Baby Washcloths — Everything you need to know!

A baby washcloth is a piece of fabric used to wash the newborn’s face and body.

Use

The best way to use a wash cloth is to wet them and squeeze out excess water. Then wipe off any dirt or grime from your baby. Rinse the cloth again and start the process over again until they are clean. It’s best to start from their head and move down their body. Continually rinsing the cloth as it gets dirty. Do not use soap as this will dry out the newborn’s skin.

Types

There are two main types, these are;

• Square Shaped — This is the most popular and ours measures 17cm x 17cm.

• Mitt — Think of these like an oven mitt. The mitt-type washcloth is one where you can slide your hand between the two layers of material. These are more expensive and cost around $15. I find these hard to use and thus don’t do a great job in cleaning the baby.

Alternatives

You may not want to buy a new facecloth when you have items around the house that can do a similar job. Some alternatives are;

• Burp Cloths
• Bibs 

• Towels

• Fabric Nursing pads

Other Uses

Washcloths can be used for many other things apart from washing your newborn. These include;

• Wipes — Spray some disinfectant on the cloth and wipe down the surface. But don’t use the same cloth on your baby until after you have thoroughly washed it.

• General Cleaning — You can use these as a general cleaning cloth. Anywhere from drying the dishes, cleaning surfaces, or even washing the car.

• Reusable Nursing Pad  — As these are made with similar materials, you could use them as a nursing pad. They might be too large so you will have to cut them down to size. 

• Panty Liner — If you have run out or you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative. These can double as a panty liner. 

• Small Burp Cloths — They can cover your clothes from spit-ups and vomit from a newborn. But you might need to separate the stitching to make it large enough.

• Teether — Instead of a teether you can use a washcloth. Place this in the freezer and give it to your baby. This will soothe their gums and relieve the pain. Make sure to wrap it in a teatowel first so it’s not too cold on their skin. 

Buyers Guide

When choosing to buy the best baby washcloths take these factors into consideration; 

• How many does a newborn need — You won’t need too many, start by buying a pack of 3 and you can buy more if you find you need them.

• Soft — Make sure they are soft to the touch.

• Size and Shape — The size is important. If it is too large it will be harder to maintain and use. While if it is too small you won’t be able to use it effectively. We suggest a square shape measuring 17cm x 17cm.

• Cost — The cost will vary depending on the brand, material, and quality. You can get a cheap, imported pack of 6 for $13.00 while our pack of 3 is handmade in Australia and costs $26.95. 

• Organic — It’s important to choose washcloths that are organic. When washing your baby you want to use natural products as much as possible. 

• Quality — Make sure it’s made to a high standard. Look at the stitching to make sure there are no loose threads. 

• Materials — Look for products made of soft, eco-friendly and organic materials. Better quality wash cloths are made with cotton or bamboo.

Materials and Manufacturing

Any time you are buying products for your baby, it’s important to know where, how and with what materials things are made. And newborn washcloths are no different. The best baby washcloths are;

• Australian Made —  Buying products made in Australia helps the local economy. It also means that the company must meet safety, quality, and legal requirements. Some products from overseas are not required to meet the same standards as in Australia. This also includes how they treat their employees.

• Cotton and Bamboo — Look for washcloths made from cotton or bamboo. These are the perfect materials to use on the newborn’s skin. They are soft, absorbent, strong and hypoallergenic. These are low maintenance and odour free. They are eco-friendly and sustainable and are fast growing and don’t need a lot of water.

Care And Maintenance

Washcloths are very easy to maintain. After buying them it’s best to machine wash and place them in the dryer before use. We find machine drying makes them a lot softer than hanging up to dry.

Ours are white so you may choose to only wash them with white colours. Otherwise, these can be washed with any of your baby’s laundry. These should be changed and washed daily. This will prevent mould from building up on them. A damp washcloth can be unsanitary and grow mould.

They can be stored wherever you keep your baby clothes as long as they are not in a damp location. 

I hope you have found this article interesting and informative. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

This article was written by Luisa Figueroa. I am the owner, designer, and maker of the My Little Love Heart range of baby products. I am a mum to a beautiful daughter Natalia. I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 15 years, specialising in baby accessories for the last 7. My love of fashion has enabled me to work and study around the world.