In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Want the best washcloth for your baby's bathtime? After researching more than 20 options, we purchased 12 baby washcloths available today for hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons. Since babies have more delicate skin than adults and parents desire a product that lasts extended use, we tested the washcloth competition for softness, absorbency, and durability. We also considered which option is the best for different jobs. Read on to discover the best of the bunch for every need and budget.
At first glance, Bamboo Organics Viscone Washcloth may look like an ordinary piece of fabric, but as soon as you touch them, you can feel the difference. These soft and supple washcloths come in a pack of 6 and are 100% bamboo. The fabric is super absorbent and soft to the touch but spongey enough that you can squeeze excess water on your baby for a quick rinse during bath time. They quickly and easily absorb spills, and the material is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and odor-resistant. They don't shrink much after the first wash and retain their 10-inch square shape over time. We feel this is the ideal size for a small baby — not too big and not too small. We also appreciate the thickness, which is substantial but still thinner than an adult washcloth, allowing you to access tiny wrinkles and creases common in babies.
We found during testing that the Bamboo Organics washcloths weren't very durable. With a cloth this soft, it is inevitable that it might be a little more delicate. The terrycloth fabric snags more readily than other contenders, and some users note the pastel colors fade. Although this does not affect functionality, it is disappointing to find the colors don't last. Despite these shortcomings, the Bamboo Organics washcloths are our favorite for bathtime, and we think they're perfect for babies of all ages, older children, and even adults with sensitive skin. If you're searching for a more durable option, check out the multi-use GroVia Cloth Wipes.
The Bamboo Organics Viscone Washcloths are gentle on sensitive baby skin.
Without hesitation, we are giving Burt's Bees Organic Washcloth a top spot in our round-up. These cute washcloths come in a pack of 3 and are 100% organic cotton. Our favorite feature is that they offer different textures for different needs. There is a soft jersey knit side for sensitive areas like the face and neck and a textured terrycloth side suitable for vigorous scrubbing. We like that both textures are in one cloth, so you won't have to choose or get two things dirty. Even though the terrycloth side is somewhat coarse, both sides are still soft enough for delicate baby skin. These organic cloths have quality fabric and stitching, and they feel durable compared to much of the competition.
Burt's Bees Washcloths are baby-sized from the start, and they shrink about one inch after the initial wash, so you end up with a smaller-than-average surface area. We do not mind this, but if you want a larger cloth to drape over your baby during bath time, this is probably not the one for you. Burt's Bees cloths also have a thick border sewn around the edge that often shrinks differently from the rest of the fabric. It may cause the edges to curl up or warp the overall shape of the cloth. This irregularity does not affect how well the material will cleanse a baby, but they do not lay nice and flat for folding and storing. If you do not mind these few drawbacks, Burt's Bees Organic Washcloths are among the best bathtime options. We recommend them, especially if you hope to keep your baby products as natural as possible. If you need a bigger size, consider a larger option like the Kyapoo Washcloth | Kyapoo Washcloths.
Burt's Bees Washcloths come in a variet of cute prints.
Material: Synthetic Microfiber | Size: 11.5" x 11.5"
REASONS TO BUY
Super-duper soft and plush
Large size
Very absorbent
REASONS TO AVOID
Almost too soft
Drops lint
Kyapoo Washcloths are some of the softest washcloths we have ever encountered. These plush microfiber cloths feel like a cloud when dry and have a sleek seal when wet. They are so soft that our 18-month-old tester did not want to let them go! Their velvety texture, large size, and high absorbency make them perfect for draping over small infants for warmth during bathtime. Kyapoo cloths have cute embroidery around the edge that prevents them from fraying, and there is no shrinkage after washing. Unlike some competitors, the Kyapoo retained its softness through multiple wash cycles and did not pill or stiffen during testing. This option is one of the most affordable in our review, and we love that you get so many great features for a reasonable price.
With softness comes struggles; these towels lack the texture required to remove significant messes and drop a lot of lint when new. They are also thick, making it difficult to manage skin creases typical to growing babies. Kyapoo baby washcloths may not be for everyone, but we appreciate the softness and budget-friendly price and recommend them for younger babies or toddlers with extra sensitive skin. For a soft washcloth with a good scrubbing texture and ideal thickness, consider the Bamboo Organics Viscone Washcloth.
