How Many Bibs Do I Need for My Newborn Baby?

How Many Bibs Do I Need for My Newborn Baby?

Bibs are the unsung heroes of babyhood, protecting your little one’s cute outfits from a multitude of spills and spit-ups. They’re indispensable for parents early on during feedings. But just how many bibs do I need for my newborn baby?

As you’ll discover below, having a surplus of bibs on hand will be your saving grace - preventing last-minute laundry nightmares or worse, seeing your favorite item of clothing covered in spit-up or food. 

We’ll guide you through not just how many bibs you need on hand, but what you should consider as you start shopping - and where you can find cute, functional, affordable bib sets for baby online, right here at Caden Lane.

Let's dive in and make sure you're well-prepared for all the little messes that come with newborn territory. First, why are bibs essential for newborns in the first place?

Why Are Bibs Essential For Newborns?

Newborns are adorable bundles of joy, but they can also be quite messy, especially during feeding times. That's where bibs come in. 

Keeping Your Baby Clean and Dry

Feeding a newborn can be a messy affair. Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or introducing solid foods, there are bound to be spills, dribbles, and the occasional spit-up. 

A bib acts as a barrier, catching any spills before they reach your baby's clothes. This not only helps keep your baby clean, but it also means less laundry for you!

Moreover, many newborns tend to drool, especially during the teething phase. Drool can easily soak through your baby’s clothes, making them uncomfortable. A bib can absorb this moisture, preventing your baby's clothes from getting wet.

This is especially useful when you're out and about, as you won’t have to change your baby’s outfit every time they drool.

Protecting Your Baby’s Skin and Clothes

Newborns have delicate skin that can be easily irritated by wetness or harsh substances. When your baby's clothes become wet from spills or drool, it can cause discomfort and even lead to rashes. By using a bib, you can protect your baby’s skin from irritation caused by wet clothing.

Additionally, those adorable newborn baby clothes can be expensive! By using a bib to catch spills and drool, you can protect your favorite custom baby clothes or bamboo baby pajamas from stains that can be tough to remove. This not only keeps your baby looking cute but also extends the life of their clothes.

The Importance of Having a Surplus of Bibs On Hand

There’s no denying the value of a good bib in keeping your child and their clothes nice and clean. But why do you need to have so many on hand as a parent? Simple: babies are unpredictable and you don’t want to get caught unprepared.

Always Being Prepared

Newborns needs can change in the blink of an eye. One moment they might be content, and the next, they're hungry, teething, or spitting up all over themselves. 

By having a surplus of bibs, you're always prepared for whatever your baby throws your way. You won't have to scramble for a clean bib during those crucial moments when your baby needs your full attention. 

Instead, you can easily grab a fresh bib from your stash and attend to your baby's needs without any unnecessary stress. This is also a lifesaver when you’re traveling, as you can have a few extras on standby in your custom diaper bag.

Avoiding Last-minute Laundering

Newborns go through bibs quickly, and you'll likely find yourself changing them multiple times a day. If you only have a few bibs on hand, you might end up doing laundry more frequently than you'd like. 

Not to mention, there will be times when you're too tired or busy to do laundry, and you don't want to be caught without a clean bib when you need one. Having a surplus of bibs means you can always have a clean one ready to go, even if you haven't had time to do laundry. 


For all these reasons, we’ve written similar articles on topics like - how many changing pad covers do I need? Or, how many swaddles do I need? We even discussed how many baby gowns you need recently.

That being said, you came here with a simple question: how many bibs does a baby need? And now that we’ve set the stage and gotten you up to speed on the value of stocking up, let’s provide a ballpark estimate for how many bibs you should buy.

So, How Many Bibs Do I Need For My Newborn Baby?

So, how many bibs do I need for newborn babies? When it comes to determining the right number of bibs for your newborn baby, several factors come into play. 

The quantity you need varies depending on your baby's feeding schedule, your laundry routine, and other circumstances unique to your household. Let's break down the factors that influence the number of bibs you should have on hand.

Factor in Your Feeding Schedule

The frequency of your baby's feedings plays a significant role in how many bibs you'll need. If you're feeding your baby every two hours, you're likely going to go through more bibs than if you're feeding them less frequently. 

Newborns tend to dribble milk, spit up, or have reflux during and after feedings, requiring a fresh bib for each feeding session. 

On average, a newborn might need anywhere from 8 to 12 feedings per day. If you plan to use a new bib for each feeding, you're looking at a minimum of 8 to 12 bibs per day.

Think About Your Laundry Routine

Your laundry routine will also influence how many bibs you need to have on hand. If you prefer doing laundry daily, you might be able to manage with a smaller number of bibs. 

However, if you do laundry every few days, you'll need to have a larger stock of bibs to ensure you always have a clean one ready.

If you wash clothes every two days, for example, and your baby uses 10 bibs per day, you'll need at least 20 bibs to last you until your next laundry day, plus a few extras just in case. If you want to have a bit more buffer between laundry sessions, you’ll need to add even more bibs to the final count.

Other Factors to Consider When Figuring Out How Many Bibs You Need

Your feeding and laundry schedules will be the biggest determinant of how many bibs you need. But, some babies simply drool more than others and make more messes when eating. There are other factors that come into play, too. Here are a few more things to think about:

  • Seasonal changes: During warmer months, your baby might drool more, requiring more frequent bib changes.
  • Teething: When your baby starts teething, they will likely drool more, necessitating additional bibs.
  • Outings: If you're going out, you might want to pack several extra bibs in your diaper bag.

