- AGES & STAGESCOURSE
With such a large pool of baby towel options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your little one. This guide will help you navigate the market by walking you through the most important factors to consider as you’re shopping so you can make an informed purchase decision.
Material
A baby towel should be made from soft, durable materials that are gentle on your little one’s skin. Look for hypoallergenic options such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp. These natural fibers are ideal choices, as they won’t irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Additionally, you may want to opt for organic materials to ensure your baby isn’t exposed to any harsh chemicals or pesticides. Steer clear of synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic which can be abrasive and cause skin irritation.
Softness
It’s important to choose a towel that is soft to the touch so it won’t cause any irritation or discomfort for your baby. Look for products made from soft, gentle materials that’ll retain their softness well over time. Some of the best options become softer with each wash. It can be helpful to read through customer reviews before purchasing to see what other buyers have to say about the product’s softness.
Size
Baby towels come in different sizes, so it’s important to think about how much coverage you want for your little one and how long you want them to be able to use the towel. For optimal longevity, look for products with oversized designs that measure around 35 inches by 35 inches. This will allow you to fully wrap your baby during their infancy and provide continued use throughout their toddler years.
Absorbency
A baby towel should be ultra-absorbent to keep your little one warm and dry. Materials such as cotton and bamboo are known for their absorbency and are a great choice for baby towels.
Durability
Look for a towel that can withstand daily use and frequent washes. We recommend reading customer reviews to get an idea of how well a product holds up over time before making a purchase. Additionally, it’s a good idea to opt for a product that’s fade-, pill-, and shrink-resistant for a long service life.
Ease of Care
To prevent any bacteria and germs from accumulating on the towel, look for one that’s machine washable and dryable so you can keep it fresh and hygienic with minimal effort. Most baby towels are washer-safe, but it’s a good idea to check the product description before buying to make sure.
Price
Quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, so make sure you shop around before making a purchase decision. Ideally, the option you choose should fit comfortably within your budget without compromising on quality, durability, or the features that are important to you.
Design
Baby bath towels come in a wide range of colors and designs. Look for towels with fun patterns and vibrant colors that’ll capture their attention and make bathtime or pool time more fun. We also recommend choosing towels that have hoods — these will make it easier to wrap your little one and ensure their head stays dry and warm.
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Last updated: 8 Jan 2024An infant’s skin is up to five times thinner than an adult’s, making it extra delicate and sensitive. That’s why it’s essential to make sure anything that comes into contact with your little one’s skin is soft and gentle — towels included. That's why a baby towel is one of the most important items to purchase for your little one or add to your baby registry. They come in a wide range of sizes, colors, patterns, and styles, and are designed to gently dry off your little one and keep them warm after bathtime. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the best one for your new arrival. To help you make this important decision, we’ve rounded up the best baby towels of 2024 for your consideration. From practical picks to cute designs, there’s something for everyone on our list.Show ContentsSan Francisco Baby Hooded Baby Bath Towel – Best Overall
1Made from soft bamboo material, this hooded bath towel features an oversized design to keep your little one dry and warm for several years as they grow up.The bamboo material is hypoallergenic, plush, and ultra-absorbent, making it ideal for your baby’s sensitive skin. The hood ensures your baby’s head stays warm and dry after bathtime while the adorable animal ear design gives the product an extra layer of cuteness.
As practical as it is adorable, this towel is odor-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to clean — simply toss it in the washing machine with the rest of your little one’s laundry for effortless maintenance. The white color is gender-neutral, and the towel comes beautifully packaged with a stylish ribbon, making it ideal for baby showers and gifting. The towel is available in additional colors and styles including grey and white with pink or blue accents. Thanks to its impressive 500 GSM construction, unisex design, and gentle materials, this baby towel earned its place at the top of our list.
Pros
Natural, hypoallergenic material
Ideal for gifting
Oversized — fits both babies and toddlers
Cute design
Cons
- Limited color choices
Natemia Organic Hooded Baby Towel – Softest Pick
2The Natemia Organic Hooded Baby Towel is a must-have for any parent looking to provide their little one with the highest quality bath experience. Crafted from soft, organic cotton, this towel is produced in Turkey and offers a luxuriously soft texture that’s gentle against your little one’s skin. It can easily handle frequent washes without losing its softness, and it has an impressive thickness of 470 GSM. Available in several color choices, this towel comes in stylish packaging, making it ideal for gifting.
This product measures 35 inches by 35 inches, making it larger than the average baby towel. Thanks to its oversized design, your little one can enjoy using it for years to come. The hood features cute animal ears and is ideal for keeping your baby’s head warm and dry after bathtime or a dip in the pool. Whether you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift for a friend or relative or you just want the best towel for your own little one, you can’t go wrong with this pick.
Pros
Oversized — use it for many years!
Super soft and cozy
Fast-drying, organic material
Cons
- Colors may fade over time
Hudson Baby Hooded Baby Towel – Most Adorable
3The Hudson Baby Hooded Baby Towel is made entirely from soft, cotton terry material that’s gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. It measures 33 inches by 33 inches, offering head-to-toe coverage after bathtime or pool time. As sturdy as it is soft, this towel is durable enough to withstand everyday use. Moreover, the hood features an incredibly detailed elephant face, adding to its style and charm.
