Muslin cloths belong in every baby's layette. You use them as a burp cloth, changing mat cover, sunshade, nursing cover or soft blanket, and they get even softer with every wash. At Tiny Giggles you will find muslin cloths and swaddles from Pippi, nuuroo, Babyono, Meyco, Lässig, Jollein and BimbiDreams, in cotton, organic cotton and bamboo. From handy 70 x 70 cm cloths to large 120 x 120 cm swaddles. Below you can read which size and material suit you.
What are muslin cloths?
Muslin is a loosely woven cotton fabric that absorbs moisture quickly and breathes well. In Dutch they are called "hydrofiele doeken", literally "water-loving cloths". That makes them ideal for babies: they catch spit-up and drool, dry quickly and feel lovely on the skin. Smaller ones are often called burp cloths, and large ones swaddles.
Which size do you choose?
- 70 x 70 cm: the classic size. Handy as a burp cloth over your shoulder, as a changing mat cover or as a bib. The Pippi muslin cloths (packs of 6 or 8), the Meyco cloths (packs of 3), the Jollein cloths (pack of 4) and the Babyono bamboo squares (packs of 3) come in this size.
- 85 x 85 cm: the Lässig Swaddle & Burp Blankets (pack of 3), big enough to wrap a small baby and still handy as a burp cloth.
- 120 x 120 cm: large swaddles from nuuroo (organic cotton) and BimbiDreams (bamboo). For wrapping, as a light blanket in the pram, as a nursing cover or as a play mat.
By brand
- Pippi: 70 x 70 cm muslin cloths in value packs of 6 or 8, in colour combinations such as Provincial Blue, Stone Grey, Sunshine and Baroque Rose.
- nuuroo: large Barri swaddles of 120 x 120 cm in organic cotton, with prints such as Train, Space, Circus, Flower Bee and Autumn Leaf.
- Babyono: bamboo muslin squares of 70 x 70 cm in packs of 3, in grey, lilac, mint or pink.
- Lässig: Swaddle & Burp Blankets of 85 x 85 cm in packs of 3, with dragonflies or tractors.
- Meyco and Jollein: calm 70 x 70 cm cloths in soft colours.
- BimbiDreams: a bamboo swaddle of 120 x 120 cm with a zebra print.
Swaddling with a muslin
Some newborns settle more easily when they are snugly wrapped, because it resembles the feeling in the womb. Use a large swaddle of at least 85 x 85 cm. Lay the cloth out as a diamond, fold the top corner in, place your baby on it and wrap first one side and then the other around the body, leaving room for the hips. Unsure? Ask your midwife or health visitor for advice.
Cotton, organic cotton or bamboo?
Cotton is sturdy, affordable and can be washed at 60 °C, so it is very hygienic. Organic cotton, as in the nuuroo swaddles, is grown without chemical pesticides and is washed at 30 °C. Bamboo, as with Babyono and BimbiDreams, is extra soft and silky, feels cool and is lovely for sensitive skin. Bamboo cloths often blend bamboo with cotton for extra strength.
Ten ways to use them
- burp cloth over your shoulder
- changing mat cover or lap protector
- bib during a bottle feed
- sunshade over the pram (always leave enough airflow)
- nursing cover for some privacy
- light blanket in the pram or playpen
- swaddle for a newborn
- towel after the bath
- play mat on the grass
- comforter in the changing bag
How many do you need?
Count on 6 to 10 cloths of 70 x 70 cm and 2 or 3 large swaddles. That way you always have a few clean ones, even when a wash is running. Babies who spit up a lot get through their supply faster, so a few extra cloths are never a luxury.
Colours and prints
You will find muslin cloths in calm shades such as white, grey and stone green, but also with cheerful prints of trains, bees, spaceships, zebras or dragonflies. Looking for a particular colour? Browse the white muslin cloths or the pink muslin cloths.
Washing and care
Wash new cloths before first use: muslin sometimes shrinks a little and only becomes really soft and absorbent after a few washes. Use a mild detergent and leave out fabric softener, as it makes the cloths less absorbent. Cotton cloths can usually go at 60 °C; wash organic swaddles at 30 °C. Always check the label.
Using them safely
- Swaddling: do not wrap too tightly around the hips so the legs can move freely, and stop as soon as your baby tries to roll over.
- Sunshade: never cover the pram completely with a cloth. That way air keeps circulating and it does not get too warm inside.
- Sleeping: in the first year, do not put a loose cloth or blanket in the cot; choose a sleeping bag. More under baby sleeping bags.
More for baby care
Combine muslin cloths with face cloths, wash mitts and a hooded towel. Everything for daily care is under baby care. A few cloths always belong in the changing bag; more tips under out with baby.
Brands
Also discover the complete collections of Pippi, nuuroo, Babyono, Meyco, Jollein and BimbiDreams.
Ordering from Tiny Giggles
Order before 1pm and we ship your parcel the same working day. Shipping is free within the Netherlands from €49, and to Belgium and Germany from €69. We ship to all countries in the European Union.
A practical baby gift
A set of beautiful muslin cloths or a large swaddle with a cheerful print is a baby gift that parents use every day. We are happy to gift-wrap your present.
Frequently asked questions about muslin cloths
What is the difference between a muslin cloth and a swaddle?
Mainly the size. A muslin cloth is usually 70 x 70 cm, a swaddle 85 x 85 to 120 x 120 cm, big enough to wrap a baby in.
At what temperature do I wash muslin cloths?
Cotton cloths usually at 60 °C, organic nuuroo swaddles at 30 °C.
Are bamboo cloths better than cotton?
Bamboo is extra soft and feels cool; cotton is sturdier and can be washed hotter. Both are breathable and absorbent.
How many muslin cloths do I need?
About 6 to 10 cloths of 70 x 70 cm and 2 or 3 large swaddles.
Discover all muslin cloths and swaddles at Tiny Giggles below. Order before 1pm, shipped the same working day. Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to help.
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