MUSLIN SQUARES FOR BABIES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

ORIGINALLY POSTED: 5 November 2021

If you’re a new parent, there’s a good chance you’ve never even heard of “muslin” before. If you have heard of it before, there’s a good chance you never gave it much thought beyond something that people with babies used. Now that you’re a parent, however, it’s time to learn! Keep reading to answer some of your pressing questions like “What are muslin squares?” or “what do you use muslin cloths for?”

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WHAT IS MUSLIN CLOTH?

Let’s start with the basics. Muslins? Muslin cloth? Muslin squares? They’re all the same thing! These all refer to muslin fabric, which has been around for hundreds of years and dates back to ancient India. What makes muslin unique from other fabrics is how it is loosely woven making it soft and breathable.

In addition, muslin squares are absorbent, quick-drying and machine washable! These are all huge bonuses if you have a baby.

What are muslin cloths used for?

When it comes to muslin cloth uses for new parents, the list is very extensive! So if you’re wondering how to use a muslin cloth, you’re in luck: it is an extremely versatile fabric choice, but here are the top ten muslin square uses we recommend for new parents or parents with newborns:

1. Swaddle

This is one of the primary muslin cloth baby uses! Because it is so soft and breathable, larger muslin squares work great as a swaddle blanket. Swaddling helps little ones feel comfy and cosy by mimicking the secure feeling of being in the womb. They are a must for many parents with newborns, and using muslin swaddles can add just that little bit of extra comfort.

2. Sleeping bag/sleep sack

After a swaddle, many parents transition their little ones to sleeping in a sleeping bag or sleep sack. Finding one that’s made of muslin makes it extra comfy for babies while making sure they stay warm without overheating.

3. Burp cloth

Another one of the primary muslin square uses is for parents to use these as protectors between their clothes and spit-up. Whenever you’re burping your little one after a feeding, throwing a muslin blanket over your shoulder is the perfect absorbent fabric to use! It’s also helpful to keep such a burp cloth within reach for any sudden spit-ups that might occur.

4. Nursing cover

If you breastfeed your baby, keeping a muslin cloth blanket on hand when out in public is a simple way to cover up when it’s time to feed your little one. Since it is so breathable, it works wonderfully to give you and your little one privacy while making sure everyone is still comfortable.

  • 5. Weather protection

    No matter if it’s bright sunshine or cool temperatures, you want to protect your little one from the elements! Another wonderful muslin cloth use is to drape it over a buggy to protect from the wind or sun. It also works great as an additional blanket layer when the weather gets cold.

  • 6. Anywhere & on-the-go changing mat

    This is one of the best muslin cloth baby uses! No matter where you and your little one go, a muslin is a soft place to lay them down for a quick nappy change. Muslin squares roll or fold up to easily fit into any backpack, purse, or nappy bag! Plus, since they’re machine washable, there’s no need to worry if there's an accident while you’re out and about.

  • 7. Tummy time

    There are tons of activities to do with your little one during tummy time to aid in their physical and mental development, but they need a comfy place to do it! That’s where muslin blankets come in. They’re soft and absorbent, so no worries if there is a little baby spit up during that time.

  • 8. Blanket

    Since the material is so soft, one of the most common muslin cloth uses entails simply using it as a blanket! This might be when you’re rocking your little one to sleep, going for a walk in a buggy, or staying warm while eating. It’s nice to keep nearby for parents who might get chilly while nursing or playing.

  • 9. Makeshift bib

    Babies tend to drool and dribble. Loosely tying a muslin cloth around your little one’s neck can act as a bib! We also recommend just having muslin blankets around the house in different places to easily reach and wipe away any spit, drool, or other things that might come out of your baby’s mouth. They’re absorbent and machine washable so just throw them in the wash when they’ve been used!

  • 10. Peek-a-boo

    It’s no secret that babies love playing peekaboo! A muslin cloth use many overlook is that it works as a great prop for this classic game! Get your baby giggling by hiding behind a muslin blanket before peaking back out. This game also encourages their mental and social development.

How many muslins do I need?

Another common question parents have, especially when selecting items for their baby registry, is “how many muslin cloths do I need?”

The truth is: it depends! Some parents say they can get by with just a few while other parents like to make sure they have a drawer full of muslin squares at the ready. Luckily, you have plenty of options to buy muslin squares in sets of two or more!

We recommend parents get a range of sizes for the variety of muslin cloth baby uses. Available sizes range from 70 cm x 70 cm to 120 cm x 120 cm. Larger muslin blankets are great for keeping warm, wrapping your baby up in a swaddle, or to use as an on-the-go changing or activity blanket.

How to wash muslin cloth?

Another perk of muslin is that it is machine washable! This works great for busy parents who don’t have time to wash things by hand or on a special cycle. Muslin cloth can be thrown in with everything else on a cold cycle. To preserve the softness, we recommend tumbling dry your muslin cloth on low or even letting them hang dry. These are known for drying quickly, even indoors!

Like with baby clothes, you want to keep your little one’s sensitive skin in mind. This means looking closely at your brand of laundry detergent. Babies are born with delicate skin and if possible, we suggest choosing a chemical-free detergent to limit the risk of reaction.

You can look for the specific made-for-baby brands or for any type of detergent that is “free and clear”, preferably fragrance free. The safest choice of detergent will be:

  • Fee of fragrance
  • Gentle
  • Contain no bleach
  • Contain no fabric softener

Now that you have all the “muslin basics” covered, it’s time to see for yourself why muslin cloth is a must-have for parents!