Which Bib Should You Buy? Smock, Silicone or Towel – A Practical Guide for Starting Solids
Starting solids is an exciting (and messy!) milestone in your baby’s development. Whether you’re spoon-feeding purées or diving into baby led weaning, one thing’s for sure — things are about to get a whole lot messier. Choosing the right bib from the start can make a big difference in how easy and enjoyable mealtimes are for both you and your baby.
Parents often find themselves choosing between smock bibs, silicone bibs, and towel bibs when introducing first foods. Each type has its pros and cons — and while all aim to protect your little one's clothes, not all bibs are created equal when it comes to comfort, ease of use, and cleanup.
So, which bib is best for your baby? Let’s break it down.
Smock Bibs: Full Sleeve Length, But High Maintenance
Smock bibs offer full-arm and torso protection, which makes them a go-to choice for parents who want to avoid outfit changes after every meal. However, they’re often made from synthetic materials that can feel stiff or uncomfortable against sensitive skin. So be sure to investigate the material and quality before purchasing.
While they do a good job at covering clothes, smocks can be fiddly to get on and off — especially with a wriggly toddler. They also tend to require more frequent washing, and drying time can be a hassle. For families trying to simplify daily routines, smock bib using parents would need to purchase a few of them to ensure your not putting damp ones on the child.
Wiping them down with a chux, can create smell, grime and mould to occur so it's recommend thorough hot soapy water cleaning and regular machine washing is still required. 
Silicone Bibs: Easy Wipe Down, But Not Always Loved
Silicone bibs are known for their convenience — just rinse or wipe clean after use. Many also have a scoop or pocket at the bottom to catch stray bites, which is handy in theory. In practice, though, not all babies tolerate them well.
Some babies dislike the stiffness of silicone, and they may try to pull the bib off, or fuss during mealtime. They can also push against the high chair tray, making eating awkward and less natural. Silicone is also not always the most comfortable material against delicate necks or soft baby skin.
Might I mention - I read recently, parents were replacing these styles of bibs up to 6 times a year which leads to waste and landfill additions.
Towel Bibs: Soft, Comfortable, and Low Fuss
Towel bibs are a gentle and practical choice for introducing solids and beyond. Made from soft, absorbent cotton, towel bibs are easy on sensitive skin and feel more like clothing than plastic. Babies tend to accept them more readily — which makes mealtimes smoother and less of a battle.
Unlike silicone or smock styles, towel bibs are breathable and simple to use. Just pop it over your little one's head, and you’re ready to go. They absorb spills rather than letting them slide off, and they’re quick to toss in the wash with the rest of the laundry — no special care required. Once the child's done eating, use the bib like a facewasher (splash of warm water on the corner) and wipe up the little one, their hands and then the highchair.
For busy parents who want comfort for their child and less laundry stress, towel bibs strike a great balance between function and simplicity.
A con may be washing in washing machine - for most parents this is not problem because they'll have a few bibs at the ready and they rather washing a towel bib rather then stain removing child's clothes or having to change them after every meal. but maybe some parents would rather not have bibs that require machine washing.
We recommend investing in 3-6 of these bibs alike the reusable nappies, while some are being washed you have others on hand and in the nappy bag for meals out.
You won't need to replace these bibs - they grow with your child - especially the luxe range which has multiple button options for sizing.
Our Pick for Baby Led Weaning? Towel Bibs
At the end of the day, the best bib is the one your baby will actually wear — and one that fits your daily rhythm. Towel bibs are loved by parents who are embracing baby led weaning or just starting out with first foods. They’re practical, a low-tox option, kind on skin, and help reduce the laundry load, which is a win in any parent’s book AND kinder to environment.
If you’re starting solids soon, a towel bib might just be your mealtime MVP. But ultimately, we don't discriminate, all the bibs serve a purpose and have pros and cons, that's why we gave you the information simply, so you can decide what works for you. Or if you're like me, sometimes you've got to try them all and find out that way!
