In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

The 4 Best Baby Bibs

We tested baby bibs from top brands like KiddyStar, KUDL, Bumkins, Nuby, and more to find the best
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Best Baby Bibs
The MatiMati Bandana Bib lays flat on tester's chest.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Review Editor
Monday May 8, 2023

Need a trusty baby bib? We've got you covered (literally). Our review tests the most popular baby bibs available today. To determine the best, we've researched the market, purchased well-loved options for hands-on testing, and got down to business by sending each bib through various tests to evaluate performance. Knowing that the world of baby bibs is diverse and vast, we focused on which contenders will make your day-to-day life with your baby easier by providing adequate absorbency, qualities of functionality, and easy cleaning. Our expert recommendations can help guide you to the perfect baby bib that meets your needs.

Your growing baby will move through multiple feeding stages within their first year and beyond. Equipping yourself with the right gear can help you keep up with the journey. From our favorite nursing gear to baby feeding gear, we have the inside scoop on top-notch products, including the best baby bottles, top-ranked high chairs, our favorite sippy cups, and more.

Editor's Note: We updated this bib review on May 8, 2023, to ensure product availability and current pricing.

Top 8 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 8
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Awards Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award  
Price $19.00 List$20.00 List
$4.40 each at Amazon
$22 List
$12.48 each at Amazon
$18.00 List
$7.99 each at Amazon
$8.00 List
$2.82 each at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
83
83
66
57
57
Star Rating
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Pros Super absorbent, ultra-soft and comfortable, easy to launderSuper absorbent, ultra-soft and comfortable, great range of neck-sizesVersatile, shape provides extra coverageEasy to clean and dry, pocket, neck-size adjustability, travel-friendlyInexpensive, easy to clean and dry, travel-friendly
Cons Too large for newbornMild shrinkage and edges curlMild shrinkage, lacks absorbency powerSub-par durability of silicone holesFasten multiple buttons for security, durability of silicone holes
Bottom Line A set of super-soft, absorbent, and large bibs that are most suitable for older babies and toddlersA set of ultra-soft and super absorbent bibs that are more oversized, making them best for older babies and toddlersA soft dual-purpose baby bib that is substantial in size and can be a burp cloth or snap-on bib, but it is prone to shrinkingA high-quality silicone bib that is super easy to clean and ready to catch mealtime messAn affordable silicone bib with a catch-all pocket but there are multiple fasteners and the holes are less durable
Rating Categories KUDL Absorbent Toddler KiddyStar Toddler Bib Aden + Anais Burpy Bib Happy Healthy Paren... PandaEar Silicone Bib
Absorption (35%)
8.0
8.0
5.0
1
1
Ease of Use (30%)
9.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
Ease of Cleaning (35%)
8.0
7.0
7.0
10.0
10.0
Specs KUDL Absorbent Toddler KiddyStar Toddler Bib Aden + Anais Burpy Bib Happy Healthy Paren... PandaEar Silicone Bib
Material Cotton, Fleece Organic Cotton, Polyester Fleece Cotton muslin Silicone Silicone
Recommended Age 6+ months 3+ months 4+ months 4+ months
Type of Bib Drool & Feeding Drool & Feeding 2-in-1 Design Mealtime Mealtime


Best Overall Bib


KiddyStar Toddler Bib


83
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Absorption 8.0
  • Ease of Use 10.0
  • Ease of Cleaning 7.0
Material: Organic Cotton, Polyester Fleece| Pocket: No
REASONS TO BUY
Ultra-soft & comfortable
Super absorbent
Range of neck-size
REASONS TO AVOID
Care instructions
Mild shrinkage and curling

With high scores in nearly every category we tested, the KiddyStar Toddler Bib earns a podium spot. It uses 100% certified organic cotton fabric on the front, and the back is 100% polyester fleece. It is ultra-soft and comfortable (great for babies' delicate skin), and we wish it came in an adult-sized blanket. Regarding absorbency, this bib is your biggest supporter and outshines most of the competition regarding how much liquid it can absorb and retain before seepage, which is excellent for heavy droolers or mealtime mess. Leaks can lead to more outfit changes than a Kardashian at an awards show, so we appreciate a bib that can decrease the chance of additional changes. With four snaps on its closure system, this bib will likely fit your child as they grow.

This option is large, making it great for toddlers, but it is too big for tiny babies. So you may want to pass on this option if you seek a small bib. Also, the care instructions make it slightly high maintenance. The manufacturer suggests adding a 1/2 cup of vinegar to its initial wash to help set and preserve color, and for best results on an ongoing basis, the bib should lay flat to dry. But you can tumble dry the bib on low heat, which is faster. We noticed some shrinking after the initial wash, and the bib's bottom edges slightly curled up. These minor issues are cosmetic and don't influence performance. The KiddyStar Toddler Bib is your best defense if you have a heavy-drooling youngster. It can save your sanity by avoiding multiple outfit changes a day, plus you will have no qualms about your baby's comfort.

