Ask any parent what they couldn't live without in the newborn weeks and muslins will be near the top of the list. They catch milk, mop up dribble, cover the changing mat and come with you everywhere. But should you choose bamboo or cotton? Here's how they compare, and how to get the most out of them.
Key points
- Bamboo muslins feel silkier and soak up more, which makes them great for winding and dribble.
- Cotton muslins are hard-wearing and a good everyday all-rounder.
- Most families get through several muslins a day, so it's worth having a good stack.
- Muslins are for awake time: keep them out of the cot while your baby sleeps.
In this guide
Bamboo vs cotton at a glance
| Bamboo blend | Organic cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Silky, very soft and drapey | Soft, gets softer with every wash |
| Absorbency | Very absorbent, dries quickly | Absorbent, a little slower to dry |
| Breathability | Light and breathable | Light and breathable |
| Durability | Holds its shape well with gentle washing | Hard-wearing and easy to care for |
| Little Seeds pack | 6 squares, 70 × 70 cm, £14.99 | 4 squares, 70 × 70 cm, £12.99 |
| Cost per muslin | About £2.50 | About £3.25 |
Why parents love bamboo muslins
They're silky soft. Bamboo viscose has a smooth, almost silky feel that's lovely against a newborn's face and neck. Our bamboo muslin squares are 70% bamboo viscose and 30% cotton, so they're soft but still have some structure.
They soak up more. Bamboo fibres are very absorbent, so one muslin can handle a full burp or a dribbly afternoon before it needs changing. They also dry quickly between uses.
They're a generous size. At 70 × 70 cm, each square is big enough to cover your shoulder when winding or line the changing mat.
They come in colours you'll want to use. Choose from Animals, Pink, Green, Burnt Orange and White and Grey. Different colours also make it easy to keep one for feeds and one for the changing bag.
When cotton muslins make sense
Classic organic cotton muslins are tough, simple to wash and get softer every time they go through the machine. They're a great choice if you want 100% organic cotton, or if you'd like a heavier cloth for wiping up spills. Many parents end up with a mix of both: bamboo for feeds and cuddles, cotton for everyday mopping up.
How many muslins do you need?
More than you'd think. In the early weeks it's common to use several a day, especially if your baby brings up a lot of milk. A good starting point is:
- Two packs of six if you're buying before the birth, so there's always a clean stack while the rest are in the wash.
- One or two in the changing bag, plus one in the car.
- A spare pack to keep at grandparents' or for nursery later on.
Muslins also make a great baby shower or Christmas gift, because new parents can never have too many. See our useful baby gifts guide for more ideas.
Ways to use a muslin
- Over your shoulder when winding
- Under your baby's chin during feeds
- As a clean layer on a public changing table
- To mop up dribble without rubbing sore skin
- As a light cover when feeding on the go
- As a soft, supervised play mat for tummy time
For more ideas, read our 7 uses for a muslin cloth.
Caring for bamboo muslins
- Machine wash at 30°C or below.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent and skip fabric softener, which can make them less absorbent.
- Tumble dry on low or line dry. They dry quickly either way.
- Rinse milk stains in cold water before washing.
Using muslins safely
Muslins are for when your baby is awake and you're with them. Don't leave a loose muslin in the cot or Moses basket while your baby sleeps, and never drape one over a pram or car seat to shade it, because the air underneath can get dangerously hot. For more on safe sleep, see the Lullaby Trust.
Muslin FAQs
Are bamboo muslins better than cotton?
Neither is better for every job. Bamboo muslins are softer and more absorbent, so they're popular for feeds and dribble. Cotton muslins are hard-wearing and great for everyday spills.
Do bamboo muslins get softer?
Yes. They're soft from the first wash and stay soft, as long as you skip fabric softener.
What size muslin is best?
A large square, around 70 × 70 cm, is the most useful. It covers your shoulder when winding and is big enough to line a changing mat.
Can I swaddle with a muslin?
Some parents do, but a velcro swaddle is easier to get right and won't come loose. If you do swaddle, follow our swaddling guide.
Little Seeds bamboo muslin squares: 6 silky-soft 70 × 70 cm muslins in a pack, in five designs. Just £14.99, with free UK delivery on orders over £35.
