty qualified to tell you these are the best since my kids all needed serious help until they were 6-9 months old.
Most Absorbent Fabric For Burp Cloths
Projectile spit was a big part of my life for years, and I tested the limits of ALL the burp cloths I could get my hands on. These won hands down. They didn’t smear spit up on me or the baby, they absorb a LOT, they stay on your shoulder, and they look cute to boot.
And what is the secret to this amazing burp cloth? The kidney bean shape and the best fabric backing available.
So what is the best fabric for burp cloths?
Cotton chenille is the best fabric for absorbent burp cloths I’ve found, and combined with a terry cloth layer for absorbency is far superior to any other combination. The cotton chenille takes care of the moisture without leaving the “solids” on the surface so you get absorbency AND you aren’t left with slime that will get all over you and baby.
Here are my complaints about other burp cloths (i.e. the results of my extensive research).
Inferior Burp Cloth Fabric Choices:
- Flannel: Flannel does a pretty good job of absorbing, but is not so great at keeping the mess from smearing all over the place. Gross.
- Terry Cloth: Great for absorbing liquids and pretty good at keeping smearing to a minimum. Overall, this is my second-choice material if I don’t have cotton chenille. But it’s kinda scratchy, which isn’t great for soft baby skin.
- Cuddle Fabrics/Minky: Slime factor is pretty bad with these. They’re soft on baby’s face, but I don’t use it because I’ve been slimed too many times.
- Cloth Diapers: The middle section is pretty good at keeping everything contained, but the outer sections can’t keep up.
The Other Shapes:
- Hourglass: While the cutouts are great for putting on your shoulder, there’s one REALLY big problem–the cutout on the opposite side is exposing your shoulder to a spit shower.
- Rectangle: This gets rid of the spit shower problem, but slides off your shoulder.
So let’s get down to it and make the best (and cutest) most absorbent burp cloths ever.
Updated May 2019 to include more sources and free absorbent burp cloths pattern.
Most Absorbent Burp Cloth Supplies
- Download the Burp Cloth Pattern (print and tape at the center lines)
- Quilting Cotton (I can typically get 3 burp cloths from one fat quarter unless they’re cut small)
- Cotton chenille backing (there are several colors to choose from–I used the blue for these, but white is my favorite overall with Natural a close second)
- Sewing machine and thread
Instructions
- Place your quilting cotton and cotton chenille right sides together (RST) and place your template on top. We’re going to cut them out together so they’re ready for sewing, which saves you cutting time and matching time later on. Note: If you want even more absorbency, add a layer of terry cloth to the cut list too.
- With RST, sew around the edge of the burp cloth leaving a 2″ gap. I usually use a 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Clip curves, and turn your burp cloth right side out.
- Press your edges, and pin the opening closed.
- Topstitch around the entire burp cloth enclosing the gap you pinned.
These are my favorite baby gift, and I tend to make them in batches so I’m ready for baby showers or packages. I tie up a bundle of 3 or 4 and slide a tag or note in and they’re ready to give!
They’re soft on baby’s face, easy to use, and hands down the best.
So if you haven’t already, click here to Download the Burp Cloth Pattern.
I'd love to hear your thoughts–leave me a comment!