baby bib - best overall bib
The KiddyStar Toddler Bib is most appropriate for a toddler, or if you are looking for a bib that offers coverage.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Runner-Up for Best Bib


KUDL Absorbent Baby Toddler Bib


83
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Absorption 8.0
  • Ease of Use 9.0
  • Ease of Cleaning 8.0
Material: Cotton, Fleece| Pocket: No
REASONS TO BUY
Super absorbent
Ultra-soft
Easy to clean & no shrinkage
REASONS TO AVOID
One less neck-size setting
Too large for newborns

The KUDL Absorbent Baby Toddler Bib is an excellent performing cloth bib. It feels ultra-soft with premium cotton on the front and fleece lining on the back. Its absorbency powers are notable, and the cloth retains an impressive amount of liquid before leaking, nearly the same as our top-performing bib, KiddyStar. This bib's closure uses snaps, which we prefer over Velcro or tie, mainly because it is easier for parents and caregivers to use yet comfortable for babies. The KUDL is easy to launder (wash before drying on low), and we didn't notice any shrinking or curling edges like some of the competition.

The bib's size is most suitable for a toddler, so you may look elsewhere if you seek a small bib for a young baby. Also, it has three snaps on its closure, which is better than some contenders, but not as many as the top performer. Aside from minor differences, the KUDL performs nearly the same as the KiddyStar Toddler Bib, which we think is worth considering.

baby bib - runner-up for best bib
The KUDL Absorbent Baby Toddler Bib is soft and absorbent.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best for Mealtime


Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib


57
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Absorption 1.0
  • Ease of Use 6.0
  • Ease of Cleaning 10.0
Material: Silicone| Pocket: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to clean & dry
Spill pocket
Neck-size adjustability
Travel-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor hole durability

Cloth bibs and mealtime don't always mix, especially when you have a messy eater on your hands. Thankfully, the Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib answers the call of making your baby's mealtime easier to clean up. This bib is lightweight and pliable and made of food-grade, high-quality silicone (BPA and PVC-free). The closure system consists of buttons and holes and offers a range of four neck-size settings. It has a deep, sturdy pocket to catch spills and crumbs, and your baby may be excited to discover hidden leftover treasures! The material is quick to clean and dry. It is also dishwasher safe if you prefer that option, but we think hand washing will prolong the bib's lifespan.

The pocket does not catch all food crumbs but significantly reduces the amount of food you will be picking up off the floor. In our opinion, the silicone holes look like could easily rip over time, and a child's long hair can catch in the closure system. Despite these flaws, we believe the Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib is a mealtime must-have for your baby's feeding gear.

baby bib - best for mealtime
The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib has a deep, sturdy pocket that stays open and catches spills and food.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Versatile Baby Bib


Aden + Anais Burpy Bib


66
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Absorption 5.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
  • Ease of Cleaning 7.0
Material: Cotton Muslin| Pocket: No
REASONS TO BUY
2-in-1 design
Coverage
REASONS TO AVOID
One neck-size
Mild shrinkage
Not overly absorbent

The Aden + Anais Burpy Bib is undoubtedly versatile. It features a 2-in-1 design. Use it as a burp cloth or snap-on bib. This bib is made of 100% cotton muslin and feels soft, excellent for a baby's delicate skin. It is one of the largest bibs in our lineup, and its kidney bean shape and substantial size provide superior coverage, making it handy when burping or feeding. This bib is easy to wash, and you can tumble dry it on low heat. From our experience, this bib offers longevity. Use it from day one when you welcome home your little sweet pea, all the way to introducing solids and beyond.

The Burpy Bib lacks absorbency like the top performers, even with its quilted material. However, its bean shape provides extra coverage while bottle-feeding and works well into toddler mealtime. The baby bib offers only one neck size, and the neck space is larger. We also noticed some mild shrinkage after its initial wash. Regardless of these flaws, we believe this bib is worth the splurge for its dual-purpose, longevity, and generous size, offering excellent coverage.

baby bib - the aden + anais burpy bib only has one snap setting.
The Aden + Anais Burpy Bib only has one snap setting.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Important
It is dangerous to let your baby fall asleep while wearing any bib. Remember to remove it shortly after use to avoid any potential problems.

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
83
KUDL Absorbent Baby Toddler Bib
kudl absorbent baby toddler bib baby bib
$19
Editors' Choice Award
83
KiddyStar Toddler Bib
kiddystar toddler bib baby bib
$20
Editors' Choice Award
66
Aden + Anais Burpy Bib
aden + anais burpy bib baby bib
$22
Top Pick Award
57
Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib
happy healthy parent silicone bib baby bib
$18
Top Pick Award
57
PandaEar Silicone Bib
pandaear silicone bib baby bib
$8
51
Nuby Reversible Muslin Teething Bib
nuby reversible muslin teething bib baby bib
$15
43
OXO Roll Up Bib
oxo roll up bib baby bib
$13
43
Bumkins Sleeved Bib
bumkins sleeved bib baby bib
$14

baby bib - the selected, top contender bibs include a variety of styles and...
The selected, top contender bibs include a variety of styles and materials. Here is picture of the bibs that we thoroughly tested for our review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Why You Should Trust Us


We purchased each bib in our review and completed hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons to determine performance. Bibs make great baby gifts because most parents want them, and every baby needs them.

