Do babies need special towels?

According to Dr. Schlitt, “Generally, babies do not need special towels. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Reports do not have any specific standards for newborn towels. If it is more affordable for the family to use towels that they already have, that is perfectly fine. Some caregivers do prefer towels marketed to babies that are smaller and come with a hood that can be comfortably wrapped around the head when taking baby out of the bath.” Pick what safely works for your family's needs and budget.

How many baby towels do you need?

The number of baby towels you need will depend on how often you do laundry, but you should have at least three: a clean towel to use, one in the laundry pile, and a spare towel in case of a pee or poop accident while you’re bathing or drying your baby—because accidents of this sort will happen often.

How often do you need to wash baby towels?

It’s best to keep your baby’s towels fresh and clean. Always wash right away if there’s been a bathroom accident on the towel. Most towels will dry quickly if they are hung to dry and can be washed on a regular schedule with the rest of your household laundry.

How much are baby towels?

The price of good quality baby towels can range between $10 and $60 depending on the materials, special features, and brands. The lower end of the price range will get you a basic towel like our top pick, the Luvable Friends Hooded Towel , which is functional, cute, and comes with five washcloths. Organic cotton and bamboo towels, like the Posh Peanut Hooded Towel , will typically have a higher price tag.

The 16 Best Baby Towels of 2023

Is there anything cuter than your little one warm, cozy, and clean after their bath? Baby bath towels are a sweet accessory and make perfect gifts or baby registry additions. They’re cute, practical, and come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and price points.

While bathtime can quickly go from an adorable photo-worthy moment to a soapy, slippery mess, some sort of towel is always needed to dry your little one off post-bath. According to pediatrician Meghan Schlitt, MD, FAAP, caregivers should “look for a towel that is soft, absorbent, and affordable. The towel should not have any loose threads that can get wrapped around a baby’s finger or toes.”

Shop for towels that are well-sized for your baby. Towels for newborns can be a bit smaller, about 30 x 30 inches. You want to make sure there’s room to grow, but it’s best to avoid huge towels for little babies. Hooded towels are not only cute, but they keep little heads warm after the bath. Some sets come with other accessories like hand pockets, washcloths, and other features which can all be useful.

Our list of the best baby towels will help you find the perfect pick for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Hooded Towel at Amazon

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Best Giftable:

Little Unicorn Infant Hooded Towel & Washcloth Set at Amazon

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Best Monogrammed:

Pottery Barn Gingham Baby Hooded Towel at Potterybarnkids.com

Jump to Review

Best Classic:

Parachute Hooded Baby Towel at Parachute

Jump to Review

Best Organic:

Burt’s Bees Baby Bath Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Hooded:

Posh Peanut Ruffled Hooded Towels at Poshpeanut.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Carter’s Organic Towels at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for the Bath:

Puj Hug Baby Hooded Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for the Beach:

Pouf Terry Cover Up at Maisonette.com

Jump to Review

Best Bamboo:

Kea Babies Hooded Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Very Well Family

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Affordable
Multiple patterns
One towel and five washcloths included

Cons

Thinner material
Polyester may bother sensitive skin

Affordable and adorable, this towel set is our top pick for a variety of reasons. It comes in so many pattern choices, is well priced, and includes five washcloths, so there’s always one on hand to clean your baby’s cute crevices. The set is available in 20 animal-themed patterns with corresponding prints on the washcloths.

These towels are well-sized for newborns and infants. They're made with a cotton polyester blend, so they're on the thinner side and isn’t super plush. That may be a benefit for those in warmer climates, but others may prefer a thicker towel option.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton/polyester blend | Size: 30 x 30 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Maisonette.com

Pros

Comes in gift-ready packaging
Sophisticated patterns
Slip hand pockets

Cons

Expensive

A splurge-worthy gift for yourself or a special new baby, this towel and washcloth set is well-loved for good reason. Crafted with printed muslin on one side, the reverse is plush cotton terry, so it is super soft and absorbent. Style-minded parents will appreciate the modern, sophisticated, and gender-neutral muslin patterns like lemons, dogs, florals, and even narwhals. For ultimate coziness, it has a plush hood and handy pockets.

