Any parent will know that you can never have too many baby muslin cloths, and it's understandable why you might want the best baby muslins for your little one. If you're not familiar with a muslin square yet, it's basically a small square cloth usually made from cotton, and it's an essential baby item you'll need plenty of.
The reason us mums can't get enough of them is because you can use them in so many different ways. From burping cloths to bibs, to a coverup when breastfeeding, for swaddling, a blanket, playing peek-a-boo, something to suck when teething, the list really can go on and on.
The best baby muslin cloths at a glance:
• Best baby muslin cloths overall: Aden + Anais cotton muslin squares 5-pack - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best colourful baby muslin cloths: Bright Bots Unisex Combo Muslin Squares - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best animal design baby muslin cloths: LEBCO Animal Friends Muslin Squares - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best supermarket baby muslin cloths: Blue and Cream Muslin Squares by Tu at Argos - Buy now on Argos
Since it's a given that your muslins will get covered in baby's sick, saliva and other fluids, muslins are often sold in multipacks as you'll probably get through a couple a day with a baby. We'd recommend having a few in your changing bag and some dotted around the house for those emergency moments.
What to look for in a muslin cloth
Look for lightweight breathable fabrics, you'll often see cotton or bamboo muslins for example. You want something that is soft on baby's skin but also absorbent and hard-wearing as it will likely go in the washing machine pretty often!
It's also worth considering the size of the muslin. They are such versatile products that you'll find hundreds of uses for them, you may decide you want a few smaller muslin squares to have for on the go, or if your little one takes a liking to them while teething. Larger muslins are perfect for swaddling, or using as a cover when breastfeeding if you'd like to. They really are a must-have parenting product, and it's definitely a good idea to buy multiple muslins!
How to use a muslin cloth safely
You'll use a muslin when you are breast or bottle-feeding to wipe milk away from baby's mouth and clean up any spit-up. Given how often a newborn feeds (sometimes it feels like constantly), you'll need a lot of muslins.
You can use one on your changing mat and as a cover-up, while breastfeeding in public if you want. You can use a baby muslin to pat bottoms dry after changing nappies, to play peek-a-boo, at bath time as a washcloth or even as a towel, and also as a teething toy: they're great for chewing or sucking on.
The best baby muslins for 2024
Best baby muslin cloths overall
You need aden + anais Cotton Muslin Squares in your life. Not only do they do the job of any normal muslin, but they're also super soft and really gorgeous too. This adorable design is far too cute, and there are loads of designs available, from bright colours to soft pastels and monochrome, too. There truly is something for every taste, and they come in a handy pack of three.
Mother&Baby Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert said: "They may be a little pricey, but I truly believe this brand is worth every penny! The muslins are a really decent size and so lovely and soft. They wash really well, too."
Pros
- They are super durable and made with premium fabric.
- The muslin squares wash well, maintaining their quality and softness.
- These muslin squares come in packs of 5.
Cons
- Some found the muslin squares thinner than expected.
- Whilst the quality justifies the cost, they are more expensive than others.
| Material: | Cotton |
| Size: | 60 x 60cm |
| Design: | Multiple prints |
Best colourful baby muslin cloths
These adorable Bright Bots Unisex Combo multi-colour muslin squares come in yellow, purple, turquoise, green, red and orange, adding a pop of colour to the usual sea of white and grey. They are made from 100 per cent cotton, measuring 70cm x 70cm.
Coming in a handy pack of six, there's plenty to choose from, so you can keep one in every room of the house, plus one in your changing bag, too. Thanks to the high quality, mums have commented these wash really well and don't fade in the wash, plus are a generous size.
Some reviewers noted that they're not as absorbent as others they've tried and can be harder to store due to their size.
Pros
- They come in vibrant colours.
- These muslin squares are made from 100% cotton.
- They are generously sized at 70x70cm, making them versatile for various tasks.
- These muslin squares come in packs of 6.
Cons
- Some reviewers wished they were more absorbent.
- Due to their large size, they can harder to store.
| Material: | Cotton |
| Size: | 70 x 70cm |
| Design: | Multi-colour |
Best animal design baby muslin cloths
These LEBCO Animal Friends muslin squares are made from 70 per cent bamboo and 30 per cent cotton, making them soft against baby's skin. A durable and sustainable option for regular machine washing, they're a great choice for our eco-conscious mums. We love the adorable animal print, ideal for all little ones, and they're available in three different designs depending on your taste.