With nearly a decade of testing experience, BabyGearLab holds extensive knowledge of all things baby and a unique skill set to guide our testing and ranking process. Leading our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor, Nanny, and Newborn Care Specialist with over 15 years of childcare experience. Molly can effortlessly transfer her background, knowledge, and expertise to the world of baby gear, especially regarding baby bibs. She knows what will meet parent and baby standards, so take advantage of her recommendations.

Analysis and Test Results


We laundered each bib multiple times, following its manufacturer's care instructions, before hands-on testing to assess performance, particularly with absorbency, ease of use, and comfort. We also enlisted little testers' help, evaluating how each bib functions in everyday life.

The fabric on the OXO Roll Up can roll up into the silicone pocket...
The fabric on the OXO Roll Up can roll up into the silicone pocket and stay in place by a closure. However, the closure is not always trustworthy, and the bib may come undone.
The catch-all pocket on the PandaEar Silicone Bib is sturdy, wide...
The catch-all pocket on the PandaEar Silicone Bib is sturdy, wide, and makes mealtime cleanup more manageable.


Value


If you don't want to sacrifice performance but are conscious of cost, our lineup includes a few options depending on your needs. If your budget can stretch and you value excellent absorption, the KiddyStar Toddler Bib is a top performer that we believe is worth the investment.

baby bib
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Absorption


The primary function of a bib is to absorb and protect the clothing underneath from wetness and mess. To test a bib's absorbency threshold, we placed a paper towel under each bib and applied a dose of liquid to each bib, which we continued to do until leakage occurred on the paper towel. We also took notes on how quickly each contender absorbed the liquid, then compared the results.


Among the completion, the KiddyStar Toddler Bib and KUDL Absorbent Baby Toddler Bib rank relatively high. Both bibs can retain a considerable amount of liquid before the clothing underneath gets wet.

The Bumkins Sleeved Bib, Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib, and PandaEar Silicone Bib rank the lowest. These products are not designed or intended to absorb liquid; therefore, we are not surprised by their performance results. These bibs are best for mealtime, especially those with big pockets that can help catch dribbles and crumbs.

Making Your Baby's Food
Making your baby's food at home can be rewarding, and it gives you more control over ingredients. If that interests you, select the best gear and supplies for the job, like the best baby food maker and the best baby food storage systems that keep food fresh.

The Bumkins Sleeved Bib has a tie closure system.
The Bumkins Sleeved Bib has a tie closure system.
The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib offers four size settings.
The Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib offers four size settings.

Ease of Use


To score this metric, we examined multiple sub-metrics, such as a bib's comfort, neck-size range, and closure system. Top-notch contenders should be soft and comfortable for babies, use a range of neck sizes for your growing sprout, and use a snap closure system, which we consider easy to use and comfortable for children—those who fall short of this profile rank lower.



Among the competition, the KiddyStar Toddler Bib earns a high score, making it a high-ranking contender. This option is the king of comfort, thanks to its incredibly soft material and range of neck sizes (four settings), allowing it to grow with your baby. We also consider a snap closure the most comfortable for babies, whereas ties, Velcro, and silicone button and holes are more likely to trap and catch hair.

baby bib - the nuby reversible muslin teething bib is easy to put on and take...
The Nuby Reversible Muslin Teething Bib is easy to put on and take off as it has a Velcro closure system. However, it only offers one neck size, which is not ideal for growing babies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

On the flip side, the Nuby Reversible Muslin Teething Bib ranks the lowest, mainly due to its Velcro closure. Logically speaking, Velcro lacks long-term durability, primarily as it can collect fibers, hindering its strength. Consideration of these drawbacks reduced its score in this metric.

baby bib - the nuby reversible muslin teething bib (left) and the matimati...
The Nuby Reversible Muslin Teething Bib (left) and the MatiMati Bandana Bib (right) are the only bandana style bibs in our review, and they differ in material, closure system, and available neck-size settings.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Cleaning


If a bib is easy to clean, there's a greater chance you will frequently use it. We believe a top-notch bib should be easy to launder and not shrink. We used these factors when scoring the competition.


The all-star champs in this metric are the silicone options, including the Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib and PandaEar Silicone Bib. These bibs are super easy to clean after mealtime and are quickly back in action, making them great for multiple mealtimes during the day or as baby travel gear.

baby bib - the aden + anais burpy bib is generous in size and offers great...
The Aden + Anais Burpy Bib is generous in size and offers great coverage.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Conclusion


Navigating the world of bibs can be dizzying. Thankfully, our review provides the details you need to make your informed decision. A baby bib is essential; many parents appreciate a combination of bibs to get their little ones through the day. Whether you want something you can wipe clean or is really absorbent, there is something in this lineup for you. Let our expert recommendations guide you to the best baby bib that will meet your needs and budget.

Molly Bradac

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.

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