The set comes with a coordinating washcloth and ships in attractive packaging for easy gift-giving. For family matching or older kiddos, there’s also a toddler-sized towel set that fits kids up to age 6, so your crew can all be super cute together.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Material: Printed cotton muslin on one side, terry on reverse | Size: 30 x 30 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Pottery Barn Kids

View On Potterybarnkids.com

Pros

Easy custom monogram
Free shipping

Cons

No returns on monogrammed items
Nine character limit

Monograms are a sweet way to add a custom touch to a bath towel and maybe even instill a teachable moment as your baby grows and learns to identify their own name. Pottery Barn is known for top-quality items, and this towel is no different. Choose between six colors of gingham trim around the towel. If you decide to monogram, there are 17 fonts and five colored threads to choose from. Long names take note: Characters are limited to nine. Monogrammed items take longer to ship and are non-returnable, but this item ships free, which helps defray the added costs.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton/polyester blend | Size: 31 x 31 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Parachute

Pros

Simple, classic style
Neutral color options

Cons

Washcloths sold separately

Light, soft, and super absorbent, fans of Parachute’s linens will appreciate the timeless look of this simple towel. Some caregivers may appreciate the simplicity of this towel, which is available in four neutral color choices, while others may prefer options that have more colorful or baby-themed patterns. Made of 100% Turkish cotton, this hooded towel manages to be both cozy and lightweight.

Price at time of publication: $29

^{Key Specs:
Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Size: 30 x 30 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Burtsbeesbaby.com

Pros

Organic cotton
Two-pack or single-pack options

Cons

Material is on the thinner side
Smaller-sized towel

If choosing organic materials is important to you, this Burt’s Bees hooded baby bath towel is an affordable and super cute pick. There are lots of options—the towel comes in packs of one or two and is available in a slew of patterns. We like that the two-pack sets feature coordinating colors but aren’t both the same, so you get the benefit of two styles with one purchase. Made of breathable cotton, this fabric is absorbent but on the thinner side, so don’t expect a super plush towel.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Material: 100% organic cotton | Size: 29 x 29 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Posh Peanut

View On Poshpeanut.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Pros

Hypoallergenic material
Odor resistant
Oversized to grow into

Cons

Expensive
May be too big for newborns

Who can resist a ruffled hooded towel in amazingly beautiful patterns? Certainly a splurge, this towel has lots of benefits. Made of viscose from bamboo, the material is super soft, stretchy, and naturally hypoallergenic and anti-fungal, so it won’t get stinky and is great for sensitive skin. The towel is bigger than others—it may be a bit big for newborns, but this pick will last for a long time and can be used as a blanket at the beach or pool.

Price at time of publication: $56

^{Key Specs:
Material: Exterior: Viscose from bamboo and spandex blend, interior: Terry from viscose bamboo and cotton blend | Size: 40 x 40 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Carters.com

Pros

Affordable organic cotton
Two-pack

Cons

Basic colors, no frills

Count on Carter’s to offer parents an affordable option for simple, basic, organic cotton towels. These towel sets come with two hooded towels. For those into simple styles, this pick will fit the bill—there are no frills, patterns, or cute colors. Keep your eyes on sales on Carter’s site and take advantage of free shipping at both Carter’s and Amazon with a minimum spend.

Price at time of publication: $23

^{Key Specs:
Material: Organic cotton | Size: 30 x 30 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Maisonette.com

Pros

Tabbed towel keeps parents dry and baby cozy
Tab also serves as a hanging loop

Cons

Only available in white

An innovative solution for wet, slippery bath time, this ingenious towel helps keep parents dry and allows you to pick up the baby with both hands and quickly dry them off. When your baby is in the bath, use the silicone tabs to secure the towel around your neck. The towel becomes an apron that keeps your front dry while you bathe your baby.

