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11 Best Baby Towels & Washcloths of 2024

Updated
Take bath time to the next level with one of these adorable baby towels.

Your baby’s bath is a magical time. Baby-scented bath products, rubber duckies, and bubbles can make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

But when bath time is over, cue the screaming. It’s tough to leave the warmth of the bath, and inadequately-sized, scratchy baby towels don’t help.

We want only the best for our babies, especially at the end of a long day. So we’ve rounded up the softest, cutest, and best baby towels to ease the transition from the warm bath to the cool air and make those after-bath snuggles even cozier.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the San Francisco Baby Bath Towel
Organic Luxury
San Francisco Baby Bath Towel
  • Antibacterial and hypoallergenic
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Repels odor
Product Image of the Jj Cole Two-Piece Bath Towel
Playful Prints
Jj Cole Two-Piece Bath Towel
  • Won’t irritate baby’s skin
  • Doesn’t give off lint
  • Ultimate softness
Product Image of the Luvable Friends Towel
Classic Cuteness
Luvable Friends Towel
  • Highly absorbent
  • 20 animal designs to choose from
  • Inexpensive
Product Image of the Hudson Baby
Quality Characters
Hudson Baby
  • Easy to clean
  • Quality hard-wearing material
  • Cute, spacious hood
Product Image of the Baby Aves Premium Hooded
Perfect for Baby Showers
Baby Aves Premium Hooded
  • Made of organic bamboo
  • Fluffiest towel on the market
  • Fun animal design
Product Image of the Channing & Yates Premium Organic Baby Bath Towel and Washcloth Set - Vicose...
Thick and Lovely
Channing & Yates
  • 50% thicker than other towels
  • Natural and hypoallergenic
  • Extra large size
Product Image of the Natemia Princess
Princess Themed
Natemia Princess
  • Incredibly absorbent
  • Soft, thick material
  • Has substantial hood
Product Image of the Luvable Friends Washcloths
Cheap and Cheerful
Luvable Friends Washcloths
  • Inexpensive
  • Machine washable
  • Gentle on baby’s skin
Product Image of the Spasilk Hooded Towel
Good Value Pick
Spasilk Hooded Towel
  • Great for gifting
  • Color coordinated washcloths & towels
  • Affordable
Product Image of the Spasilk Hooded Bathrobe
Snug as a Bug
Spasilk Hooded Bathrobe
  • Four colors to choose from
  • 100% cotton
  • Generous size for extended use


The Best Baby Towels & Washcloths of 2024

Check out our favorite baby towels.

San Francisco Organic Bamboo Baby Bath Towel

Best Organic Baby Towel

Once your baby is squeaky clean, you don’t want a towel that damages or irritates their skin. Traditional materials can hold a lot of germs and bacteria after a single use. However, this organic towel provides antibacterial properties while also being super luxurious.

This is because it’s made with bamboo fabric. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making it safer and gentler for newborns, infants, and toddlers. It also repels odors and is free of chemicals.

By wrapping your little one in this towel, you’ll protect their sensitive skin and keep them warm as they dry off. This towel will prevent further irritation if your baby has any skin concerns, such as eczema or diaper rash.

It measures 40 by 28 inches, has 500 grams per square meter, and features an adorable animal ear hood.

Pros

  • Bamboo material is antibacterial and hypoallergenic.
  • Super soft and cuddly with a cute animal hood.
  • Large enough to fully surround your baby.

Cons

  • Doesn’t hold up well to repeated machine washing.

Our Ratings

Softness
4.5 / 5
Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Material
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

This hooded towel is amazing in terms of softness and size, making it perfect for newborns and toddlers alike. I first bought it in 2019 when my son was a newborn and again recently for post-swimming classes. The absorbency is excellent, and it's longer than most bath towels with hoods available in the US. As a parent, I appreciate the durability and plush feel of these towels, and they are worth every penny. Although the price may seem high, the quality and longevity of the towel make it a worthwhile investment. The only downside is the limited variety of designs available, but the adorable ears more than make up for it.

