When Do Babies Start Wearing Bibs? Advice for New Parents

Babies can start wearing bibs as early as the newborn stage, especially if they tend to spit up during feedings. 

Soft cloth bibs help keep milk dribbles off their clothes. Around 3-6 months, drooling increases due to teething, making absorbent bandana bibs a must-have. By 6 months, when babies begin eating solid foods then you can use silicone or waterproof feeding bibs to help contain messes. 

Choosing the right bib for each stage makes life easier, reducing outfit changes and laundry. Every baby is different, so start using bibs whenever you notice extra drool, spit-up, or food spills becoming a daily challenge.

New parents need to buy so many things that they have never bought before. From clothes to baby mittens, every essentials need to be there for the baby. And one of the most important things that you can’t forget is– the baby bibs. 

I still can recall the day when I bought baby bibs for my first baby. I was standing in the shop in the baby products aisle. I was completely lost to see so many baby products together. There were endless choices. Fortunately, I found lots of options. There are silicone bibs, cloth bibs, bandana bibs, and even long-sleeved bibs that new parents can use. 

I had so many questions about baby bibs when I was a new parent. “When do babies start wearing bibs?” “Do newborn babies need bibs?” “How many should I buy?” If you’re asking yourself the same things, don’t worry! I’ve been there, and I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know about bibs for babies.

A bib might seem like a small item, but it plays a crucial role in a baby’s development. Baby bibs will keep the baby comfortable, your sanity intact. Moreover, your laundry pile will be under control. Let’s find out why bibs matter, when to start using them, and how to pick the perfect baby bib for your little one.

Why Do Babies Need Bibs? The Role of Bibs  

Many parents don’t give priority to baby bibs until they realize how messy a baby can be. A baby can mess their dress or themselves with drool or food spills. Trust me, bibs can help you to get out of this mess. With bibs you can keep both your baby and their clothes clean. 

Here’s why bibs are an absolute must-have:  

1. Protecting Clothes from Drool 

Babies drool—a lot! When my little one was around three months old I noticed that she had a constant drooling. If your baby does that too, don’t get nervous. This is completely normal. Little babies don’t develop full control over their swallowing and saliva production right away. But all that excess drool can soak through their clothes. It can make themselves damp and uncomfortable.  

That’s where drool bibs come in! Made with absorbent fabrics like organic cotton, muslin, or bamboo, they help keep clothes dry and protect your baby’s delicate skin from irritation caused by constant moisture. Without a bib, I found myself changing my baby’s outfit multiple times a day—something no parent has time for! 

2. Keeping Mealtime Messes Under Control

Drooling creates a mess for babies. But they are not as messy as food spits. Just wait until your baby starts eating solid foods to see why bibs are important (if you don’t buy bibs in their drooling phase). Around the six-month mark, babies transition to solid food, and trust me, feeding time turns into a messy affair. Tiny hands love to explore, and that means food ends up everywhere—on their face, high chair, and, of course, their clothes.  

That’s why feeding bibs is a lifesaver. I quickly learned that wipeable bibs made from food-grade silicone were the best option for keeping food spills in check. Unlike cloth bibs, which require frequent washing, silicone bibs can be wiped clean in seconds—saving me from doing loads of laundry every day. Some even have a built-in pocket to catch crumbs and spills, keeping the floor clean too!  

3. Preventing Skin Irritation and Rashes 

Babies’ skin is sensitive and prone to irritation. Their skin gets more irritated when they stay in damp clothes for too long. Constant exposure to saliva or food can lead to redness, rashes, or chafing. This was a big concern for me because my baby had particularly sensitive skin, and I noticed irritation forming on her chest and neck.  

I found that using absorbent burp cloths or organic cotton muslin bibs made a big difference. These materials are soft and also help wick moisture away. They keep my baby’s skin dry and irritation-free. Plus, they’re gentle enough to avoid rubbing against delicate skin. This characteristic makes them an excellent choice for babies prone to skin rash.

4. Easing the Teething Process  

Teething was a tough phase for my baby and for me. Around 4-6 months, she started gnawing on everything in sight. Her clothes were always wet for the excessive drooling that came with teething. If left unchecked, that constant dampness can lead to chapped skin and discomfort.  

That’s when I discovered bandana bibs. They are stylish and practical solutions for teething babies. These bibs are extra absorbent and lightweight. They are comfortable for all-day wear. I also kept a teether within reach, which helped soothe her gums while keeping her distracted from all that drooling.  

When Do Babies Start Wearing Bibs?  

The right type of bib depends on a baby’s age and stage of development. Here’s a breakdown of when babies start wearing bibs and why they’re so useful at different stages.  

(0-3 Months): Newborn Stage

Newborns can experience frequent spit-ups or reflux. They can start wearing a bib early on. If some parents call your baby a sicky baby that means they tend to bring up milk after feeding. You can have a soft and absorbent bib to keep their clothes dry.

