Best Baby Towels and Washcloths

checked mark Fact-Checked by Jessie Van Amburg  | January 5, 2024
best baby towels and washcloths 2023

Is there anything cuter than a baby getting a bath? We don’t think so. Especially when a little one is wrapped in an adorable hooded baby towel — bonus points if the towel makes her look like a duck or a bear.

Though some expecting parents may question if they really need towels and washcloths that were designed just for babies, most find they are happy to have them in their collection. Not only are they typically incredibly cute, but they are generally smaller and softer than adult-size bath towels and washcloths, which makes it easier to wrap your child up quickly after a bath or wipe them down while they’re in the tub.

How we chose the best baby towels and washcloths 

  • We turned to the What to Expect community to gather a consensus on brands and specific baby towels and washcloths that parents have used and loved for their own children.
  • We also tapped the WTE community to get a sense of what features parents prioritize in a baby towel or washcloth. With that in mind, all of the washcloths and towels on our list are:
    • Primarily made of cotton or bamboo for ideal softness and absorbency
    • Machine washable for convenience
  • We selected towels and washcloths that had overwhelmingly positive reviews regarding softness, style and durability.

Other factors to consider when buying baby towels and washcloths

  • Fabric type and texture: Babies have sensitive skin, so you’ll want gentle, soft fabric in your towels. Most parents love cotton and bamboo, though 100 percent cotton is recommended if your baby has eczema. 
  • Size: Typically baby towels are a little smaller than regular towels, making it easier to dry little ones off quickly. Most baby towels are 30 x 30 inches; larger ones might be usable longer as your child grows. 
  • Towel and washcloth type: We typically recommend baby towels with hoods, since they keep baby’s head warm after a bath and make it easier to dry her off. You can find regular washcloths or wash mitts. The latter might be easier to use on a squirmy infant, but it really comes down to personal preference.
  • Fabric quality: Some parents feel extra peace of mind when buying organic towels and washcloths, since they’re going on baby’s skin. If that’s you, look for an OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton or Standard 100 label on the product, which means that the product was independently tested and certified to contain organic cotton and/or is free from harmful substances. Another option: the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label, which certifies that the fabric is made with entirely organic fibers and its production meets ethical and sustainable labor standards.

How many baby towels and washcloths do I need? 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) both say that most babies only need to be bathed two to three times a week. (Anything more may dry out baby’s sensitive skin, say both organizations.) As such, you likely won’t need a ton of baby towels and washcloths to keep your little one clean. We typically recommend two or three towels, and three to five washcloths or washcloth mitts, although some WTE parents like to stock up on washcloths to use on spit up, drool or food mess. The more little ones you have, the more you’ll need.

How do I fold hooded baby towels? 

There are a few different schools of thought for folding a hooded baby towel. But one of the most popular methods ensures that the cute design typically situated on the hood is easy to see even once the whole towel is folded. Here’s how to do it: 

  • Lay your towel out flat, with the hood facing up. 
  • Fold up the bottom half of the towel in thirds (horizontally). The hood should look like a triangle sitting on top of a long strip of folded towel. 
  • Fold in the ends of the towel into the middle so the seam is touching the edge of the hood on each side.
  • Roll the two sides in to meet each other in the middle. 
  • Gently pull the hood fabric down over the rolled towel segments. 

Check out the best baby washcloths and towels below. 

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Baby Towel Overall

Bamboo Queen 2-Pack Premium Bamboo Baby Bath Towel

bamboo queen premium hooded baby towel set
Buying Options
Pros
  • Affordable
  • soft
Cons
  • Some parents found them to be a little thin
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

This is the baby towel recommended over and over by What to Expect community parents. “I LOVE THESE ONES!” raves one mom. “These are the best towels! Even softer than our Kyte baby towel which costs a lot more,” says another. The absorbent hooded towels are made with bamboo, ensuring they’re soft and gentle on baby’s skin. The simple design and multiple color combos ensures that they’ll look great in your home (and on your kids) for years to come. And once baby outgrows them, you can find the exact same towel in a slightly larger size suitable for bigger kids. 

Materials: 100 percent bamboo rayon

Size: 30 x 30 inches

Care instructions: Machine wash

Community Reviews
  • I bought bamboo ones off Amazon and LOVE them they are so soft!

Best Hooded Baby Towel

Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Hooded Towel with Five Washcloths

luvable friends unisex hooded baby towel
Pros
  • Cute
  • affordable
  • lots of design options
Cons
  • Some say the fabric is a little thin and cheap feeling
Why We Love It

With more than 24,000 five-star reviews, this towel and washcloth set is a major hit with parents. (What to Expect parents also love this brand’s sleep sacks and pajamas.) The cotton-polyester blend is soft on your baby’s skin, and the set comes with five additional washcloths for under $10, making it ridiculously affordable. It’s available in 18 different designs.

Materials: 75 percent cotton, 25 percent polyester

Size: 30 x 30 inches (towel), 9 x 9 inches (washcloths)

Care instructions: Machine wash

Best Organic Baby Towel

Burt's Bees Baby 2-Pack Organic Cotton Hooded Towels

burt's bees baby towels gray
Buying Options
Pros
  • Soft
  • GOTS-certified fabric
  • beautiful design
Cons
  • Not very absorbent
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Eco-minded What to Expect community parents swear by Burt’s Bees for all things baby, including the brand’s gorgeous baby towels. “I actually love their washcloths too and towels! They're super soft and really great,” says one WTE mom. The soft hooded towels are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton for extra peace of mind. The fabric is smooth on one side and looped on the other from fabric that has been combed and ring-spun to prevent pilling and to enhance softness. The set of two comes in lots of pretty prints and designs, making them a great shower gift. 