Jj Cole Two-Piece Hooded Baby Bath Towel Set

Playful Prints

This set comes with a hooded towel and a color-coordinated washcloth. There are six color options, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that matches your bathroom decor, and the prints are modern and stylish.

Both the towel and washcloth are machine washable, so you don’t have to spend your valuable free time hand washing.

They are made of 100 percent cotton terry cloth, which is highly absorbent and feels soft on your baby’s skin.

Pros

  • It won’t irritate your baby’s skin.
  • Cute animal-printed fabric on the hood.
  • It doesn’t give off a ton of lint while drying.

Cons

  • Measures 30 by 30 inches, so it’s best suited for younger babies.
  • Some parents don’t like the thin fabric.

Our Ratings

Softness
4 / 5
Absorbency
4 / 5
Size
3 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

Got this hair towel and it has exceeded my expectations! I remember using similar towels for my babies back in the day and decided to give this one a try. It's not only absorbent but also large enough for longer hair, making it more effective than other hair towels on the market. Although the set came with a hooded towel and a wash towel instead of two hooded towels as I initially thought, it didn't disappoint in terms of quality. The thickness and cute design make it perfect for infants up to toddlers, both at home and for beach or pool outings. My only minor complaint is that it could be a bit softer for tender skin, but overall, it's an excellent towel set.

Luvable Friends Animal Face Hooded Baby Bath Towel

Classic Cuteness

Moms who don’t want their babies to outgrow their towels too soon may like this sizeable option. Measuring 30 by 36 inches, it will fit your infant as they grow into toddlerhood.

This Luvable Friends towel is made of cotton terry, and it comes with a hood to keep your baby’s head feeling snuggly after a warm bath.

We love that this towel can be machine washed and dried and comes out just as fluffy.

The adorable, gender-neutral designs make this towel set a great baby shower gift.

Pros

  • These are quite absorbent.
  • 20 different animals to choose from.
  • Less expensive than many other hooded brands.

Cons

  • It’s a pretty thin towel.
  • It doesn’t hold up well long term.

Our Ratings

Softness
3.5 / 5
Absorbency
4 / 5
Size
3.5 / 5
Material
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Community Feedback

Best hooded towel I've ever purchased for my little ones! These towels are not only adorable, but they also provide excellent absorbency and enough size to comfortably wrap around my children. Despite losing some softness after a few washes, the towel remains a favorite in our household due to its cute design and practicality.

Hudson Baby Animal Face Baby Bath Towel for Girls

Quality Characters

If you’re looking for an adorable towel for your baby girl or boy, this one fits the bill, with 38 different character designs to choose from. While you dry your baby’s hair and get their diaper on, you won’t be able to stop admiring how cute they look in this towel.

Its generous size means your child will be able to use it even as a toddler. Plus, it sucks up water quickly, so they’ll be ready for their cute pajamas in no time.

You can clean it in the washing machine, and the material holds up well even after repeated washes.

Pros

  • Easy to clean.
  • The material is good quality and hard-wearing.
  • The hood will keep your baby’s head warm.

Cons

  • The hood size is pretty large for an infant.
  • Although it doesn’t feel rough, the fabric isn’t as soft as some others.

Our Ratings

Softness
3.5 / 5
Absorbency
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Love this pink elephant hooded bath towel for its adorable design and quality. I've noticed that it's not as thick and soft as I expected, but it still looks great on my niece. The towel is large enough to last for a few years, although after frequent washing, it tends to fray a bit. Despite its minor flaws, this towel has remained a favorite in our household, and its charm has not faded over time.

Baby Aves Premium Hooded Organic Baby Towel

Perfect for Baby Showers

Fluffy, cute, and with money-back guarantee, this hooded towel set makes a great baby shower gift.

The towel is made of organic bamboo fabric with 500 grams per square meter. This makes it one of the softest and most absorbent towels. Moisture is wicked away quickly while keeping your little one warm, and the bamboo has important germ-fighting properties.