At this stage, lightweight cloth bibs or muslin burp cloths are perfect for catching milk dribbles during bottle or breastfeeding sessions. They’re soft, gentle on delicate newborn skin, and easy to swap out throughout the day. I found that using a bib during feeds saved me from multiple outfit changes. They are a real lifesaver during those exhausting first few months.  

3-6 Months: The Drooling and Teething Phase

Around three months, many babies start to drool—a lot! This is completely normal as their little mouths prepare for teething, even if teeth haven’t popped through yet. But all that extra saliva can soak through clothes, leading to damp outfits, cold chests, and even skin irritation.  

That’s where drool bibs come in handy. Many parents love bandana bibs because they’re practical and also look super cute. They’re made from cotton or bamboo. These fabrics are highly absorbent fabrics. They will keep moisture off your baby’s skin while still being soft and comfortable for all-day wear. My baby practically lived in these bibs during this stage. I’d simply swap them out whenever they got too damp, instead of changing her entire outfit.   

6 Months and Beyond: The Messy Food Stage

Once your baby reaches the six-month milestone and starts trying solid foods, things get messy—fast! Whether they’re experimenting with purees or trying finger foods, mealtime becomes an adventure (for them) and a cleaning challenge (for you).  

At this stage, a good feeding bib is essential as you need full coverage and clean them easily. Unlike drool bibs, which are made from soft fabric, feeding bibs need to provide full coverage and be easy to clean. I personally swear by silicone bibs with a built-in food-catching pocket—they’re adjustable, waterproof, and can be wiped clean or even tossed in the dishwasher. This saves so much time and helps reduce food stains on clothes, making mealtime a little less stressful.  

Different Types of Baby Bibs and When to Use Them 

All bibs don’t serve the same purpose. But if you can choose the right bib for your baby it can save your time on laundry and keep your baby comfortable. Bibs also make feeding and teething less messy. 

But with so many options, how do you know which one to choose? Let me help you with that. 

1. Drool Bibs: The Everyday Essential 

You’ll need drool bibs for your baby after your baby starts teething. Baby teething causes drooling. Once they start teething you’ll notice drool everywhere. On their chin, their clothes, even on you! In that case a drool bib will be your savior. 

Drool bibs are lightweight, soft, and super absorbent. Their unique design soaks up excess saliva and keeps your baby dry throughout the day. These bibs are usually made from cotton, bamboo, or muslin. So, they are very gentle on the baby’s sensitive skin. 

They come in cute bandana styles. That looks stylish and practical. I found that keeping a few drool bibs on hand (and swapping them out as needed) saved my baby from getting a damp chest and irritated skin.

2. Feeding Bibs: For Messy Mealtimes 

Once solid foods enter the picture, mealtime becomes a whole new level of mess. You’ll need feeding bibs to catch liquid spills, dribbles, and food splatters. It will save your baby’s clothes. Your baby’s clothes will remain clean while they explore new textures and tastes.  

These bibs are usually made of wipeable and waterproof materials like food-grade silicone or laminated fabric, making them easy to clean. Some even come with a built-in pocket at the bottom to catch falling food. I personally love silicone bibs because you can just rinse them off or throw them in the dishwasher. So, no more scrubbing out food stains.  

3. Smock Bibs: Full Coverage for Independent Eaters

If your baby starts to self-feeding then they will need a smock bib. These long-sleeved bibs are full coverage. So, they’ll protect your baby’s outfit from head to toe.  

Smock bibs are lightweight and water-resistant. So, you can easily wipe spilled food or drink from it. Then wash it in the washing machine. They’re perfect for babies who love to eat by themselves. Whether it’s finger foods, purees, or even messy activities like painting. 

4. Cloth Bibs: Simple and Versatile   

If your baby is bottle-fed then they’ll need a cloth bib. They give extra protection during burping. Cloth bibs are made of soft and absorbent fabric. They are great for catching milk, dribbles, spit-ups and any little messes. 

Cloth bibs have a down part. They are machine washable and gentle on the skin but they don’t provide as much protection against heavier messes. So, if your baby is teething or eating solids, then you may need to switch to a more durable option like drool bibs or feeding bibs.  

How Many Bibs Does Your Baby Really Need? 

If you are a first time parent then it can be difficult for you to find out how many bibs you need to go through in a day. I suggest you keep a few baby bibs. This way you’ll not need to go through constant outfit changes and laundry loads. 

So, how many bibs do you really need? Here’s a general breakdown based on your baby’s age and needs:  

Newborns (0-3 Months): 3 to 5 Bibs 

If your newborn is bottle-fed or tends to spit up frequently then you’ll need a few soft and absorbent cloth bibs on hand. These help catch milk dribbles and reflux spills. They also keep your baby dry and comfortable. Since newborns feed multiple times a day, having 3 to 5 bibs is usually enough. Also, you can rotate them between washes.  

