Along with bottles, bodysuits, and blankets, bibs are another one of those big B’s that every parent needs. Buying and using these mealtime essentials may seem simple, but the baby bib game has really evolved over the years. If you’ve noticed a variety of different products and styles at the infant supply store or online, you may be wondering why there are so many types. We’ll help you uncover the mystery behind their features and care tips so you’ll feel like a bib master in no time.
What kind of bibs are available today?
Breastfeeding Bib
These are put on babies who are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to catch all the spilling milk from reaching their sleeves. They help in keeping their clothes free from stains and that awful smell that comes from spilled milk on clothes.
Drool or Teething Bib
Most babies drool and the saliva soon drains their clothes making them wet. And when they start to teeth it gets worse. A drool bib which should be highly absorbent will help keep dry.
Bandana Bib
Bandana bibs are beautiful, functional, and stylish bibs that are triangles in shape worn to catch baby drool or as a style item. They are perfect to catch baby teething drools to keep them baby dry and prevent drool rash. The biggest bonus is that they snap which means the baby cannot pull them off.
Feeding Bib
These are bibs you will use when you introduce solid foods. Most of them are made from food-grade silicone material which is easy to clean by wiping and features a pocket to catch all the food particles and spills.
Long-sleeved Bibs (Smock Bibs)
These are great for baby-led weaning and toddlers. They cover their sleeves and feature pockets to catch all soup spills. They will keep their clothes free of stains and save you on a whole lot of laundry detergent.
Disposable Bibs
Disposable bibs are great for traveling as you only need to use them and then throw them away.
Best Bibs by Age Group
While some quality baby bibs can be used for months and even years at a time, others are most appropriate for certain situations. Children from 0-6 months will benefit most from regular and drool bibs since they’re usually not eating baby food until they reach around six months of age.
Once they hit the 4- to 6-month mark, you will want to start looking for feeding bibs. These can be used as long as you want. Combine these with droolers, so your child’s clothes are protected no matter what activity they’re doing. Smock bibs aren’t practical for newborns, but you may find a purpose for them as they grow older and begin eating fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
Bibs are essential baby items and newborns start using bibs when they are about 1-2 weeks old. It can be earlier especially for bottle feeding babies. For breastfeeding babies, bibs come in handy to keep them dry when they spit-up.
Nonetheless, you must exercise caution when using bibs for newborns because they pose a suffocation risk. So your baby should never sleep in a bib and you should be keeping an eye on them when they have one on to avoid it covering their faces.
Don’t forget to follow A Matter Of Style on Instagram for more great gift ideas for kids and babies and take a look at our new selection of baby bibs for your newborns that can make your life easier as a parent.