In terms of drawbacks, reviewers noted that they are on the small side, and there's potential for shrinkage during washing.
Pros
- The cute prints add an adorable touch.
- They are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- These muslin squares come in packs of 4.
Cons
- Some reviewers wished the muslin squares were bigger.
- Due to the bamboo blend there is potential for shrinkage, once washed.
| Material: | Bamboo and cotton |
| Size: | 60 x 60cm |
| Design: | Three animal designs, white |
Best supermarket baby muslin cloths
www.argos.co.uk
Sometimes you really can't go wrong with a supermarket bargain. Add to your everyday essentials with this handy pack of five blue and cream muslin Ssquares by Tu at Argos, which are made from pure cotton, with some finished with a charming space print. They're perfect as a newborn baby gift or for a practical baby shower present that will definitely get plenty of use.
Parent reviewers love that they maintain their softness after washing, which is great for baby's delicate skin.
Pros
- These muslin squares come in packs of 5.
- They are made from 100% pure cotton.
- These muslin squares are good value for money.
Cons
- They could have a more unisex design.
| Material: | Cotton |
| Size: | 70 x 70cm |
| Design: | 3 x space print, 2 x plain blue |
Best bamboo baby muslin cloths
This BabyBamba bamboo muslin blanket is made from 100 per cent bamboo, so you're saving the planet a bit as well as using a super-soft muzzy. It's also large in size, so it's big enough for anything really. Available in different designs and styles, this breathable muslin thermoregulates against babies' skin, is breathable, it has antibacterial properties, and they are grown ethically without pesticides.
Our mum tester Clare said: "I have swaddled my baby for sleeping since birth, so was really pleased to receive these bamboo muslins. They are 100% bamboo and are extremely soft, almost feeling silky, lovely to be close to baby's skin. They are a decent size, so it is easy to fold them appropriately to be able to swaddle. They are too large to be useable as a muslin for posseting/baby winding, so I think they are really designed for swaddling."
Read our full Bamboo Muslin by BabyBamba review.
Pros
- It's material has thermoregulating and antibacterial properties.
- This muslin blanket has a soft and silky feel.
- The blanket has a generously large size, making it versatile for various uses.
Cons
- Some mums found these too large.
- The bamboo fabric may require special care instructions when washing.
| Material: | Bamboo |
| Size: | 120 x 120cm |
| Designs: | Elephant (Also available dinosaur, clouds, animals, giraffe, flamingo, and stars) |
Best organic cotton baby muslin cloths
Whether you use them as a burp cloth, a light summer blanket, or a cover for your changing mat, the possibilities are endless with these Bibs muslin cloths. We love this gorgeous sage green colour, but there are four other dreamy colours to choose from if green isn't for you. Danish-made, these are of very high quality with a real aesthetic design.
Shoppers said that they wash well, are high-quality, and are made to last, but they did note that they're a little on the thin side.
Pros
- They are made from 100 per cent organic cotton.
- The muslin cloths are high-quality and long lasting.
- These muslin cloths come in packs of 2.
- They are lightweight and breathable.
Cons
- Some reviewers expected them to be thicker.
- For the price, they have a limited pack size.
| Material: | Organic cotton |
| Size: | 70 x 70cm |
| Design: | Plain design in either sage, baby blue, blush, ivory, sand |
Best highly rated baby muslin cloths
You get six muslins included for the price in this pack from Comfy Cubs Muslin Cloths for Baby because no parent can ever have too many muslins. Made from 100 per cent breathable cotton, they're super gentle to use on baby's delicate skin and extra absorbent, too, as it's easy to see why they have over 33,000 reviews on Amazon.
Reviewers love how absorbent they are (despite their small size) and how they retain their softness even after washing. Available in 18 modern and stylish shades, plus a mixed pack.
Pros
- These muslin cloths come in packs of 6.
- They are made out of 100% breathable pure cotton.
- Comfy cubs offer a variety of different colours.
- The muslin cloths are extra absorbent.