Since it’s secured on the body, once bathtime ends, pick up the slippery baby with two hands and cradle them right onto your chest. The tabs easily unlatch, and then it’s easy to place the hood on the baby’s head and continue to wrap them up.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Material: 100% cotton with silicone tabs | Size: 30 x 30 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Maisonette

View On Maisonette.com

Pros

Sizing for toddlers through kids
Easy to wear for beach or pool

Cons

No baby sizes
Limited color options

A wearable towel is a perfect solution for kiddos at the beach or pool. Simply throw this hooded terry cover-up over a bathing suit (or after a sandy suit has been removed), and your kiddo will be warm and cozy. Since this style is wearable, there’s no need to worry about kids dragging their towel through the sand or leaving it behind.

As an added bonus, the cover-up provides good sun protection and can be used just to warm up if the beach day turns cloudy. This choice is great for older kids (there are no baby sizes).

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton/polyester blend | Size: 2-4, 5-7, 8-10 years old | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Bamboo dries quickly
Good for sensitive skin

Cons

Bigger size may not be ideal for newborns

Soft and durable, bamboo is super absorbent and dries quickly. Parents say the bamboo material is great for kids with sensitive skin—and the fact that it dries so quickly is an added bonus. If you’re into post-bath photo shoots, there are super sweet ears on the hood that are beyond adorable. A bit larger than other options, this towel will fit newborns and will last as they age and grow.

Price at time of publication: $22

^{Key Specs:
Material: 100% bamboo | Size: 35 x 35 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Affordable
Extra washcloths double as burp cloths

Cons

Thinner material

With one click, you can stock up your bathroom! This 23-piece set comes with three hooded towels and 20 washcloths. If that feels overwhelming now, you’ll appreciate the set when you don’t have to do laundry all the time. Since there are so many, the washcloths can be useful as burp cloths or an added helper in a diaper bag. There are multiple pattern options, and the towels and washcloths are all color coordinated, so they look cute stacked together on a shelf. A great gift for a first-time parent—and a great addition to a baby registry—this set certainly provides the bang for the buck.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton | Size: 30 x 26 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

buybuybaby

View On Louloulollipop.com

Pros

Bamboo blend fabric
Unique patterns
Comes with washcloth

Cons

Expensive

If your child has sensitive skin, you may want to consider a towel made from bamboo, which has natural antimicrobial elements and is usually processed without added chemicals that can irritate the skin. Along with a hooded towel with comfy pockets, this set comes with a matching washcloth for bathtime. Choose from 20+ whimsical patterns, including lovely florals, silly sushi, breakfast treats, and many more.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Material: Rayon from bamboo and cotton blend | Size: 32 x 32 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Variety of uses
Muslin is super soft

Cons

Limited color options

Newborns don’t need to be on a super frequent bath schedule. As Dr. Schlitt recommends, “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that three baths per week should be sufficient for the duration of a baby's first year. More frequent baths can dry out the skin. Only sponge bath the baby until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off and the pediatrician says it is OK.”

Since they don’t need to be bathed too frequently, we like this muslin bath towel for newborns because it can be used way beyond bath time. Use it for a cozy swaddle, baby blanket, impromptu changing mat, car seat cover, and of course, a bath towel. This handy towel features six layers of soft muslin and is available in a few classic colors.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Material: Muslin cotton | Size: 32 x 32 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Sized for kids 2 to 10 years old
Easy to hang up from the hood

Cons

Animal style may be too juvenile for older kids

Remarkably soft, very absorbent, and super-sized, this big towel mimics the style of hooded baby towels but will fit bigger kids. Involve your older kids and let them choose from a wide variety of cute animal patterns. Made from bamboo, this towel dries quickly and is super absorbent. Note that the hood may be small for some kids.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Material: Rayon made from bamboo | Size: 50 x 30 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Wearable style makes it easy to keep the towel on
Multiple colors and styles available

