Mealtime Mess? Fabric vs Silicone Bibs - Which One Will Save the Day?
Hey there, busy parents of Prince George and beyond! Mealtime with your children is nothing short of a wild adventure dominated by spills, splatters, and so.much.laundry.
In this article, we'll tackle one of the most crucial mealtime essentials: baby bibs. Specifically, we'll explore the age-old debate between fabric and silicone bibs. So many of our customers are absolutely smitten with their silicone bibs, while others prefer fabric - but in order to get to that personal preference, you have to try one first.
Fabric Bibs - Soft, Stylish, and Practical for Mealtime Messes
When it comes to fabric bibs, there is a wide range of options available for mealtime from that classic cotton baby bib to more extravagant long-sleeve full body style smock-bibs. Each serves a different purpose and life stage.
Let's explore the features, benefits, and limitations of fabric bibs. We've taken the benefits you might be looking for and placed it into a table with some bib suggestions.
| Benefits | Cotton Terry Cloth | Waterproof Smock | Lil Helper Biggie Bibs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft and gentle on baby's skin | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Available in a variety of cute designs and prints | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Easy to pack and carry | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water-resistant, protect clothes | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Easy to wipe clean and dry | |||
| Absorbent | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Require frequent washing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Less durable, may wear out over time | ✓ | ||
| Some may have a plastic feel against the skin | ✓ |
 |
There's lot of variations when it comes to bibs; for example, the new LouLou Lollipop Smock is the softest most buttery wonderful fabric on the planet and I would most definitely call it soft and gentle on baby's skin. However, not all nylon or PUL bibs are as soft and some can be quite noisy. |
Indeed, the ability to easily wash fabric bibs is a significant benefit for many families. Fabric bibs, such as the waterproof bib made with PUL and cotton terry cloth bibs, can be conveniently tossed in the wash along with other laundry items. Some families may find this care routine simpler, while others may prefer the ease of wiping out a silicone bib or tossing a silicone bib in the dishwasher.
|
The Lil Helper Biggie Bib is not your average bib—it's a true game-changer in the world of mealtime accessories. Crafted with care, this bib boasts a dual-sided design that combines functionality and comfort. On one side, you'll find a waterproof and wipeable PUL fabric that effortlessly repels liquids and keeps spills at bay. The other side features absorbent bamboo terry fabric, ensuring maximum comfort for your little one. But that's not all – the Biggie Bib is equipped with a clever food catcher that can be snapped on either side of the bib, capturing any stray bits that don't quite make it to your baby's mouth. |
 |
Silicone Bibs: Practical and Convenient Mealtime Essentials
When it comes to mealtime essentials, silicone bibs have emerged as a popular and practical choice for parents. Offering a range of advantages over traditional fabric bibs, silicone bibs are worth considering for their functionality and convenience.
| Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Waterproof and stain-resistant | Less variety in designs compared to fabric bibs |
| Easy to clean and maintain - just wipe down, wash in the sink, or maybe toss in the dishwasher. | May not be as soft and comfortable as fabric bibs |
| Durable and long-lasting - seriously, silicone. | Can be less flexible and bulky for some children. |
| Adjustable and secure fit | Some may have a plastic feel against the skin, or the neck. |
| Food catcher pocket to minimize mess | Not all silicone bibs are created the same |
| BPA-free and safe for baby's use |
The Loulou Lollipop Silicone Bib is a customer-favourite and is a must-have for every parent seeking a mess-free mealtime experience. With its molded, catch-all shape, the Loulou Lollipop Silicone Bib ensures that less ends up on the floor and more stays where it belongs. Cleaning up after meals is a breeze with the easy wipe-down surface, while the reinforced buttonholes provide a durable and adjustable fit. Three new colours stocked this week in the LouLou Lollipop Silicone bib!
 |
 |
 |
What you want to know: Fabric Bibs vs. Silicone Bibs
When it comes to choosing a bib for your little one, it's important to consider the features and benefits of different options. Let's compare fabric bibs and silicone bibs to help you make an informed decision.
| Fabric Bibs | Silicone Bibs | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Require frequent washing - with each use needs to be laundered. | Easy to clean and maintain between uses with a simple wipe off with a baby wipe or cloth |
| Durability | May wear out or fray over time | Durable and long-lasting |
| Mess Prevention | Absorbent but prone to leaks and spills | Effectively prevent messes and spills with the food catcher pockets. |
| Additional Features | Available in short small bibs at a lower price point, or full long sleeve smocks. | Adjustable closures, food catcher pockets! |
Fabric bibs require regular laundry to keep them clean. They can be prone to stains and may wear out or fray over time, requiring replacement. While they absorb spills, they may not fully prevent leaks, potentially leading to messy clothing - all of these aspects really depending on the style of bib you opt for and worth considering when shopping for any fabric style meal time bib for your baby or toddler.
On the other hand, silicone bibs are easy to clean, requiring only a quick wipe or rinse under water, which saves you time and effort. The durability of silicone bibs ensures they can withstand daily use and last through multiple stages of your child's growth. They effectively prevent messes and spills, thanks to their waterproof and stain-resistant properties.
The choice is really up to you.
 |
My personal preference as a mom? I was not a bib person. I tried fabric bibs, smocks, silicone bibs - but at the end of the day I was a naked and change the clothes kind of person. I was a "so what if there's food on the clothes" kind of person. And largely abandoned bibs all together. I couldn't' find any pictures of us using a bib! |
Choose the Perfect Bib for Your Baby's Mealtime Journey
In this blog post, we explored the features and benefits of both fabric bibs and silicone bibs. You either feel like you know which one will work for you, or maybe even more confused. That's okay - parenting is not about one thing being better or best, but a variety of different options that could work.
Fabric bibs offer softness, cute designs, and ease of packing. They are a popular choice for their comfort, but they may require frequent washing, are prone to stains, and have limited durability. Smock style fabric bibs can offer full coverage in a way that silicone can't. This one from Rig n Gig has been so popular and perfect price point.
Silicone bibs, on the other hand, offer a range of advantages. They are waterproof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making them a convenient option for busy parents. With adjustable closures and built-in food catcher pockets, silicone bibs effectively prevent messes and protect your baby's clothes.
 |
The decision between fabric and silicone bibs ultimately depends on your personal preferences and daily routine. Consider factors such as ease of cleaning, durability, mess prevention, and convenience when selecting the bib that aligns best with your lifestyle. |
Leave a comment