It’s 35 by 35 inches and comes with a fun hood featuring an owl animal character. The neutral color scheme makes it perfect for both boys and girls. There’s also an included free washcloth in every purchase.

One of the reasons we love this set is because it includes a free washcloth. If you know of a mom with a baby on the way, it’ll make an easy and luxurious gift they can use for years to come.

Pros

  • Includes a free washcloth.
  • With 500 grams per square meter, they are the fluffiest towels out there.
  • Gender-neutral animal design is great for any baby.

Cons

  • The square size is suitable for most babies, but a toddler will quickly grow out of it.

Our Ratings

Softness
5 / 5
Absorbency
5 / 5
Size
3.5 / 5
Material
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

I've recently started using these baby towels and they have exceeded my expectations. They are fluffy, thick, and absorbent, leaving my baby cozy and warm after baths without the towel being soaking wet. The size is generous, making them suitable for both my newborn twins and my 3.5-year-old toddler, so I won't have to worry about them outgrowing the towels anytime soon. The cute animal designs, like the owl, add a fun touch that my kids enjoy, and the overall quality is impressive considering the reasonable price.

Channing & Yates Hooded Bamboo Baby Bath Towel

Thick and Lovely

When it comes to a baby towel, bigger, softer, and cuter are all good things! Cuddle up with your little one after bathtime with this adorable bamboo hooded towel designed to be extra soft and plush.

With 50 grams per square meter, it’s 50% thicker and heavier than other towels and sports a rectangle design. Most other hooded towels are square and don’t give you enough fabric to work with. Because of the rectangle design, you can wrap your baby in the entire length of the towel, keeping them warm and happy.

This thick and lovely bath towel is a great option for baby showers or other special baby occasions.

Pros

  • 50% thicker than other towels, keeping your baby warm, dry, and happy.
  • Rectangle design means you have plenty of fabric to wrap.
  • Extra-large size allows it to grow with your baby.

Cons

  • After multiple washes, the plush, soft feeling is reduced.

Our Ratings

Softness
4.5 / 5
Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Size
4.5 / 5
Material
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

When I first tried this towel for my little one, I was amazed at how soft and absorbent it was. It was large enough to wrap him up completely, keeping him warm and cozy after bath time. I've had smaller, less effective towels before, but this one truly stands out in terms of quality and size. I've even started gifting these towels at baby showers because they're that good. The fact that it's made from organic bamboo and comes from a family-owned business just adds to its appeal.

Princess Hooded Baby Bath Towel

Best Princess Themed Baby Bath Towel

If you’ve always had a soft spot for princesses and royalty, these towels will be right up your alley. You can choose from three different colors.

These are a respectable 35 by 35 inches and can be cleaned in the washing machine and dried on low heat in the dryer. Parents who hate to replace towels should be glad to know that they hold up well after repeated washings.

Made from high-quality bamboo material that is not only thick but also absorbs water three times more than the ordinary cotton, these towels help your baby get dry and warm quickly — and look super cute while doing so.

Pros

  • Great looking and best quality.
  • The material is nice and thick.
  • Has a substantial hood.

Cons

  • More expensive than some other options.

Our Ratings

Softness
4 / 5
Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Size
3.5 / 5
Material
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

When I first received this bath towel as a gift, I was impressed by its softness and durability - it lasted for years with weekly washes. The size and absorbency make it perfect for both my newborn and toddler, and it's much better quality than other brands I've tried. However, I did notice some minor issues with pulls after one use and would appreciate a wider variety of characters or designs for my little ones.

Luvable Friends Baby Washcloths

Cheap and Cheerful

This 12-pack of washcloths comes in coordinated colors and patterns. These might be a good option for moms who like a little variety but still want cloths that match. You get two white, four patterned, and six solid-color washcloths.

With such a big pack, you’ll have plenty to keep in the bathroom with lots left for the kitchen to clean your baby after meals.

Pros

  • These are inexpensive.
  • Versatile cloths can be used for baths, face washing, or cloth wipes.
  • They’re gentle on your baby’s skin.

