Any Mom will tell you that when you’re caring for a newborn, sometimes things can get a little messy. This is especially true when it comes to feedings. In the first few months of baby’s life, your little one will need assistance getting rid of excess gas in their body. This is why babies need to be burped. Burping often leads to spitting up which, in turn, can lead to little messes unless, of course, you have a burp cloth on hand. Since feedings happen often with a newborn, you might be wondering how many burp cloths do I need and what should I look for in a burp cloth? We’ll be answering all of these questions and more so read on for everything you need to know.
Burp Cloth - Pebble Grey
Table of Contents
- Why do I need to burp my baby?
- What is a burp cloth?
- How many burp cloths do I need?
- How often should I wash my burp cloths?
- How can I make my burp cloths last?
- What should I look for in a burp cloth?
- Tips for burping your baby
Why do I need to burp my baby?
When a newborn baby feeds, whether they are nursing or being bottle-fed, they tend to swallow air along with breast milk or formula. This results in gas bubbles becoming trapped in baby’s gastrointestinal tract. It is not only uncomfortable but can also make your baby feel too full which will prevent them from getting the proper amount of milk or formula during their feeding. Gas can also be produced when your baby breaks down certain foods. This can be food that your baby has consumed themself, or it could be food that the mother has consumed and passed to the baby through their breastmilk. Certain foods like carbonated drinks, beans, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, among others, are common culprits. Finally, your baby may also produce gas due to intolerances to foods in their own diet or their mother’s diet. Whatever the reason for the gas, newborn babies need help to get it out of their systems. It is recommended that you burp your baby regularly after feeding even if they are not showing signs of discomfort.
Burp Cloths - Assorted Colors
What is a burp cloth?
While you will be burping your baby with the goal of helping them release excess air or gas in their systems, it’s difficult for them to do so without also bringing up fluid. This is usually breast milk or formula and it’s nothing to worry about. Spitting up is normal and extremely common. This is exactly why you need a burp cloth. A burp cloth is a piece of absorbent fabric designed to drape across your shoulder and protect you, your little one, and your clothing from spit-up.
How many burp cloths do I need?
As new moms build out their registries they often wonder: how many burp cloths do I need for a newborn? The answer is a little different for every Mom but we find that having between eight to fourteen on hand will usually suffice. However, when it comes to this particular item, stocking up on a few extra is never a bad idea. This is because you’ll be feeding and burping your little one multiple times a day so they’ll get dirty pretty quickly and you’ll work your way through your stockpile faster than you think. Keep in mind, while your dirty burp cloths are in the wash, you’ll want to have some fresh ones ready to go. So, be sure to factor in how often you plan to be doing laundry within a given week.
When you’re deciding how many burp cloths you want to have on hand, it’s also good to remember that they’re an incredibly versatile item. You can use them for more than just clothing protection and spit-up clean-up. They’re also great for drying hands, cleaning up drool which your baby will produce more of while they are teething, peekaboo games, and wiping down bottles and formula or milk spills.
On The Go Travel Pouch - Pebble
How often should I wash my burp cloths?
The bad news is that most of what your baby will spit up can stain your burp cloths. That means that you’ll probably want to wash them after every use. Beyond worrying about stains, it’s also a good idea to make sure this item is kept as clean as possible because it will be close to your baby’s mouth while you burp them. Laundering your burp cloths regularly will help ensure that germs and bacteria don’t have a chance to build up and come in contact with your little one.
How can I make my burp cloths last?
There are a few things you can do to keep your burp cloths in good condition for as long as possible. When you’re ready to wash your burp cloth, select a stain remover that is safe to use on baby clothing and treat stains with the formula. Next, let the formula sit for 10 - 15 minutes before you put your burp cloths in the laundry machine. Be sure to use a delicate cycle and baby-safe laundry detergent every time. Hang drying your burp cloths is a great way to help extend the life of this item. If you opt for a dryer instead, be sure to use a low-heat setting to prevent shrinking. Once they are dry, roll them up and store them somewhere where you can easily access them as you’ll be reaching for them often.
Burp Cloth - Bluebells
What should I look for in a burp cloth?
Ideally, you’ll want a material that is both soft and durable like organic muslin cotton. This way, the fabric won’t irritate your little one’s skin but it will also last!
Tips for burping your baby
Here are a few tips that can help make the burping process easier for you and your baby:
- Cup your hand rather than using your flat palm. This is gentler on your baby’s back.
- Try different positions to see what works best for you and your little one.
- If your baby is fussing during a feeding try burping them and then resuming the feeding.
- If you can’t get your baby to burp, give them a few minutes of rest and then try again.
- If your baby doesn’t burp very much and doesn’t seem to be uncomfortable or fussy, don’t worry. Some babies burp more than others.
- The more relaxed your baby is the easier the burping process will be. So, try gently rubbing your little one’s back before you start applying pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Moms use burp cloths until their baby reaches around six to nine months of age. This is typically when your baby will stop needing to be burped and you can retire your burp cloth for good.
A receiving blanket is a versatile item that can be used to swaddle a baby, as a burp cloth, as a changing mat, or as a soft surface for tummy or playtime. A burp cloth, on the other hand, is designed specifically to drape over your shoulder to protect your clothing from spit-up while you burp your little one.
A bib is designed to protect your little one’s clothing from messy feedings whereas a burp cloth is designed to protect your clothing from spit-up during burping. In a pinch, you can use the two items interchangeably but due to the differences in size and design, these items work better when they are used for their intended purpose.
You may not need to double the number of burp cloths you put on your registry if you are expecting twins, but you may want to stock up on more than the standard eight to fourteen that are recommended for parents who are expecting one child. With two newborns to care for, you might not have as many opportunities to do laundry so you’ll appreciate having some extras on hand to ensure you’re never without a fresh burp cloth.
Most burp cloths are around 15 -22” in length and 10 - 15” in width. They are this long so that they offer as much coverage as possible and also drape over the shoulder without falling off. They are often designed with a narrower middle section that allows the fabric to sit securely over the top of your shoulder and around your neck.