Cons

Poncho is too big for babies

Soft and absorbent, this poncho-style towel is useful for older babies and toddlers. After the bath, simply pop the hooded poncho over your kiddo’s head, and they can get warm and cozy in a matter of minutes. Even better, since it’s a poncho, the towel stays on, so it’s safe and secure. Helpful for the pool or beach, too, your kiddo can wear the towel over a bathing suit (or without one) to dry off and stay warm. The towel coverage provides added sun protection to boot.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Key Specs:
Material: Rayon made from bamboo | Size: 22.5 x 21.5 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Oversized towel will fit babies through toddlers
Available in four colors

Cons

May take some practice to get comfortable with neck strap

Designed by parents for parents, this clever towel apron is a helpful bathroom addition, especially for babies that love to splash and play in the tub. The caregiver simply fastens the apron-style towel around their neck with the hood facing forward. This feature protects adults from getting soaked and keeps your hands free to scrub that squirmy munchkin. When bathtime is over, use both hands to lift your babe to your chest (it’s covered by the towel) and wrap up your cutie in the towel.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton terry | Size: 38 x 38 inches | Care instructions: Machine washable}

How We Selected

To select the best towels for babies, we considered options that offered a variety of sizes and styles, worked for different age needs, and were affordable. We also examined fabric softness, absorbency, and quality when selecting our picks. In addition, we talked to Meghan Schlitt, MD, FAAP, who gave us insights into what to look for and the best materials and products for babies.

What to Look for in a Baby Towel

Keep these features in mind when shopping for a new baby towel.

Material

Look for fabric that is soft, durable, absorbent, fast-drying, and easy to clean. For warmer climates, a thinner material may be best; those in colder climates may prefer more plush towels. Bamboo fabric and cotton, in particular, are recommended for babies with sensitive skin or who are prone to eczema.

Design

Pick a design that fits your needs and lifestyle. Younger babies will likely benefit from a smaller towel with a hood that can get them dry quickly. Older, more active toddlers may appreciate a poncho-style towel—like the HIPHOP Panda Panda Bamboo Hooded Baby Towel—that allows them to dry off and will stay on as they scamper away from bath time. While not a must-have, Dr. Schlitt says, “Some caregivers do prefer towels marketed to babies that are smaller and come with a hood that can be comfortably wrapped around the head when taking baby out of the bath.”

Ease of cleaning

All the towels on our list are machine washable. With a new baby, you’ll already be doing tons of laundry, so there’s no reason to add more work to your list with delicate towels. Wash the towels in the same detergent you use for your baby’s clothes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby’s stuff can be washed with regular detergent as long as it doesn’t “strip away the flame-retardant properties of sleepwear.” There’s no need to invest in milder detergent unless your baby develops signs of skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do babies need special towels?

According to Dr. Schlitt, “Generally, babies do not need special towels. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Reports do not have any specific standards for newborn towels. If it is more affordable for the family to use towels that they already have, that is perfectly fine. Some caregivers do prefer towels marketed to babies that are smaller and come with a hood that can be comfortably wrapped around the head when taking baby out of the bath.” Pick what safely works for your family's needs and budget.
How many baby towels do you need?

The number of baby towels you need will depend on how often you do laundry, but you should have at least three: a clean towel to use, one in the laundry pile, and a spare towel in case of a pee or poop accident while you’re bathing or drying your baby—because accidents of this sort will happen often.
How often do you need to wash baby towels?

It’s best to keep your baby’s towels fresh and clean. Always wash right away if there’s been a bathroom accident on the towel. Most towels will dry quickly if they are hung to dry and can be washed on a regular schedule with the rest of your household laundry.
How much are baby towels?

The price of good quality baby towels can range between $10 and $60 depending on the materials, special features, and brands. The lower end of the price range will get you a basic towel like our top pick, the Luvable Friends Hooded Towel, which is functional, cute, and comes with five washcloths. Organic cotton and bamboo towels, like the Posh Peanut Hooded Towel, will typically have a higher price tag.

Why Trust Very Well Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, 9-year-old son, and 5-year old daughter. When her kiddos were little, she loved hooded towels to keep them cozy post-bath. As they got older, she found poncho-style towels were easy and fun for her kids to wear.

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