While bathtime can quickly go from an adorable photo-worthy moment to a soapy, slippery mess, some sort of towel is always needed to dry your little one off post-bath. According to pediatrician Meghan Schlitt, MD, FAAP, caregivers should “look for a towel that is soft, absorbent, and affordable. The towel should not have any loose threads that can get wrapped around a baby’s finger or toes.” Shop for towels that are well-sized for your baby. Towels for newborns can be a bit smaller, about 30 x 30 inches. You want to make sure there’s room to grow, but it’s best to avoid huge towels for little babies. Hooded towels are not only cute, but they keep little heads warm after the bath. Some sets come with other accessories like hand pockets, washcloths, and other features which can all be useful. Our list of the best baby towels will help you find the perfect pick for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. These towels are well-sized for newborns and infants. They’re made with a cotton polyester blend, so they’re on the thinner side and isn’t super plush. That may be a benefit for those in warmer climates, but others may prefer a thicker towel option. Price at time of publication: $10 The set comes with a coordinating washcloth and ships in attractive packaging for easy gift-giving. For family matching or older kiddos, there’s also a toddler-sized towel set that fits kids up to age 6, so your crew can all be super cute together. Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $29 Price at time of publication: $27 Price at time of publication: $56 Price at time of publication: $23 Since it’s secured on the body, once bathtime ends, pick up the slippery baby with two hands and cradle them right onto your chest. The tabs easily unlatch, and then it’s easy to place the hood on the baby’s head and continue to wrap them up. Price at time of publication: $35 As an added bonus, the cover-up provides good sun protection and can be used just to warm up if the beach day turns cloudy. This choice is great for older kids (there are no baby sizes). Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $35 Since they don’t need to be bathed too frequently, we like this muslin bath towel for newborns because it can be used way beyond bath time. Use it for a cozy swaddle, baby blanket, impromptu changing mat, car seat cover, and of course, a bath towel. This handy towel features six layers of soft muslin and is available in a few classic colors. Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $26 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $20
What to Look for in a Baby Towel
Keep these features in mind when shopping for a new baby towel.
Material
Look for fabric that is soft, durable, absorbent, fast-drying, and easy to clean. For warmer climates, a thinner material may be best; those in colder climates may prefer more plush towels. Bamboo fabric and cotton, in particular, are recommended for babies with sensitive skin or who are prone to eczema.
Design
Pick a design that fits your needs and lifestyle. Younger babies will likely benefit from a smaller towel with a hood that can get them dry quickly. Older, more active toddlers may appreciate a poncho-style towel—like the HIPHOP Panda Panda Bamboo Hooded Baby Towel—that allows them to dry off and will stay on as they scamper away from bath time. While not a must-have, Dr. Schlitt says, “Some caregivers do prefer towels marketed to babies that are smaller and come with a hood that can be comfortably wrapped around the head when taking baby out of the bath.”
Ease of cleaning
All the towels on our list are machine washable. With a new baby, you’ll already be doing tons of laundry, so there’s no reason to add more work to your list with delicate towels. Wash the towels in the same detergent you use for your baby’s clothes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby’s stuff can be washed with regular detergent as long as it doesn’t “strip away the flame-retardant properties of sleepwear.” There’s no need to invest in milder detergent unless your baby develops signs of skin irritation.
Why Trust Very Well Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, 9-year-old son, and 5-year old daughter. When her kiddos were little, she loved hooded towels to keep them cozy post-bath. As they got older, she found poncho-style towels were easy and fun for her kids to wear.