So, how many bibs do I need for newborn babies?

So, How Many Bibs Does a Baby Need?

All that said, how many bibs does a baby need? Considering all the factors discussed above, a reasonable range might be between 20 to 30 bibs for a newborn. 

This allows for multiple bib changes per day, with enough extras to last you through laundry days and unforeseen circumstances. 

Of course, every family and baby is unique, so adjust this number according to your specific needs. Our opinion, though, is that with how affordable these are and how much value they have to offer in your life as a parent, it’s worth stocking up on more bibs than what may necessary!

More Advice on Shopping for Newborn Baby Bibs​​

Shopping for newborn baby bibs can be an exciting yet overwhelming task, considering the wide variety of options available. To make the right choices for your baby, you need to focus on certain essential factors such as material, adjustability, and ease of cleaning. 

Considering the Material

The material of the bib is one of the most important factors to consider, as it directly impacts your baby's comfort and the bib’s effectiveness. Here are some commonly used materials:

  • Cotton: Soft, absorbent, and gentle on the skin, cotton is an excellent choice for bibs. It's perfect for absorbing drool and spills.
  • Polyester: It’s less absorbent than cotton but dries faster. Often, bibs are made of a combination of cotton and polyester.
  • Silicone: Silicone bibs are easy to wipe clean and are great for messier feedings, like when introducing solid foods.
  • Organic materials: For parents who prefer natural options, bibs made from organic cotton or bamboo are a great choice.

When considering the material, also check whether the bib has a waterproof layer to prevent wetness from soaking through to your baby’s clothes.

Checking for Adjustable Sizes

As your baby grows, their neck size changes. To ensure the bib fits properly, look for options with adjustable closures like snaps or Velcro. 

This allows the bib to grow with your baby, providing a snug fit that isn’t too tight or too loose. A well-fitting bib is more effective at catching drool and spills and ensures your baby's comfort.

Thinking About Ease of Cleaning

Bibs are bound to get messy, so ease of cleaning is a crucial factor to consider. Some bibs are machine washable, while others can be wiped clean. Cotton bibs usually require washing, while silicone bibs can often be cleaned with a simple wipe-down.

  • Machine washable: If you prefer tossing bibs in the wash, look for machine-washable options. This is especially useful when dealing with a large number of dirty bibs.
  • Wipeable: For bibs that are easy to clean on the go, consider those that can be wiped down. These are particularly handy during outings or when you're introducing your baby to solid foods.

When shopping for bibs, you'll want to consider your baby’s needs and your lifestyle. Whether you need absorbent bibs for a drooly baby or easy-to-clean bibs for on-the-go convenience, taking these factors into account will help you make the right choices.

Regardless of what your needs may be, there’s one place you can always count on for cute, practical bibs for your baby: Caden Lane.

Stock Up On All Your Baby Bibs at Caden Lane!

Feeding time with your little one can be messy, but with Caden Lane's super-soft and absorbent custom bibs, you can make it a cute and stress-free experience! 

Perfectly designed for babies aged 4 months to 2 years old, our bibs are not only functional but adorable as well. The wide velcro closure ensures a secure and comfortable fit, and the bib's optimal size provides ample coverage to protect your baby's clothes from spills and dribbles.

But that's not all! You can add a personal touch to mealtime by customizing the bib with your baby's name in a range of delightful fonts and colors. A personalized bib makes a wonderful keepsake, and it's also a great gift for baby showers or birthdays.

We have different styles to choose from too, with bamboo fabric, bandana-style bibs, and more. Caden Lane is your trusted source for all newborn accessories - from personalized baby blankets to newborn swaddle blankets, baby bows, personalized beach towels, family matching swimsuits - you name it, we’ve got it!

So, browse our catalog today to stock up on all the newborn bibs you need and other essentials. At this point, we’re going to leave you with a few closing thoughts on the topic at hand.

Final Thoughts on How Many Bibs You Need For a Newborn Baby

So, how many bibs do I need for newborn babies? It all depends on baby's feeding and drooling habits, your laundry routine, and your personal preferences. 

It's always a good idea to have a few extra bibs on hand for those days when laundry just can't get done. Remember that the best bibs are made from soft, absorbent materials, have adjustable closures for a comfortable fit, and are easy to clean.

At Caden Lane, we understand the challenges and joys of parenthood. That's why we offer high-quality, stylish bibs that not only keep your baby clean but also add a touch of flair to their outfit. Our bibs are designed to make your life easier, allowing you to focus on enjoying those precious moments with your little one.

And, we offer all the other essentials you’ll need through early parenthood - from the best swaddles for newborns to the best sleep sack for newborn babies

We also have more helpful resources to empower you to parent like a pro - including tips on how to swaddle a baby, how to transition out of swaddle, how to get baby to sleep without swaddle, choosing your crib sheet dimensions, sleep sack sizing, and more.

Whether you're preparing for the arrival of your newborn or looking for the perfect gift for a baby shower, Caden Lane has everything you need. 

Browse our selection of baby bibs and other essentials to ensure that you're fully stocked for your baby's needs. With our high-quality products, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're giving your baby the best!


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