Muslin cloths are soft, thin cotton cloths that absorb moisture well. You use them as a burp cloth, a changing mat liner, a little towel after bath time, a bib and much more. Expect four to six at home and one or two in your diaper bag. Wash them before first use and skip the fabric softener, and they will keep absorbing well.
In short
- Hydrophilic means "water-attracting": the cloths quickly absorb spit-up, milk and water.
- They used to be cotton diapers, which is why they are also called muslin nappies.
- They are handy from day one well into the toddler years.
- Do not use them to cover the stroller, and do not leave them loose in the cot.
What exactly are muslin cloths?
A muslin cloth is a square cloth made of thin, loosely woven cotton. Thanks to that open weave it absorbs moisture quickly and also dries quickly. In the past, parents folded them into a diaper, hence the name muslin nappies. Hardly anyone uses them that way anymore, but they are still a fixture in every baby essentials list.
You probably recognise it: right after a feed your baby spits up a good gulp of milk, right onto your clean sweater. With a muslin cloth over your shoulder, that wouldn't have been a problem. It really is that simple. That is why they lie around in so many homes: on the sofa, next to the changing table and in the diaper bag.
10 clever ways to use muslin cloths
- Burp cloth over your shoulder. The classic. Put it over your shoulder when burping your baby, so milk lands on the cloth and not on your clothes.
- Liner when changing. Put a cloth on the changing pad or changing mat. If something goes wrong, you only wash the cloth.
- Soft little towel after bath time. A thin cloth is lovely for the face and skin folds of a newborn baby.
- Bib during feeding. Under the chin with the bottle or breast, and later with first solids.
- Drool cloth when teething starts. A teething baby drools a lot. A cloth within reach keeps chin and clothes dry.
- Clean surface on the go. In the park, on a picnic blanket, on someone's sofa or on a changing table you'd rather not touch.
- Extra privacy when breastfeeding. A cloth over your shoulder gives a bit of cover. It can blow away or be pulled off by your baby, though. If you want more peace, read about the difference between a nursing cover, nursing scarf or muslin cloth.
- Clean spot for tummy time. Put a cloth on the play mat or the floor for a moment on the tummy, always while you are there.
- Catching spills. A knocked-over cup, a leaking bottle or sticky hands after a rice cake. The cloth soaks it up straight away.
- Wrapping a baby gift. Wrap a small gift in a pretty muslin cloth and tie it shut. The wrapping is a second gift right away.
And after the baby years? They work perfectly as a soft cleaning cloth, as a sun cloth over the shoulders at the beach or as a blanket for the cuddly toy.
What should you better not use muslin cloths for?
A few things you often see, but are better left alone:
- Do not hang them over the stroller or car seat. Even a thin cloth blocks airflow. That can make it too warm underneath quickly. Use a parasol or sun canopy instead and look for shade.
- Do not leave them loose in the cot while your baby sleeps. For safe sleep, your baby lies on their back, in their own cot or crib, without loose cloths, pillows or cuddly toys.
- Do not tie them around your baby. A cloth is not a baby carrier or a swaddle.
How many muslin cloths do you need?
That depends on your baby. If your little one spits up a lot, they get used up faster. This guideline will help you get started.
| Place | Number | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| At home, in rotation | 4 to 6 | Put one by the sofa, one by the changing table and one by the bed where you feed |
| In the diaper bag | 1 to 2 | One as a burp cloth, one as a clean surface |
| In the wash or on the drying rack | 2 to 4 | That way you always have a clean one in reserve |
| With a baby who spits up a lot | A few extra | Better one too many than too few |
You can read what else belongs in your bag in what to pack in a diaper bag.
How do you wash muslin cloths?
- Wash them before first use. Cotton absorbs moisture better after a few washes.
- Check the care label for the right temperature and whether they can go in the dryer.
- Do not use fabric softener. It leaves a coating on the fibres, so the cloth absorbs less well.
- Rinse milk stains out with cold water first. Warm water can actually set milk stains.
- Choose a mild detergent without a strong scent, kind to your baby's sensitive skin.
The MIMMTI 3-pack of muslin cloths in marble
Muslin cloths are everywhere: on your shoulder, on the sofa, in your bag. So why shouldn't they be beautiful? The MIMMTI 3-pack of muslin cloths consists of two cloths with a calm marble print and one plain white one, with no loud prints.
- 100% organic cotton
- 70 x 70 cm, big enough as a liner and small enough for your bag
- Soft and breathable, kind to sensitive skin
- Highly absorbent, as a burp cloth, drying cloth and changing cloth
They are also included in the MIMMTI 2.0 diaper bag bundle and the 1.0 bundle. Handy if you are looking for a diaper bag anyway, or as a maternity gift.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between muslin cloths and muslin nappies?
There is no difference, they are the same cotton cloths. In the past they were used as a diaper, now mostly as a burp cloth, liner and little towel.
How many muslin cloths do you need for a baby?
A good start is four to six at home and one or two in the diaper bag. If your baby spits up a lot, take a few extra.
Do you need to wash muslin cloths before first use?
Yes. After a few washes they absorb moisture better. Do not use fabric softener.
Can you hang a muslin cloth over the stroller?
Better not. It can get too warm quickly under a cloth. Use a sun canopy or parasol and look for shade.
How big are the MIMMTI muslin cloths?
They are 70 x 70 cm and made of 100% organic cotton. The 3-pack contains two cloths with a marble print and one white one.
Looking for cloths that are as beautiful as they are practical? Take a look at the MIMMTI muslin cloths.
