How to Choose a Baby Bathrobe, Hooded Towel and Washcloths

Quick answer

Start with two hooded towels in the size that matches your baby's current length, add a baby bathrobe only if you want a hands-free layer for after-bath lounging, and buy at least three muslin washcloths so one is always clean. If you are unsure between hooded towel sizes, size up rather than down: a slightly larger towel covers more skin and lasts longer, while a too-small towel leaves legs and shoulders exposed.

Bath time with a baby or toddler is less about the tub and more about what happens in the sixty seconds after you lift them out. A hooded towel, a bathrobe, and a stack of muslin washcloths each solve a different part of that wet, wriggly moment. Buy the wrong size or fabric and you will be juggling a cold baby and a dripping floor.

This guide walks through the decisions that matter: hooded towel sizes, whether a baby bathrobe is worth the hook space, and how many muslin washcloths you actually need. It also covers the small details, like hood shape and fabric weight, that separate a towel you reach for every night from one that stays folded in the cupboard.

Match the hooded towel to your baby's length, not their age

Age labels on baby towels are a rough guide at best. A six-month-old can be shorter than a three-month-old, and a tall toddler will outgrow a towel long before the label says so. Instead, measure your baby from the top of the head to the base of the heel, then compare that to the towel's dimensions. If the towel is within 10 cm of that measurement, it will cover them now with a little room to grow.

Hooded towel sizes usually fall into two practical groups: smaller square towels for newborns and younger babies, and larger rectangular towels for toddlers who need more coverage. A towel that is too small will not wrap around the shoulders, so you end up holding it in place with one hand while trying to dry with the other. A towel that is too large drags on the floor and can be a trip hazard when you are carrying a wet child.

• Lay the towel flat and place your baby on it before bath time to check coverage without the stress of a wet baby.
• Look for a hood that is deep enough to stay on without being tight; a shallow hood slides off as soon as your baby turns their head.

Decide whether a baby bathrobe earns its place

A baby bathrobe is not a replacement for a hooded towel. It is a second layer for after the towel, when your baby is dry but you want to keep them warm while you tidy the bathroom or prepare a bottle. The best time to use one is when your baby can sit or stand steadily, because a robe needs to stay on the shoulders without you holding it. For newborns, a hooded towel is usually enough.

If you do buy a bathrobe, choose one that opens flat and fastens with a simple tie or snap. A robe that has to go over the head is awkward with a wriggling baby. Also check the fabric: a lightweight cotton robe dries quickly and is comfortable in summer, while a thicker towelling robe holds more warmth but takes longer to dry. Neither is wrong, but your drying space should influence the choice.

• Hang the robe on a hook at your baby's height so you can grab it one-handed while holding your child.
• If you only have room for one after-bath layer, choose the hooded towel and skip the robe.

Choose muslin washcloths for daily wiping, not just bath time

Muslin washcloths are the workhorse of baby bath essentials. They are soft enough for a newborn's face, absorbent enough for milk spills, and they dry quickly after washing. The open weave means they do not stay damp in a heap, which matters when you are using them several times a day. For bath time, a muslin washcloth is gentle on skin and easy to rinse and wring out.

Buy at least three, ideally five or six if you use them for feeding as well as bathing. A pack of mixed colours helps you keep one set for the bath and another for the kitchen. When you wash them, avoid fabric softener because it coats the fibres and reduces absorbency. A warm machine wash with a mild detergent is enough, and they will soften further with use.

• Keep one dry muslin washcloth in your nappy bag for spills and one in the bathroom for bath time.
• If a washcloth starts to smell musty even after washing, it needs a hotter wash or a longer drying time, not more detergent.

Pick fabrics that suit your drying setup

The best fabric for your baby's bath time depends on how you dry laundry. Thick cotton towelling feels plush and absorbs a lot of water, but it can take hours to dry indoors. Microfibre dries faster but can feel less soft against newborn skin. Muslin is lightweight and dries quickly, which is why it works well for washcloths and summer hooded towels.

If you line-dry outside, heavier cotton is practical. If you dry indoors on a rack, lean toward lighter weights or a blend that releases water easily. A towel that stays damp for a day will start to smell, and that is a sign to switch fabrics rather than wash more often.

• Buy one towel in a lighter fabric first and test how long it takes to dry in your home before buying more.
• Wash new towels and washcloths before first use to remove any manufacturing residue and improve absorbency.

Decision rules for your bath time setup

• If your baby is under 6 months: Choose a smaller hooded towel that covers from head to toe without excess fabric. Skip the bathrobe for now because a newborn cannot hold a robe on their shoulders. Buy two hooded towels so one is always dry.
• If your baby is sitting independently: Add a baby bathrobe as a warm layer after drying. Look for a robe that opens flat and fastens simply, so you can put it on while your baby is on your lap. A robe is optional, not essential.
• If you dry laundry indoors: Prioritise lighter fabrics like muslin for washcloths and thinner cotton for towels. Heavier towelling may stay damp and develop a smell. Test one towel before buying a matching set.
• If you use washcloths for feeding too: Buy at least five muslin washcloths and keep separate colours for bath and kitchen. This avoids cross-use and means you always have a clean one. A 3-pack is a starting point, not a full set.

Products that fit these decisions

• Silicone cup 2-pack - Mrs. Rabbit: A fun colourful duo of cups. Each cup features an animal friend that cannot wait to share a meal with your little one. These cups are the perfect size for little hands to hold. The cups are also stackable for easy storage. Silicone is great for use in the kitchen. It does not break and is safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and oven. Bath time often runs into mealtime, and these stackable silicone cups are easy for little hands to hold and safe for the dishwasher, so you can rinse them and reuse them without fuss.
• Silicone bowl - Mr. Lion: Wide handles on the bowl are handy when you feed your little one and come in great when kids start holding the bowl themselves. Kids can play peekaboo with our animal friends. They will enjoy discovering their friendly face on the bottom of the bowl when they eat their meal or enjoy a snack. The silicone bowls are stackable for easy storage. The wide handles and stackable design make this bowl a practical choice for after-bath snacks, and the silicone is durable enough for daily use.
• Waterproof long sleeve bib - Mr. Fox: This cheerful bib comes with practical long sleeves and keeps your baby's clothes clean while enjoying a nice meal, drink, or snack. The handy pocket makes sure all spilled food is neatly caught, making much less of a mess. More good news: the fabric is waterproof and made from 100% recycled polyester! It is easy to wipe clean and saves you a lot of cleaning. If your bath time routine includes a snack afterwards, a waterproof long-sleeve bib protects clothes and wipes clean, reducing the laundry pile that already includes towels and washcloths.

Who this setup is for

Best for

• Parents building a bath time routine for a baby or toddler
• Caregivers who want a simple, low-laundry system for after-bath drying

Not for

• Parents looking for a single product that replaces all towels and washcloths
• Anyone who needs a hooded towel for a child over 4 years old, as sizes are typically aimed at babies and toddlers

Choose hooded towel sizes by your baby's length, treat a baby bathrobe as an optional second layer, and buy enough muslin washcloths to last between washes. That combination keeps bath time calm and your drying rack manageable.