Cloth Diaper Burp Cloths: Using Your Cloth Diapers Instead of Burp Rags

When you have a new baby, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you need to keep track of. You have diapers, bibs, and blankets…but you still need burp rags. Where do you find them? You've heard about using cloth diapers as burp cloths, but are they really good enough to replace the regular kind?

The short answer is—yes! Cloth diapers work perfectly as burp cloths, and they offer some benefits that traditional burp cloths don't. Find out how you can use cloth diapers as burp cloths, the benefits, and which cloth diapers work best as burp rags.

WHY USE CLOTH DIAPERS AS BURP CLOTHS?

Cloth diapers have been used for thousands of years to wrap babies. Nowadays, they're making a comeback as a popular alternative to disposable diapers. 

Cloth diapers are not only a great way to save money, but also reduce the need for disposable diaper waste and minimize the impact on the environment. They are also known to reduce staining on clothes. Cloth diapers also come with a surprise bonus—they make some of the best burp cloths around. Here are some reasons why cloth diapers make good burp cloths:

1. Cloth Diapers are Durable

First and foremost, cloth diapers are more durable than traditional burp cloths. The material of cloth diapers is thicker and more absorbent than a standard cotton burp cloth. They can be washed and used over and over again without wearing out—and that's a good thing for burp cloths, because babies spit up a lot.

2. Cloth Diapers Make Super Absorbent Burp Cloths

Cloth diapers are much more absorbent than traditional burp cloths. If your baby's spit-up is really bad, cloth diapers are the perfect solution for soaking it up quickly and effectively. Cloth diapers are made from a thicker material than cotton burp cloths, so they'll soak up all kinds of spills, messes, and spit-up without leaving behind any stains on your baby's clothes or yours (or on the crib sheets!).

3. Softer Than Traditional Burp Cloths

Next, there's the comfort factor! If you’ve ever used a standard burp cloth, you know they aren't very soft to use against a baby's skin; they tend to be stiff and a little rough. 

Cloth diapers, on the other hand, are much softer than burp cloths. Babies love the feel of soft fabrics on their tender skin, and most cloth diapers are made of natural fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, and hemp. All these fabrics become softer and more absorbent with every wash—so they're great at absorbing spit-up while also being gentle on baby's skin!

4. Cloth Diapers are More Economical 

Cloth diapers are also a great choice for parents looking for an economical way to burp their baby. Here's a comparison table to show you how prefolds are more economical than premium cotton burp cloths:

Nicki's Diapers Organic Cotton Prefold Diapers: For about $16, you can get a pack of six 14” × 15” organic cotton cloths (about $2.67 each) that are 3-ply on the sides and 6-ply in the middle—perfect for soaking up all those messy spills on your little one's chin or chest.

Burt's Bees Baby 100% Organic Cotton Burp Cloths on Amazon: For about $23 (almost 50% more), you get a pack of just five 17” × 12” 100% organic cotton burp cloths. If you’re keeping track, that’s about $4.59 each—almost double the price—with one fewer cloth and 6 square inches less per cloth. These burp cloths are also less absorbent, with only 2-ply compared against Nicki’s Diapers’ prefolds, which have 3-ply on the sides and 6-ply in the middle. 

In a nutshell, with a low price point and durability that rivals more expensive burp cloths, cloth diapers can be the perfect solution for parents on a budget.

5. Cloth Diapers are Easy to Clean

Just toss them in with your regular load of laundry and let them air dry for a few hours—that's all there is to it! You can even throw them in with your regular laundry if you don't have time for an extra load, which helps you save time and energy. 

Just be sure to use the gentle cycle with cold water and avoid bleach or fabric softener. Lastly, make sure they're fully dry before using them again.

6. Cloth Diapers Have a Better Variety than Burp Cloths

Cloth diapers make great burp cloths because they are available in different shapes, sizes, and absorbency levels, so you can pick the shape and size that best fits your needs. 

You can choose from rectangular cloth diapers and square cloth diapers, depending on what shape will best suit your baby's needs. You can also choose between small, medium, and large diapers. These different shapes and sizes allow you to find a burp cloth that will be just right for your child's size.

They also come in a variety of absorbency levels—cotton is a popular material for absorbing liquid and quickly drying afterward. This makes it great for wiping up spit-up, since the mess won't stay wet on the diaper for long.

7. Cloth Diapers are Multi-Purpose

Cloth diapers are also multi-purpose. They can be used for a number of other things besides just burping babies after feedings. They make great spit-up towels, changing pads, and cleaning rags—as well as, obviously, diapering. This saves you money, because you won’t have to buy these items separately.

THE BEST CLOTH DIAPERS TO USE AS BURP CLOTHS:

Not all cloth diapers can be used equally as burp cloths. Here are the three cloth diapers that work best as burp cloths:

FLAT DIAPERS

Flat diapers are the perfect size for burping a baby; they're just right for covering your shoulder and catching all of those spit-up messes.

These classic cloth diapers are still as popular now as ever. Flat diapers are simply large squares of absorbent, single-layer fabric. They're simple, easy-to-fold cloth diapers that babies wear with a waterproof cover. They come in a variety of types, fabrics, and styles. 