Cons
- Not as large as some options.
| Material: | Cotton |
| Size: | 51 x 25cm |
| Design: | Choice of 13 colours |
Best baby muslin cloths for a more neutral colour palette
Designed with practicality in mind, these GLLQUEN BABY Muslin Squares for Baby are easy to wash, quick drying and can be tumble dried on low heat, which is just what busy parents need when we've got a million and one things to get washed and dried.
Babies will love how soft they will feel against their skin, and we can't get enough of the warm brown designs to give all the cosy feel. However, if brown isn't for you, they're available in three other colours.
Parent testers love how versatile they are due to their large size but did note that they are a thinner option.
Pros
- They are easily washed and are quick drying, but can also be used within the tumble dryer, if needed.
- GLLQUEN BABY offer gender-neutral designs.
- These muslin squares come in packs of 6.
Cons
- Some parents may prefer a more colourful design, than set colour themes.
- These muslin squares are a thinner material than expected.
| Material: | Bamboo, cotton |
| Size: | 70 x 70cm |
| Design: | Neutral rainbow (available in star, animal and flower prints too) |
Best baby muslin cloths multipack
Your little one is sure to get through a lot of muslins throughout the day, so you'll be pleased there are 10 in this ABirdon Cotton Muslin Squares Baby 10 Pack, so you won't run out in a hurry. They've got a six-layer design to ensure they're super absorbent, and they're available in three adorable pastel shades.
Mums loved the smaller size of these, making them ideal for wiping little mouths and for morning washes, but we'd love to see a wider colour variety on offer.
Pros
- Their six-layer design makes them super absorbent.
- They are easy to wash and dry whilst maintaining their quality.
- These muslin squares come in packs of 10.
- The smaller size of these muslin squares makes them ideal for wiping little mouths.
Cons
- Some parents may prefer a bigger size and slightly thinner material.
- There is not a wide range of colours available.
| Material: | Cotton |
| Size: | 30 x 30cm |
| Design: | Assorted cartoon prints (available in plain blue, green, pink and yellow too) |
Best baby muslins for gifting
mamashack.co.uk
Lightweight, breathable and absorbent, this set of three muslins from Mama Shack comes in sage spotty, woodland and woodland leaf prints. They would make a lovely present and come wrapped up in ribbon, ready for gifting. Use to comfort, mop up spills or even as a washcloth or bib.
Mother&Baby Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert said: "Just like their gorgeous changing mats, the Mama Shack designs are gorgeous and I love how many different uses they have!"
Pros
- These are made from 100% cotton, ideal for sensitive skin.
- The muslin squares are designed to be lightweight and breathable.
- These muslin squares are perfect for gifting with their ribbon packaging.
Cons
- A bigger set of muslin squares would be preferred when considering the price.
| Material: | 100% Organic Cotton |
| Size: | 60cm x 60cm |
| Design: | Multiple options |
Best baby muslin cloths for versatility
These Bloomsbury Mill 100% Organic Cotton muslin squares come beautifully presented and tied together in a pretty satin bow. Whether at home or out and about, these squares have a multitude of uses, from burping and mopping up milk to using as a comforter. We particularly love to use these muslins as a swaddle blanket, as they're plenty big enough for growing babies.
Loved for their large size, reviewers mentioned that they're ideal for covering up while breastfeeding and that they don't shrink during washing. They are a thinner option, though, so they may not be as absorbent as some options.
Pros
- They are made using 100% organic cotton, so perfect for delicate skin.
- These muslin squares come in packs of 6.
- They offer a generous size big enough for growing babies.
Cons
- Some reviewers found that they didn't maintain their quality after being washed.
- Limited designs are available.
| Material: | Organic cotton |
| Size: | 70 x 70cm |
| Design: | Grey and white star, chevron and polka dot prints (available in pink and blue too) |
Best multipurpose baby muslin cloths
This Cheeky Chompers 6 in 1 MultiMuslin is more than just a muslin. It's a large triangle, as opposed to the usual square muslin, and features detachable teethers for little ones to literally get their teeth into. You can use this as a swaddle, dribble cloth, pram cover (not during hot weather), breastfeeding cover... and it's cute, too.
Our mum testers love this product's versatility, using it for everything from feeding to a pram cover, to a sun shade. They also said it would make a great gift for an expectant friend. The attached teething rings also mean that it's one less thing for parents to have to remember.
If they had to change the product, they said they'd prefer a square shape as opposed to the current triangle one, and that the attachments could be sturdier, as they occasionally came off in their changing bags.
