Baby towels are adorable. Little hoods, little ears, little prints. It's very easy to come home from the store with six of them.
You don't need six. Here's what you actually need, and whether you need baby towels at all.
The short answer
- 3 to 4 hooded baby towels
- 6 to 10 washcloths (we break that down in How Many Baby Washcloths Do You Need?)
That covers one in use, one drying, and one or two clean ones ready to go.
Are baby towels necessary?
Honestly? Not strictly. A soft, clean adult towel will dry a baby just fine.
But there are a few good reasons most parents end up loving them:
- The size is right. A big bath sheet is a lot of fabric to manage while holding a wet, wiggly baby. A baby towel wraps them up without the extra bulk.
- The hood helps. A wet head cools off fast. A hood keeps it covered while you dry everything else.
- They're softer. Adult towels can get stiff after a lot of washes. Baby towels are usually lighter and gentler on new skin.
- They're easier to wash. Smaller towels dry faster, so you're not waiting on a heavy load.
How many bath towels do I need for baby?
It mostly comes down to two things.
How often you bathe. Babies don't need a bath every day; a few times a week is plenty for most. If that's your rhythm, 3 towels is enough. If a nightly bath is part of your bedtime routine, go with 4 or 5.
How often you do laundry. Washing every couple of days? Three works. Saving laundry for the weekend? Grab a fourth so you're never reaching for a damp one.
And if your family has a pool or lives near the beach, add one more. Summer days mean a lot of dripping, sandy little swimmers, and it's nice to have a towel that lives in the pool bag. Same goes for Grandma's house. One towel that stays there saves a lot of packing.
What to look for in a baby towel
- Soft, natural fabric. Cotton and bamboo blends are gentle and absorbent.
- A real hood. Big enough to cover the head, not just decorative.
- A good size. Roomy enough to wrap a growing toddler, not just a newborn.
- Holds up to washing. You'll be washing it a lot, so it should stay soft.
Keeping baby towels soft
- Wash before the first use with a fragrance-free detergent.
- Wash every few uses, and sooner if it's been sitting damp.
- Skip fabric softener. It builds up and makes towels less absorbent.
- Dry completely, on low heat or on the line, so nothing smells musty.
Our hooded baby towels
Bath time goes by fast, but those cozy, wrapped-up moments right after are some of the sweetest. Our hooded baby towels come in prints that make them easy to love: Rainbow, Ahoy Little One, Zoomies Race Car, My Little Lobster, Watermelons & Dots and Whale of a Time.
They also make a sweet baby shower gift from a grandparent or a new aunt.
FAQ
How many baby towels do I need?
Three to four hooded towels for most families.
Are baby towels necessary?
Not strictly, but they're the right size, softer, and the hood keeps a wet head warm.
How many bath towels do I need for a baby?
Three if you bathe a few times a week and wash often. Four or five for nightly baths or weekly laundry.
Can you use regular towels on a baby?
Yes, if they're soft and clean. Baby towels are just easier to handle.
Do I need to wash baby towels before use?
Yes. Wash them with a fragrance-free detergent to remove any finishes from manufacturing.