Material: 100 percent organic cotton 

Size: 29 x 29 inches

Care instructions: Machine wash

Community Reviews
  • We have the Burts Bees hooded towels which are really soft and perfect for bathtime.” 

  • Burts Bees organic cotton hooded towels and washcloths are super soft and seem to hold up well in the wash!” 

Best Baby Towel and Washcloth Set

Cloud Island Baby Fox Bath Towel And Washcloth Set

cloud island baby towel set
Buying Options
Pros
  • Affordable set
  • cute design
Cons
  • Some parents wish it was softer
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

What to Expect Community parents love Cloud Island for affordable baby gear, and it’s easy to see why. This adorable six-piece set comes all rolled up in a mesh bag and tied with a bow, which makes it perfect for gifting. The soft cotton and polyester towel is OEKO-TEX 100 certified, meaning it’s free of harmful chemicals that you don’t want anywhere near baby’s skin. The elephant-themed set includes one hooded towel, four washcloths and a decorative elephant lovey washcloth that will soothe your baby at bathtime. (You can also find a bear or unicorn version of the same set.)

Material: 85 percent cotton, 15 percent recycled polyester

Size: 30 x 30 inches (towel), 9 x 9 inches (washcloths), 10 x 10 inches (elephant lovey)

Care Instructions: Machine wash and tumble dry

Community Reviews
  • [I recommend] Cloud island towels from target.. I get the ones with the character hood. Is about 9-12$” 

  • I really like the Cloud Island ones from Target they are a good size.” 

Best Bamboo Baby Towel

Bamboo Baby Hooded Towel by KeaBabies

keababies hooded towel
Buying Options
Pros
  • Organic fabric
  • soft
  • large size
Cons
  • Some find it doesn't hold up well in the wash
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Made of 100 percent pure organic bamboo, this KeaBabies hooded towel offers several advantages. It’s two times more absorbent and dries three times as fast as normal cotton towels, so your little one won’t catch a chill. It’s also hypoallergenic and mold- and odor-resistant, which are ideal features for sensitive baby skin. It’s also a few inches larger than standard baby towels and will fit your child until age 6. And those teddy bear ears are pretty darn cute, too!

Material: 100 percent organic bamboo viscose 

Size: 35 x 35 inches

Care instructions: Machine wash cold

Community Reviews
  • I like keababies for towels and wash rags, I can’t stand the super thin ones that are sold everywhere!” 

Best Plush Baby Towel

Natemia Organic Cotton Hooded Towel for Babies and Toddlers

natemia organic hooded baby towel
Buying Options
Pros
  • Super soft
  • certified organic cotton
  • larger size
Cons
  • More expensive than other options on this list
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If you’re looking for a super soft, thick towel, look no further than this luxe option from Natemia. Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, this plush hooded towel will keep your baby warm and dry after bath time. Parents say that it’s really absorbent, too. The slightly larger size ensures that it can be used as your little one grows up — ideal considering that these towels are slightly pricier than other options on the market. 

Materials: 100 percent organic cotton 

Size: 35 x 35 inches

Care instructions: Machine wash and dry

Community Reviews
  • I feel like most [baby towels] are super thin too. We tried quite a few and found this one that we love. Soft, thick and on the bigger side.” 

Best Baby Washcloths

Hip Hop Panda Bamboo Baby Washcloths

hip hop panda bamboo baby washcloths
Buying Options
Pros
  • Soft
  • affordable
Cons
  • Stains easily
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Many WTE parents recommend stocking up on baby washcloths since they can be used to wipe up lots of messes in and out of the tub. You can’t go wrong with this affordable set, which boasts over 13,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Parents say they’re super soft and absorbent, making it easy to gently clean off baby’s skin without causing irritation. They come in a few different colors, too.

Materials: 90 percent bamboo rayon, 10 percent cotton

Size: 10 x 10 inches

Care instructions: Machine wash

Community Reviews
  • These are amazing baby washcloths! Have had them for over a year and still perfectly white, I’ve bought several packs.” 

  • the hiphop panda wash cloths are super soft.

Best Organic Baby Washcloths

The Honest Company 10-Pack Washcloths

honest co white washcloths
Buying Options
Pros
  • Dual-certified organic fabric
  • soft
Cons
  • Don't hold their shape in the wash
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

These organic cotton washcloths are trimmed with raw-edge jersey that’s delicate on even the most sensitive baby’s skin. The fabric is GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified for maximum peace of mind. Some parents say these washcloths are so soft that they keep a few for their own bathroom to use. With 10 in the pack, there’s more than enough to go around. Just note that they may become a bit misshapen in the wash, according to parents who have used them.

Materials: 100 percent organic cotton

Size: 10 x 10 inches

Care instructions: Machine washable

Community Reviews
  • Hello bello and honest company have both impressed me with the products I’ve ordered.” 

Best Wash Mitts

Mushie Organic Cotton Bath Mitt 2-Pack

mushie baby bath mitt
Buying Options
Pros
  • Soft
  • easy to use
Cons
  • More expensive than traditional washcloths
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If you have a squirmy baby — or just want to have a slightly easier time washing her — you can’t go wrong with a bath mitt like this one. Made from organic cotton, it just slips on over your hand and stays put with an elastic cuff. Parents swear that they make washing babies so much easier. While they’re a little more expensive than regular washcloths, many parents find them well worth it, especially considering you can throw them in the washing machine with the rest of baby’s laundry. 

Materials: 100 percent organic terry cotton

Size: 4.25 x 9.5 inches

Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Community Reviews

What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.

American Academy of Dermatology, How to Bathe a Newborn: Tips from Dermatologists, July 2019.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Bathing Your Baby, March 2020.

American Academy of Dermatology, How Can I Find Eczema Friendly Products?, Undated.