Read our full Cheeky Chompers 6 in 1 MultiMuslin review
Pros
- It has six different uses, some being, pram and breastfeeding cover and dribble cloth.
- The MultiMuslin comes with attachable/detachable teething rings.
- It is a triangle shape providing more coverage.
Cons
- Shape is a little odd for certain uses.
- Attachments could be sturdier.
| Material: | Cotton |
| Size: | 23.6 x 23cm |
| Design: | Pear Drop, Loveable Lion, Zebra Dreams, and Rosy Days |
Are muslin cloths safe?
Muslins are also great to use to wrap or swaddle your baby, to replace a comforting toy, and when burping your baby. Just keep in mind the safety surrounding swaddling and leaving muslins in your baby's cot while they're sleeping. According to the Lullaby Trust, there are some important safety factors to keep in mind.
"If you decide to adopt swaddling, this should be done for each day and night time sleep as part of a regular routine; use thin materials, do not swaddle above the shoulders, never put a swaddled baby to sleep on their front, do not swaddle too tight, check the baby's temperature to ensure they do not get too hot."
In order to avoid the risk of SIDS, it's a good idea not to keep any unnecessary items in your baby's cot. 'We recommend babies sleep in cots or Moses baskets that are kept as clear as possible. We specifically advise no pillows or duvets, no cot bumpers, no soft toys, no loose bedding, and no products (such as wedges or straps) that will keep your baby in one sleeping position.' Says the Lullaby Trust.
The NHS doesn't recommend using any spare piece of fabric on your unattended baby. This is to avoid suffocation, however, under supervision, a baby muslin is a must-have baby essential.
How many muslins do you need for a baby?
The amount of times you find yourself grabbing a muslin cloth can vary depending on your baby. If they suffer from reflux or are regularly sick, then you'll probably find yourself needing more. To put a figure on it, you might want to start with around 5-10 muslins and purchase more if you find you're always running out when they're in the washing.
As you can see from the products we've featured, the majority of muslin squares come in multipacks, so you may just want to add two packs of baby muslins to your baby shopping list.
Do I need to wash baby muslins before use?
Although many modern muslins are made using natural and organic fibres where they've not come into contact with chemicals or pesticides, some cloths have come into contact with nasties during the production process. Either way, we'd recommend giving your muslin squares a was before your baby arrives and drying them outdoors if possible. This will mean that any harmful chemicals that may have come into contact with the muslin is washed out before coming into contact with baby.
How to wash baby muslins
If you're currently prepping for the arrival of your little one and popping all their baby grows and clothes into the wash, ready to be worn, you might want to toss the muslin squares in, too, for a wash before using them.
Muslin squares can be washed in the washing machine with the rest of your baby's clothes. Just be sure to fasten up any buttons and zips to avoid them catching on the cloth, and don't wash with Velcro items. Wash them below 40 to avoid shrinking and tumble dry on a low setting. In terms of detergent, it's up to you, but it's a good idea to go for a gentle baby washing powder that will be gentle and kind to your baby's delicate skin.
Other muslin cloth uses
Not only are muslin squares brilliant when it comes to burping, nursing, using as a baby swaddle blanket, sun shading... the list goes on, but they can also come in handy for loads of other things.
Looking for a new facial exfoliator? A damp muslin cloth will work the same, especially when exfoliating dry skin from your lips.
If you love to make homemade jams and marmalades, you can use a muslin square to strain the mixture. Removing any lumps or seeds to leave you with a tasty, smooth spread.
There's nothing worse than getting little lemon pips in your food when cooking, so a good solution is to wrap your lemon wedge in a muslin cloth before squeezing the juice out - you'll still get the lovely lemon flavour, minus the pips.
For an alternative gift wrap, you could use a muslin cloth to gift wrap some presents. Add a colourful ribbon or bow for a chic-looking gift.
Got a blocked nose? Dab some airway-clearing oils to a muslin cloth and sleep with it under your pillow at night.
You can never have too many dusters. Add your old and unwanted muslin cloths to the under-the-sink cupboard collection.
Emily Gilbert has been a journalist since 2015 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online, including four years on Mother&Baby magazine where she was Senior Writer and wrote news, product pages, features and interviewed celebrities such as Paloma Faith and Fearne Cotton.