The Kyapoo Washcloth was a favorite of 18 month old Annie's, and she loved feeling the soft fabric on her belly.
Material: Polyester/Cotton Terry Cloth | Size: 8" x 8"
REASONS TO BUY
Multi-use
Wash well
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Only average softness
Bulky
You guessed it, the GroVia Cloth Wipes are designed for cloth diaper use, but they also work great as washcloths! We love the Grovia cloths for versatility at and away from the changing table. These soft and absorbent terrycloth towels utilize a blend of polyester and cotton that provides efficient scrubbing power. With absolutely no shrinkage after the initial washing, what you see is what you get, and they lay perfectly flat for folding and storing, wash after wash. For this review, we evaluated these washcloths as a bathtime accessory, but many parents love them as cloth wipes, mealtime face wipes, and later, even kitchen rags. They are so durable that you can count on them to last for years. When we compared a new cloth to one we'd used for years, there was little difference beyond a slight loss of softness.
The texture of the GroVia Cloth Wipes is not as cushy as some other products we tested. The thickness that provides absorbency also inhibits getting into hard-to-reach places while cleaning a baby. Also, the size can make them less appealing for stashing in a diaper bag for on-the-go cleanups because of the somewhat bulky construction. While the cloth is very durable, the stitching sometimes unravels, causing the edges to fray. However, we feel that these small inconveniences are not deal-breakers. If you value durability, versatility, and longevity, we think this one-and-done solution is perfect for babies and beyond. For a better balance of thickness, softness, and absorbency, take a look at the Bamboo Organics Viscone Washcloth.
We think that GroVia Cloth Wipes are the perfect size and texture for babies who are a bit older.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Compare Products
Bathtime should be fun! Having the right washcloth can make cleaning less of a hassle and more soothing for baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why You Should Trust Us
For the washcloths in this review, we considered the range of situations where you need a washcloth and the most valuable features. We researched almost 25 options before settling on our selections. We include budget-friendly options and those with organic or softness in mind. We used each product with little ones, and after using them in the lab and on real babies, we developed a clear sense of how each product performs and which washcloths we prefer.
Our lead tester, Abriah Wofford, has been chasing babies around, trying to keep them clean for more than ten years as both a nanny and big sister to 5 siblings. Playing a significant role in product selection, our pediatrician founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier has had much hands-on experience with many baby washcloths, using them with her two children and for various household purposes.
Baby Annie had a blast helping us choose the top baby washcloths for this review.
We compared cloths or different shapes, sizes, textures and materials.
Analysis and Test Results
We chose to evaluate the baby washcloths in this review based on three primary performance metrics: softness, durability, and absorbency. We think these features are what parents will appreciate most during bathing or mealtime cleanups.
Value
Most of the products in this review are multi-packs that provide several washcloths. This kind of packaging can make it more challenging to tell what are the best deals. Two things to consider when finding a good value: Are the towels appropriate for your planned activities? How long will they last? The Kyapoo Washcloth comes in a pack of ten and is around a dollar apiece, depending on the sales price. They feel durable, suitable for cleaning little ones, and soft enough to avoid skin irritation if you use a gentle hand. If you are looking for multipurpose washcloths, these are the least expensive in the group and feel very durable, so they should last longer and offer more value over time. However, they are pretty rough and perhaps not ideal for infants and younger babies.
Burt's Bees Washcloths have a smooth knit side and a terry cloth side so you can tailor your scrub to the mess.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Cleaning Ability
The cleaning ability of a washcloth is influenced by its texture, thickness, and size. Smaller and thinner washcloths can be easier to use with infants and babies but may not be substantial enough for toddlers.
Burts Bees cloths have different textures on each side, giving it an edge over the competition and helping it high marks for cleaning ability. This cloth can be soft and delicate on one side for the baby's skin and slightly rougher on the other side for tougher messes. We like the ability to switch it up based on your need that day without bringing in a second product to the mix. The Gerber Cloths are the hardest to use for cleaning. They are so small and thin that the fabric rolls up as you scrub, and there isn't enough material to grab. They are too small to drape over baby bellies and do not provide much warmth. These features resulted in a low score for the brand name option.
