When it comes to preventing your kid from getting food stains on their clothes, bibs are an absolute need. Here is how to select the appropriate variety for your child.
Pros and Cons
If your infant wears a bib throughout each meal, you won’t have to worry about washing his or her clothes immediately afterward. When foods such as puréed carrot and strawberry fromage frais begin to make an appearance, the actual worth of a good bib becomes apparent.
Pull-on bibs, long-sleeved cover-all’super’ bibs, rigid plastic bibs with in-built ‘crumb’ trays, disposable bibs, and a variety of other options are available in addition to the traditional style of bib, which is a semicircle of towelling tied around the neck. Bibs are available in a wide variety of styles and materials.
Once your child becomes interested in the concept of feeding him or herself, you should consider purchasing a bib that is significantly larger than your infant’s current size. This is true so long as the bib does not cause discomfort to your child or get in the way during mealtime.
However, you shouldn’t feel pressured to go out and buy bibs right soon. Your infant will be extremely well covered with a muslin cloth that is draped over their front, and it is quite simple to clean. When your child is a little bit older and more able to remove whatever it is that you put on him or her, you may find that a manufactured bib that has child-proof fastenings is something that you prefer having.
What are the various styles of bibs available for infants?
Bibs traditionally made of towelling
You may buy smaller versions of these for younger babies to help protect their clothing from milk spills or dribbling, and you can buy larger versions of these for when your baby begins eating solid foods to help protect their clothing from spills and dribbles. They typically feature ties or a Velcro fastening that you use to secure them, or they have a flexible head-hole that you draw over your baby’s head to put them on.
Pros
Easy to use and inexpensive (they are frequently sold in multiples), these wipes have a high absorption rate, and some of them have a plastic backing that is waterproof. Additionally, they are simple to fold up and transport when you go out.
Cons
Even when washed at high temperatures, baby meals have a tendency to leave stains on them; bibs with a waterproof backing need to be washed at a lower temperature; and some bibs are too tiny for an older child.
Bibs made of plastic scoops
These bibs come with a built-in curved tray that acts as a “catch” at the base of the bib, diverting food from falling into your baby’s lap and into the tray instead. In most cases, they have a hole that can be adjusted as well as a popper neck closure. Some bibs come with a towel on top, while others feature a plastic scoop that can be removed.
Pros
Easy to clean with a damp cloth or even in the dishwasher, making them ideal for infants learning to feed themselves.
Cons
Older babies may enjoy tipping everything out of the scoop tray, and larger scoop bibs may catch on the highchair tray and be awkward to use. Rigid plastic versions can be stiff and uncomfortable around the neck (look for those with a soft neck rim or ones made from flexible rather than stiff plastic).
Bibs with full coverage
These bibs, which are typically constructed from cloth that has been plastic coated or flexible PVC, are intended to offer the highest possible level of protection, in especially for children. Some variants have complete sleeves, while others cover only the shoulders and upper arms, in addition to the front of the wearer’s body. In most cases, ties or Velcro are used to secure their closures.
Pros
It is best for providing protection from head to toe, and it may also be used as protection for painting and other dirty activities. It often has colourful motifs that are appealing to toddlers, and it is simple to clean.
Cons
Some kids don’t appreciate getting “dressed up” to eat, and they might fuss about it. Full-arm versions can occasionally have unpleasant elasticated wrists, and they can be quite pricey.
Disposable bibs
The majority of the time, paper that has been reinforced is used to make bibs that are disposable. They are typically sold in packs of twenty, and the majority of the time, in addition to having an absorbent front, they also feature a backing that is watertight. The bib is attached to the baby’s clothing using adhesive tapes; however, several models also come with neck ties.
Pros
Great for vacations when you don’t want to do additional laundry, practical to carry as a “emergency” bib in the car or when you’re out and about, and convenient for cleaning up once your baby has finished feeding.
Cons
Can be pricey if you use them on a regular basis (although you don’t have to use a new one every time), and your child will find it pretty simple to remove them.
