Baby muslin cloths: A buying guide to materials, sizes and sets

Baby muslin cloths are part of the essentials for many families. They can be used as burp cloths, changing mats, lightweight blankets or nursing covers, and are usually easy to wash. However, because they are so versatile, it’s easy to choose them based only on colour and price.

This can lead to three common buying pitfalls:

• Unclear material information: “Muslin” describes the weave, not necessarily the fibre. For direct contact with your baby’s skin, the product description should clearly state whether the cloth is, for example, made from 100% cotton.
• The wrong size: Small cloths are handy and dry quickly, but have limited use as nursing covers or lightweight changing mats. Larger sizes may take up more room when you’re out and about.
• Overstated claims about what they can do: A muslin cloth is versatile, but it won’t replace every specialist product. There are also safety rules to follow when using one for swaddling or as a blanket, particularly to keep airways clear and avoid leaving your baby unattended.

What to look for when choosing baby muslin cloths

1. Check the material and finish

For many parents, muslin cloths made from 100% cotton are a straightforward choice. Cotton is clearly identified in product specifications and is listed as the material in the sets featured here. The actual softness and absorbency may vary depending on the weave, fabric thickness and number of washes.

Before buying, check for:

• full material details rather than vague terms such as “cotton feel”
• neatly finished edges and as few loose threads as possible
• clear care instructions, including the recommended wash temperature
• guidance on tumble drying, bleaching and ironing
• details of any certified harmful-substance testing, such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, if this is explicitly stated for the product

It’s a good idea to wash the cloths before first use to remove any residue from manufacturing and packaging. Some fabrics also become more absorbent after the first wash.

2. Choose the right size for how you’ll use them

The popular sizes of 70 x 70 cm muslin cloths and 80 x 80 cm muslin cloths are suited to different uses:

• 70 x 70 cm: suitable as a burp cloth, bib, small changing mat, washcloth or comforter
• 80 x 80 cm: gives you more coverage over your shoulder, works as a lightweight mat or can be used as a baby blanket for swaddling, following the relevant safety guidance

A bigger cloth isn’t automatically more practical. Compact sizes can be easier to pack in a changing bag and wash more often. If you want one cloth to work as a nursing cover, mat and lightweight blanket, though, look for a larger size.

3. Be realistic about set size and laundry

Newborns often need several cloths throughout the day. A baby muslin cloth set with three pieces is a good starter option or handy for days out. Five cloths give you more spares when you’re feeding, changing and dealing with spit-up at the same time.

As well as the number of cloths, check:

• wash temperature
• drying time
• whether they can go in the tumble dryer
• weight and packed size
• patterns and colours, which can affect how visible stains are

Muslin nappies and cloth nappies are sometimes used to mean the same thing, but they aren’t always made in the same way. A thin muslin cloth isn’t necessarily designed to work as a complete cloth nappy with a suitable absorbent and fastening system. A nursing cover shouldn’t be confused with a safe sleep environment either.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

LaLoona Muslin Cloths 3-Pack - Yellow

Why this product suits this profile: This set of three 70 x 70 cm cloths is a good choice if you’re looking for a manageable starter set for spit-up, changing and days out.

How this product avoids common pitfalls

The material, size, care instructions and pack contents are clearly stated. The product description specifies 100% cotton and machine washing at 40 °C.

Key benefits & strengths

Three 70 x 70 cm cloths; according to the product details, they’re machine washable, suitable for tumble drying on a low heat and tested for harmful substances to OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Ideal for: Buyers looking for high quality

Hauck Muslin Cloths/Burp Cloths/Swaddle Blankets Cuddle N Clean - Set of 3 80x80cm

Why this product suits this profile: The 80 x 80 cm size gives you more coverage for feeding on the go, as a lightweight mat or for swaddling in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.

How this product avoids common pitfalls

The product details specify 100% cotton muslin, a set of three cloths and washing at up to 60 °C. This makes it easy to check some of the key buying criteria.

Key benefits & strengths

80 x 80 cm, a set of three, 100% cotton and suitable for tumble drying on a low to medium heat, according to the product information.

Ideal for: Specific uses & frequent use

LaLoona Muslin Cloths 5-Pack - Mint Yellow

Why this product suits this profile: Five cloths are handy if you need them in several places at once, such as the changing bag, kitchen, pushchair and feeding area.

How this product avoids common pitfalls

The pack size, 70 x 70 cm dimensions and 40 °C wash instructions are clearly stated. This makes laundry easier to plan and reduces the need to buy more because you’ve run out.

Key benefits & strengths

A set of five made from 100% cotton; the product description says they’re absorbent, breathable, machine washable and suitable for tumble drying on a low heat.

Everyday safety and care

Before first use, wash muslin cloths according to the care label. Check the seams after several washes and stop using any cloths with loose threads or obvious damage. When using one as a baby blanket for swaddling, make sure it isn’t wrapped too tightly, doesn’t cover your baby’s face and isn’t left unattended in the cot. Loose blankets shouldn’t be placed in a baby’s sleep space.

As a changing mat, a muslin cloth only protects your baby from direct contact with the surface beneath; it doesn’t replace a safe, supervised changing environment. When using one as a nursing cover, drape it so that air can circulate freely.

FAQs about baby muslin cloths

How many muslin cloths do you need for a newborn?

Three to five cloths may be enough to get you started. A set of five is more practical if your baby spits up often, you have several changing areas or you don’t wash frequently. Wash and drying times also matter, as does whether you plan to use the cloths for spit-up, as a mat or as a nursing cover.

Can muslin cloths be washed at 40 or 60 °C?

It depends on the product. According to the product details, the LaLoona cloths can be washed at 40 °C. The Hauck sets featured here can be washed at up to 60 °C, according to their care instructions. Always follow the care label sewn into the product.

How long can you use muslin cloths for?

There’s no set lifespan. With regular care, cotton cloths can be used for a long time as long as the fabric, seams and edges remain in good condition. Don’t use them for babies if they have holes, are badly worn or have loose threads.