Flat diapers don’t just make the perfect burp cloths because of their size—they're also soft and absorbent, so they can soak up all the spit-up that comes with feeding your baby and keep it from getting everywhere. They can also be folded into a smaller square to make an ultra-absorbent burp cloth for your little one! You can even use them as a bib or a towel when your little one is still learning to eat.

And best of all? Flat diapers are inexpensive! When you order them in bulk, you'll have enough of these handy-dandy burp cloths to last you through your child's first year without breaking the bank.

PREFOLD CLOTH DIAPERS

Prefold diapers are thicker and more absorbent than flats, making them slightly better for using as burp cloths.

Prefold cloth diapers are an economical choice for many parents who want to use cloth diapers. They're rectangular pieces of cloth that have been pre-folded multiple times to create extra layers of absorbent, soft fabric. 

The softness of prefold fabric makes it perfect for a baby's sensitive skin to rest on while being burped. The absorbency of prefold fabric makes sure that no matter how much milk or formula your little one spills, you'll be able to clean it up easily and quickly.

Prefolds come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and fabrics, such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc. Moreso, they are also super easy to clean: you just take them off your baby and throw them into the washer. That's all!

NOTE: Flat diapers tend to be larger than prefold diapers, so they're more likely to cover more surface area when used as a burp cloth. So, if you’re looking for more coverage over absorbency, go with flat diapers. 

CLOTH DIAPER INSERTS AND DOUBLERS

Cloth diaper inserts and doublers are also great options to use as burp cloths, but you have to pay attention to what size you’re using. Designed to be used with cloth diapers to add extra absorbency, inserts and doublers are generally made of three to nine layers of absorbent material, which means they can soak up any spills or messes that happen when you are feeding your baby. 

Cloth inserts and doublers are also easy to clean, so they will last longer than store-bought burp cloths. Plus, inserts and doublers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find the one that works best for your needs. They're also made from soft natural fibers, which are softer on a baby's sensitive skin. 

If you're using cloth diapers at home, you may have some leftover inserts or doublers that you could use as burp cloths during the day or when traveling. 

If you don’t have any, we highly recommend giving them a try! You'll never look back to traditional burp cloths. Keep in mind, though, that inserts and doublers will cover a smaller surface area than flats or prefolds, but are the most absorbent option. 

Here are a few top diaper inserts to use as burp cloths:

• COTTON INSERTS

Cotton inserts make the best burp cloths because they are so easy to use and will last for a long time. The material is also very absorbent and can quickly soak up any liquid that falls on it. Plus, cotton inserts are soft and fluffy, so they are amazingly comfy to lie on. Another reason why this is an ideal option is that cotton inserts are very inexpensive.

• BAMBOO INSERTS

Bamboo is a sustainable, environmentally safe fabric that doesn't use any toxic chemicals in its manufacturing. Shrinkage or shredding will never be an issue with bamboo fabric, because it's biodegradable and contains no synthetic fibers. Bamboo's fine fibers are highly absorbent while also being gentle on your baby's sensitive skin.

• HEMP INSERTS:

Hemp inserts are better than cotton or bamboo burp cloths. They're made from 100% natural hemp fibers and are breathable, lightweight, and strong. Because of their absorbency and lack of shrinkage during washing or drying, they can hold many spit-ups and spills before feeling wet. In fact, hemp is far more absorbent than cotton or bamboo. One thing to note about hemp: While it holds much more liquid than cotton or bamboo, it also absorbs at a much slower rate.

NOTE: To find out more about cloth diaper burp cloths made of other fabrics, consider reading our article “Cloth Diapering Fabrics.”

FAQS ABOUT CLOTH DIAPER BURP CLOTHS:

HOW DO YOU MAKE A BURP CLOTH OUT OF CLOTH DIAPERS?

Making burp cloths from cloth diapers is easy. You can use them directly as they are—no sewing is required. However, if you want to make them fancier, you can add things like ribbons along the seams.

WHAT IS THE BEST FABRIC TO MAKE BURP CLOTHS OUT OF?

Bamboo and hemp are the best fabrics for burp cloths. Both fabrics are most commonly used, and each has its benefits: Bamboo absorbs liquid faster than hemp, but hemp absorbs more liquid than bamboo. You can decide whether you want quick absorption or more absorption in your burp cloths.

CAN I USE MICROFIBER TO MAKE BURP CLOTHS?

It depends on how you plan to use them. Microfiber is super absorbent, to the extent that it can dry out the skin and sometimes cause problems if left directly on a baby’s skin, but for quick wipe ups, skin contact is just fine.

THE TAKEAWAY FOR CLOTH DIAPER BURP CLOTHS:

If you're looking for a burp cloth that will last through even the most explosive feedings, look no further than cloth diapers; they're a great alternative to regular burp cloths. 

Many parents use cloth diapers as burp rags because they're so versatile. They won't tear or stretch out of shape, and they provide the perfect absorbency for any messes your baby might make. Their softness, absorbency, and durability make them the best choice for burp rags.