Cons

  • The fabric stains easily.
  • The already small cloths shrink a little after being washed and dried.

Our Ratings

Softness
3 / 5
Absorbency
3 / 5
Size
2.5 / 5
Material
3 / 5
Total Rating
2.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

In my experience, these washcloths are soft, pretty, and perfect for everyday use. I find them particularly useful for cleaning up my kids after meals, helping us cut down on paper towel usage. They have held up well after multiple washes, though the white ones did stain slightly from certain foods. The 12-pack comes nicely packaged with cute colors and patterns, making them a great gift option. However, I do wish the tag could be entirely removed for a smoother feel when using on delicate skin.

Spasilk Hooded Terry Baby Bath Towel with Washcloths

Best Value Baby Bath Towel

If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to check out this set that comes with two towels and two washcloths. If you’re after a lighter, thinner fabric that absorbs and dries quickly, this is it.

The towels include hoods to keep your baby extra warm after a bath and are made from an 80 percent cotton and 20 percent poly blend.

Though they’re soft, they hold up well with repeated washings.

Pros

  • Highly affordable set.
  • Your washcloths and towels will be color coordinated.
  • Their thin fabric is easy to wrap around your little one.

Cons

  • Smaller than some other brands at 30 by 26 inches.
  • They get soaked pretty quickly because of how thin they are.

Our Ratings

Softness
3 / 5
Absorbency
3.5 / 5
Size
2.5 / 5
Material
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3 / 5

User Experience

In my experience, this towel set is both visually appealing and functional. While the material may not be as soft as I would like, it is satisfactory for the price and the fun, girly design makes it great for gifting. After multiple washes, the embroidered parts, such as the butterfly on the hood, tend to curl up and not lie flat, indicating fair quality overall. On the downside, the towels tend to shed fuzz even after several washes, which raises concerns about their durability.

Spasilk Cotton Hooded Baby Bathrobe with Booties

Snug as a Bug

A unique twist on the traditional baby bath towel, this robe solves the problem of babies who like to kick their towels off in record time. To use it, you simply wrap your baby in it and tie the belt to dry your little one. The foot-warming booties are adorable too!

It comes with a hood to keep your baby’s head warm, and the bottom of the robe has extra room for your baby to kick their feet.

Pros

  • Four colors to choose from.
  • This keeps your baby warm until it’s time to put on their diaper and clothes.

Cons

  • Your newborn will quickly outgrow this.
  • Not as soft as some towels.

Our Ratings

Softness
3 / 5
Absorbency
3 / 5
Size
2 / 5
Material
3 / 5
Total Rating
2.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

As a recent purchaser of this baby robe, I found it to be a great gift option, and its soft material made it even more appealing. The cute design and pink color were perfect for my niece, who looked adorable in it. I also appreciated that it came with matching booties, adding extra value to the product. While it may not be suitable for colder months, I definitely feel I got my money's worth.

Mukin Baby Muslin Washcloths

For Sensitive Souls

Your baby will love the super-soft feel of this set of five muslin washcloths against their skin.

Parents who prefer natural fabrics will be happy to know no formaldehyde and decolorizers are used when making these.

These are good-sized washcloths, measuring 12 by 12 inches, which is much bigger than the standard baby washcloth. They’re big enough to use for the whole family.

Pros

  • They’re hypoallergenic.
  • Made with six layers of soft muslin.
  • An excellent option for children who suffer from eczema.

Cons

  • Although you can machine wash these, they shrink a lot in the dryer.
  • They can get linty after repeated washings.

Our Ratings

Softness
4.5 / 5
Absorbency
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Material
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

Got these muslin washcloths primarily for my own use due to long-term skin issues. These washcloths are incredibly soft, absorbent, and maintain their color and shape even after multiple washes. They don't seem to stain with makeup like some cotton ones I've tried before. While they do shrink a bit after washing, their performance during bath time remains top-notch. These washcloths have proven to be excellent not only for myself but also for gentle use on babies' skin, making them quite versatile.

Do I Need Special Baby Towels?