We tested the OsoCozy Flannel Wipes in the tub, and while they are exceedingly soft, but found that we prefer to use them in the kitchen.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Softness/Comfort
Infants' skin is more delicate and thinner than adults' skin, causing it to be more prone to irritation. Therefore, finding a textured washcloth to clean the skin while being effective is essential. To achieve this happy medium, manufacturers offer a variety of fabrics and textures, depending on your preferences.
Some products, such as GroVia Cloth Wipes, have soft and finely looped terry cloth that is more delicate than your typical adult washcloth. The BabyBliss Muslin Washcloth and Aden + Anais Classic Washcloth are cotton muslin that takes a few cycles through the washing machine to reach their maximum coziness. The DermaFrida Bath Mitt is the only product in our review that is not fabric. Instead, it uses small silicone bristles to cleanse your baby's skin. While soft, this option might be somewhat aggressive for younger infants, in our opinion, and it seems to be a better fit for toddlers.
We found that Bamboo Organics Viscone Washcloths offered the perfect balance between texture and softness.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our favorite cloths use a supple fabric that is thin enough to clean in between the creases of all of your baby's adorable fat rolls, but it still offers enough texture to grab dirt or grime stuck to the skin. We think the Bamboo Organics Viscone Washcloths strike the perfect balance, keeping down the bulk but still feeling relatively sturdy and "scrubby." The Kyapoo Washcloth is an uber-soft synthetic microfiber and is the cushiest of the bunch. However, some feel that it is almost too soft and doesn't cleanse the skin as thoroughly as others. The Amazon Basics Washcloth has the roughest textured terry cloth out of the group and requires a gentle hand when used with infants.
These cloths work well for scrubbing away messes, but if you have a baby with extra sensitive skin, we recommend looking elsewhere.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Durability
Initially, you may think you only need your washcloths to last until your baby grows into childhood, but you may find that you appreciate them for other tasks outside of baby washing. That is when actual durability and longevity come into play.
We examined each washcloth to see if the fabric had any snags after use or if a trip through the washing machine resulted in loosened stitching. Aden + Anais Classic Washcloths show great attention to detail and quality in the fabric makeup and the sturdiness of the border stitching. These towels also get softer and softer with time, making them a favorite for long-term use. Unfortunately, some long-lasting options achieve their durability by sacrificing softness, as is the case with the Natemia Bamboo Washcloth, which is more durable but not as soft as other top-ranking options.
Annie uses the soft and scrubby Burt's Bees washcloth to clean herself.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We've been using the Grovia Cloth Wipes for years. They function perfectly as baby wipes, washcloths, and even kitchen rags (once you're done using them on your baby). Impressively, after years of extensive use, these wipes hold up well. When comparing a new wipe with a well-loved version, the older one was about the same, with slightly decreasing softness and faded color. The Burt's Bees Organic Washcloth is another option we believe will last for years.
The Kyapoo Washcloth is uber soft and absorbent and also doubles as a fun bathtime toy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Absorbency
Absorbency is essential no matter how you intend to use your baby washcloth. The ideal washcloth can absorb and hold a large amount of liquid to help wipe away gunky messes. We also like to use the cloth to gather water during bathtime and squeeze it over the baby for a fun waterfall rinse.
You can use this wipe for quick face clean-ups and accidental spills during mealtimes. Generally, thicker washcloths are more absorbent, but the thicker options might be more challenging to manage when bathing a tiny squirmy baby. The microfiber Kyapoo Washcloths and bamboo terrycloth Bamboo Organics Viscone Washcloth are two of the most absorbent options in this review, thanks to their substantial fabric makeup.
Having an absorbent baby washcloth comes in handy when you have a sticky mess on your hands, or your baby's hands.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Baby washcloths are an essential component of most nightly bathtime routines. You might be surprised by how many other uses you find for these handy washcloths. Little messes (everywhere) are inevitable when you have a baby, and keeping an ample supply of baby washcloths at the ready can make life much simpler. Our lineup of competitors each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but a few products offered top performance. We believe our tests, everyday use, and insights can help you find the perfect washcloth for your growing family.