Drooling Phase (3-6 Months): 6 to 8 Bibs  

Once teething starts, so does the drool! If your baby is constantly soaking through their clothes, you’ll want 6 to 8 bandana-style drool bibs that absorb moisture while being gentle on the skin. Having a good stash allows you to swap them out throughout the day without running out.  

Mealtime Stage (6+ Months): 5 to 7 Bibs  

Messier meals are common for babies. So you’ll need bibs that can handle food spills and sticky fingers. In that case, silicone bibs or waterproof feeding bibs are great because they’re easy to wipe clean or toss in the dishwasher. You can keep 5 to 7 bibs to ensure you always have a clean one ready for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  

While these numbers are a good starting point, it never hurts to have a few extras—especially if you don’t do laundry every day. Babies are unpredictable, and having an ample supply of bibs saves you from last-minute scrambling when mealtime (or drool time) gets extra messy!

How to Choose the Perfect Bib for Your Baby  

With so many bib options available, finding the right one can be difficult sometimes. I’ve learned through experience that a few key factors can make all the difference. 

Here’s what to consider when picking the perfect bib for your little one:  

1. Choose the Right Material

The fabric or material of a bib plays a big role in comfort and practicality. 

• Organic Cotton: These fabrics are best for babies. They are super soft and gentle. They are ideal for babies with sensitive skin or prone to rashes.  
• Silicone Bibs: Silicone bibs are perfect for mealtime messes. These bibs are waterproof and easy to wipe clean. They often come with a built-in food catcher.  
• Bamboo Fabric: Bamboo fabric is a breathable and eco-friendly choice. They ‘re soft, absorbent, and great for drooling or teething babies.  

2. Go for Adjustable Closures

Babies grow fast. With time they will outgrow their bibs. So, to use them for a long time, look for bibs with adjustable snaps or buttons. These allow the bib to last longer as your baby grows. This is a more cost-effective choice. 

Personally, I prefer snap closures over Velcro because Velcro can wear out quickly. They also snag on other fabrics in the wash.  

3. Make Cleaning Easy

Let’s be real—parents have enough laundry to deal with! To save time and effort, opt for machine-washable fabric bibs for everyday use and wipeable silicone bibs for quick cleanup after meals. The less time you spend scrubbing, the better!  

How Do I Use Bibs Correctly?

Using bibs the right way can make feeding and drooling phases much easier. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of them:  

1. Choose the Right Bib for the Occasion 

• For drooling: Use soft, absorbent bibs like bandana or cotton bibs.  
• For feeding: Opt for wipeable silicone bibs or smock-style bibs for extra coverage.  
• For bottle-feeding: A simple cloth bib works well to catch milk dribbles.  

2. Secure the Bib Comfortably  

• Tie the bibs snugly but make sure it isn’t too tight around your baby’s neck.  
• Pick adjustable snaps or Velcro closures to ensure a good fit.  

3. Keep a Rotation of Clean Bibs  

• Babies go through multiple bibs a day, so having a fresh supply on hand helps.  
• Wash fabric bibs regularly and wipe down silicone bibs after every use.  

4. Remove Bibs After Meals or When Wet 

• A damp bib sitting on your baby’s skin for too long can cause irritation.  
• Swap out wet bibs quickly to keep your baby comfortable and dry.  

5. Supervise While Wearing Bibs  

• Never leave your baby alone while wearing a bib. Don’t let them wear bibs during naps to prevent any risks.  

Baby bibs are very useful. If you can use them correctly you’ll know that they are a lifesaver. They will keep your baby’s clothes clean and their skin irritation-free on tough days.

When Do Babies Stop Wearing Bibs?  

There’s no set age when babies stop using bibs. It really depends on your child’s needs and development. However, most little ones don’t need bibs by the time they’re 2 or 3 years old. Once they’ve learned to eat with minimal mess, you can stop using bibs.  

Some pediatricians suggest that some toddlers still benefit from wearing bibs or protective smocks, especially during particularly messy activities. You can make your child wear a long-sleeved smock bib when they art and craft. A long-sleeved smock bib can help keep their clothes clean and stain-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Now you know, when babies start wearing bibs. The answer depends on your baby’s stage and needs. Whether you need bibs for drool, feeding bibs, or smock bibs, picking the right bib style will keep your baby comfortable and clothes free from stains.

My advice? Start with a mix of absorbent burp cloths and silicone bibs to cover all bases. And don’t stress too much. Before you know it, your baby will be a pro at mealtime cleanup.

What type of bibs worked best for your baby? Share your thoughts in the comments below!