Bibs for Newborns vs. Bibs for Toddlers: What's the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

Key Takeaways

• There are many types of bibs you can buy to cater exactly to your baby or toddler’s needs.
• If you’re wondering if there’s a difference between bibs for specific ages, the answer is yes.
• Learn more about bibs for drooling, feeding, and more, so you can purchase the correct option for your little one.

Do Newborns Need Bibs?

When you think of a bib, do you only consider putting one on during meals? If that’s the case, you might be missing out on a whole range of solutions to problems that are plaguing you and your little one. The best bibs for babies and toddlers are those that keep them clean, no matter what you happen to be doing.

Are you wondering, “Do newborns need bibs?” or “What’s the best bib for eating solid food?” Abiie® is here with answers. Explore our review of the most essential bib types below.

Types of Bibs

There are many styles of baby bibs, but five of them are going to be the most relevant and important for raising your little one. Review these five bib types to discover their specific use cases and decide if they’re right for you.

1. Drool Bibs

When your little one is born, you’ll quickly realize that babies drool … a lot. While some start off with minimal drool, once their teeth start to come in, the drooling increases, making it nearly impossible to keep babies clean. The bibs you use for drool are typically made of soft, absorbent textiles, like bamboo or cotton. These bibs can soak up a lot of liquid, dry out quickly, and feel soft against delicate skin. So do newborns need bibs? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

2. Feeding Bibs

When it’s time for your infant to move on from the bottle to purees, they’ll typically be eating sitting up in a modern high chair. To keep your little one clean while they’re eating soft or solid foods, you’ll need a water-resistant, adjustable option that prevents stains and moves with your baby without chafing their skin. At Abiie®, Ruby Wrapp® silicone baby bibs are among the best bibs for eating solid food, with a built-in tray that catches stray food before it hits the ground.

3. Smock Bibs

This type of bib is designed for toddlers who reach for items and create messes beyond the food tray. They’re shaped like an artist’s smock, covering most of the toddler’s torso and legs. The full coverage design is perfect for days when you’re crafting together, experimenting with paints, or using markers for drawing.

4. Silicone Bibs

Silicone bibs are simply those made from silicone materials. They’re available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to ensure you have a water-resistant, durable solution for every occasion. The silicone bibs at Abiie® are always food-grade, non-toxic, and dishwasher safe.

5. Bandana Bibs

The final type of bib to consider is the bandana bib. These are fabric bibs that can protect your baby’s clothing while enhancing their stylish ensemble. The small triangular shape isn’t as invasive as a full drool bib, but still provides adequate protection when you need to ensure your little one is presentable for an event.

Newborn vs. Toddler Bibs

Now that you know newborns do need bibs, we can start comparing the needs of toddlers vs. newborns and how these needs influence bib design.

Newborn Bib Needs

When newborns do need bibs, they’re required to catch liquids, including drool and milk dribbles, during bottle or breastfeeding. These bibs should be extremely lightweight to ensure they don’t weigh on your little one’s neck. They also need to be small enough to fit a newborn’s neck. Loose bibs can cause chafing against delicate skin, and they can also sag or droop, exposing the clothing underneath to drool and other messes.

We like to carry extra newborn bibs in the Huggs® infant hip seat because moms can even use the detachable hip seat as a travel nursing pillow when they’re on the go. Take the bib out of the zippered pocket and wrap it around your baby before laying them across the seat for an impromptu meal.

Toddler Bibs

Do newborns need bibs for drool? Yes. Do toddlers? Not usually. Instead, bibs for toddlers are focused on mealtime messes, so they’re designed with larger coverage to protect clothing from spills and stains. They’re also made with water-resistant materials that ensure they’re easy to clean. Whether you wipe them off or throw them in the dishwasher, silicone bibs are the best bibs for eating solid foods.

Bibs As Your Child Grows

When it comes to essential baby products, bibs are among those that babies tend to outgrow fastest. While we do what we can with adjustable necklines and durable materials, you may need a different bib for specific purposes. As your little one transitions from teething and bottlefeeding to self-feeding, your bib styles will change along with them.

Shop eco-friendly baby products to ensure you’re choosing safe, sustainable baby gear for your little one.

Do you have additional questions about the best bibs for eating solid foods, or what other activities newborns do need bibs for? Our team is here to help. Reach out to Abiie® Customer Service for personalized guidance.