This towel comes in a wide range of colors and styles including animal-themed, holiday-themed, and seasonal designs — all featuring stunning details. It can be purchased individually or in sets of two, and it strikes a perfect balance between quality and value without compromising on style. Whether you’re planning to give it as a gift or keep it for your little one, this adorable option won’t disappoint.
Pros
Multiple cute design and color options
Durable enough for daily use
High-quality cotton material
Cons
- Smaller than some of our other picks
Burt’s Bees Baby Hooded Baby Towels – Best Value for Money
4The Burt’s Bees Baby Hooded Baby Towels are made from top-quality organic cotton material that’s luxuriously soft against your little one’s delicate skin and eco-friendly. The cotton is combed and ring-spun for optimal durability and softness. They come in a set of two and are also sold individually. The gender-neutral set includes one grey towel with a white trim and a white towel with an all-over print featuring yellow-and-black bees.
These towels measure 29 inches by 29 inches each, offering plenty of coverage for your baby. The hood keeps your little one’s head warm and dry and is neither too deep nor too large, so you don’t have to worry about it covering your little one’s face. The towels are pill-resistant and ultra-absorbent. Plus, they get softer with every wash. The set comes in many additional colors and designs, so there’s something for everyone.
Pros
Retains softness after washing
Ultra-absorbent organic cotton
Comes in a set of two (good value for money)
Cons
- Not as thick as our other picks
Baby Towels: A Buying Guide
With such a large pool of baby towel options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your little one. This guide will help you navigate the market by walking you through the most important factors to consider as you’re shopping so you can make an informed purchase decision.
Material
A baby towel should be made from soft, durable materials that are gentle on your little one’s skin. Look for hypoallergenic options such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp. These natural fibers are ideal choices, as they won’t irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Additionally, you may want to opt for organic materials to ensure your baby isn’t exposed to any harsh chemicals or pesticides. Steer clear of synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic which can be abrasive and cause skin irritation.
Softness
It’s important to choose a towel that is soft to the touch so it won’t cause any irritation or discomfort for your baby. Look for products made from soft, gentle materials that’ll retain their softness well over time. Some of the best options become softer with each wash. It can be helpful to read through customer reviews before purchasing to see what other buyers have to say about the product’s softness.
Size
Baby towels come in different sizes, so it’s important to think about how much coverage you want for your little one and how long you want them to be able to use the towel. For optimal longevity, look for products with oversized designs that measure around 35 inches by 35 inches. This will allow you to fully wrap your baby during their infancy and provide continued use throughout their toddler years.
Absorbency
A baby towel should be ultra-absorbent to keep your little one warm and dry. Materials such as cotton and bamboo are known for their absorbency and are a great choice for baby towels.
Durability
Look for a towel that can withstand daily use and frequent washes. We recommend reading customer reviews to get an idea of how well a product holds up over time before making a purchase. Additionally, it’s a good idea to opt for a product that’s fade-, pill-, and shrink-resistant for a long service life.
Ease of Care
To prevent any bacteria and germs from accumulating on the towel, look for one that’s machine washable and dryable so you can keep it fresh and hygienic with minimal effort. Most baby towels are washer-safe, but it’s a good idea to check the product description before buying to make sure.
Price
Quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, so make sure you shop around before making a purchase decision. Ideally, the option you choose should fit comfortably within your budget without compromising on quality, durability, or the features that are important to you.
Design
Baby bath towels come in a wide range of colors and designs. Look for towels with fun patterns and vibrant colors that’ll capture their attention and make bathtime or pool time more fun. We also recommend choosing towels that have hoods — these will make it easier to wrap your little one and ensure their head stays dry and warm.
FAQ
Q: Should I wash my baby’s towel before they use it?A: Yes, we recommend washing your little one’s towel before initial use. This will help to soften it and ensure it’s clean, germ-free, and ready for your baby to use.
Q: How big are baby towels?A: This depends on the specific product. The average baby towel measures 29 inches by 29 inches, but there are also larger options designed for use throughout toddlerhood. If you’re looking for an oversized towel that your baby can use for years to come, aim for one that measures around 35 inches by 35 inches.
Q: Are baby towels made from organic materials?A: Many baby towels are made from organic materials, however, this isn’t always the case. Before making a purchase, check the product description to find out if it’s made from organic materials.
Q: What’s the best GSM for a baby towel?A: Ideally, your baby’s towel should have a GSM rating between 400 and 600. Towels in this range will offer plenty of softness and absorbency without being too heavy or pricey.
Q: How often should I wash my baby’s towel?A: For your little one’s health and safety, it’s important to wash your baby’s towel after each use. This will help to prevent bacteria and germs from accumulating.
Q: How many towels should I buy for my baby?A: This depends on several factors including how many baths you give your baby in a day and how often you wash laundry. We recommend having at least four baby towels on hand, however, having a few extras can be convenient so you won’t have to do laundry as often.
Contributors
Jennifer Rodriguez is a New York-based writer, editor, English literature educator, and small-business owner.