When you have a baby, bibs are a cute accessory that most people accumulate effortlessly. However, which are the most effective at keeping messes at bay? This article will cover the pros and cons of a few different types of baby bibs.

The Difference Between Feeding Bibs And Drool Bibs

I didn’t even know there was a difference between bibs before. Now I realize that bibs for babies are a non-negotiable essential item for all moms. They keep your baby dry, you dry, and your house spick and span.

Drool Bibs

Babies drool. A lot. This is because they have not built up their oral muscles yet, so the saliva just kinda does its own thing. The baby’s excessive drool also helps them to digest their food. When they begin teething, as many parents know, the drool intensifies. 

To help keep your baby’s clothes clean for longer, and to protect the couch, cushions, blankets etc. A drool bib is a must. But the main reason a lot of parents love a drool bib is actually to help reduce rashes on the baby’s neck. A drool bib catches the drool and doesn’t allow it to sit in on the skin or in neck rolls.

Drool bibs are often smaller and made from a lighter material for comfort. A lot of parents use drool bibs as a part of their baby’s outfits. It is not catching food, just drool. So it resembles a baby bandana only covering the neck and upper chest. They are honestly super adorable.

Food Bibs

A baby discovering real food for the first time is adorable. Watching them learn and explore food is super cute. But it is also the messiest experience of your baby’s young life.

A food bib will be a lot bigger than a drool bib as it is meant to cover more of your baby’s body and capture more falling food. Most will cover from the shoulders to the chest, but ideally, it will also cover the stomach and some of their arms.

The best material for food bibs is something water-proof. Vegan leather bibs for babies or a silicone material that is easily wiped would be our recommendation. This makes clean-up super easy and with a quick wipe, you are good to go for the next meal. Ideally, there will also be a lip at the bottom of the bib to collect falling food. Some babies love to even use this pouch for snacks.

Pros And Cons Of The Most Well-Known Bib Styles

There are a lot of bib options available out there on the market. Whether you’re looking for a comfy drool bib for your baby or a durable food bib, there are a couple of features to keep in mind:

• Adjustable neckband
• Firm closure
• Waterproof (for food bibs)
• Soft material 
• Pouch/pocket
• Coverage

Most importantly you should ensure your baby’s comfort when wearing the bib. This will help them keep the bib on instead of trying to rip it off. It will also ensure their neck does not become irritated. Getting them used to bibs sooner than later will definitely help your little one get used to the feeling.

Here are the pros and cons of the most popular bibs on the market:

Bandana Style Bibs

Pros: A bandana bib is cut in a triangle shape. It is simple and small, made to be comfortable for a baby to wear around their neck most of the day. Their sole purpose is to catch drool, keeping the baby’s neck dry and their clothes, toys, and other fabrics clean. 

As mentioned earlier, a lot of parents choose to put a bandana bib on their child to stop their excess drool from causing rashes on their neck skin where the drool can pool.

Cons: They do not reach very far down, and so may not protect clothes as much as other types of baby bib.

Plastic Bibs

Pros: Plastic bibs are also exclusively for mealtime. They are made from a thicker material and are usually a lot larger. This is to help cover as much of the baby as possible while they eat. While many baby’s love bath time, 3 times a day can become exhausting. The more effective the bib the cleaner the child. Win-win.

Plastic bibs are also easy to clean as they just need to be rinsed or wiped down after the meal.

Cons: They may be uncomfortable, banging against the table or high chair, and rubbing the neck.

Faux Leather Bibs

Pros: Vegan leather bibs are similar to plastic bibs as they are durable for mealtime. Vegan leather is super easy to care for and can be wiped off and hung to dry after each use. A great perk of vegan leather is that it is soft on the skin. It does not rub against a baby’s neck the way some plastic bibs will. Plus they look stylish and clean.

Our vegan leather bibs come equipped with a food pocket at the bottom. This allows the baby some independence as they can grab a snack from the pocket as they please. This pocket also catches food as the baby eats, so they can go back in for leftovers and keep themselves busy. We love popping some baby soft snacks in the pouch at the park, in the car and even when they are just watching TV.

Faux leather bibs are durable and waterproof. It will last you from your first baby to your fifth if that’s what you choose. If you’re wondering how to care for your vegan leather baby accessories check out this blog that dives a bit deeper.

Cons: Vegan leather has a risk of cracking. This is easy to avoid with a nickel size of baby oil every now and then. This ensures longevity.