When you already have towels and washcloths, it can feel like a waste to purchase additional ones. But babies’ needs are different than ours.

Adult washcloths tend to be pretty rough, which won’t feel so great on a baby’s sensitive skin. And the thicker fabric can be hard to use on your baby’s tiny ears or between their toes.

Babies don’t need to be scrubbed — they need gentle stroking with a soft washcloth that won’t feel too harsh on their skin.

And adult towels are so large that it can be awkward to wrap them around your baby. Babies frequently pee or poop after baths, so if you don’t want any potential stains on your good towels, you may want to consider baby towels.

Finally, the best baby bath towels are hooded, so you can prevent heat loss, keeping your little one warm as you dry them off after their bath.

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How to Choose the Best Baby Towels

Here are some of the things we look for when selecting the best baby washcloth and towels.

Fabric

Most towels are made of various forms of terry cloth — a soft cloth made of looped strands. Some towels and washcloths use common fabrics like cotton or flannel, or you can choose a more exotic fabric like bamboo, a sustainable, renewable resource that tends to be very soft.

Durability

Whichever fabric you choose should hold up well to repeated washes without pilling, which can turn the softest fabric rough. Cotton tends to pill quite a bit, and the biggest culprits are shorter fibers. Fabrics that are tightly knit won’t pill as much as those that are loosely knit.

Absorbency

The longer you have your diaper off your child after their bath, the greater the chance they’ll pee or poop on you. The best baby towels will quickly absorb water so you can get a diaper on them pronto and avoid any accidents.

Hooded

Hoods are a nice touch to warm your baby’s head. While they aren’t a necessity, they are practical and adorable. You’ll love seeing your baby wearing all the cute towels you’ve picked out for them.

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How Many Baby Bath Towels Do I Need?

The number of towels and washcloths your baby will need depends on how often you want to do laundry. Remember, you’ll have a lot less free time than you did before your baby, so you may not feel like doing laundry as frequently as you used to.

While you can reuse them if you hang them up to dry, it’s best to use a fresh washcloth each time you bathe your baby.

Since they get soaked when in use, they can get hard and rough if you try to reuse one that has been drying in your baby bathtub. Plus, washcloths can get pretty dirty, so you shouldn’t count on reusing one without washing it anyway.

You should be able to get by with three or four towels and seven washcloths if you want to do laundry once a week.

Baby Towel FAQs

What Size Towel Should a Newborn Have?

We recommend buying a baby towel in the range of 30″ X 30″ for your newborn. The reason is that a 30 X 30 is the perfect size to fully surround your baby with the towel.

It’s an average-sized baby towel, so your newborn won’t outgrow it in the first few months. Check out the towels we’ve recommended above to find one that’s the correct size for your little one!

Can Newborns Use Regular Towels?

No, you shouldn’t use regular towels on a newborn. Babies have very sensitive skin. The towels we’re used to can feel too scratchy and rough on your baby. Baby towels are softer materials than regular towels that won’t irritate your child’s skin.

Do You Use Softener on Baby Towels?

It sounds like you should be able to, right? After all, we want our babies’ towels to be soft. Still, fabric softeners have a nasty habit of causing babies to break out into rashes.

Softeners are chock full of harsh chemicals that are too harsh for your baby’s skin. Our suggestion? Skip out on the fabric softener, and just make sure the towel you buy is soft.

Where Do You Put Baby Towels?

There are lots of fun choices when it comes to storing your baby towels! You can give your baby their space in your bathroom cabinet or store them in one of the drawers by their baby clothes.

Another cute idea would be to buy a little chest for the bathroom with all your baby’s towels, bath toys, and other special bath products.

What Type of Towel Is Best for a Baby?

There are lots of different types of towels that make excellent baby towels! Want your baby to have a luxurious spa experience every time you pull them out of the bath?

Our recommendation is the San Francisco Organic Bamboo Baby Towel. It’s plushy, soft, and made of bacteria-resistant bamboo. Check out the other towels listed above for even more great options!


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Headshot of Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.