Answered: How Many Baby Bath Towels Do I Need?

Table of Contents

• Why bath towels for babies matter more than you'd think
• How many baby bath towels do you actually need?
• What should you look for in a newborn baby towel?
• Can swaddles work as bath towel alternatives for babies?
• What kind of towels do you need for newborn sponge baths?
• How should you wash and maintain baby towels?
• 5 baby towel alternatives from Little Hometown that go beyond drying
• Conclusion
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

Why bath towels for babies matter more than you'd think

A towel seems like such a basic thing until you’re bathing a slippery, wiggling newborn who hates being cold. A good baby towel does more than dry off water. It keeps your little one warm, protects sensitive skin, and helps make bath time feel safe and familiar.

Unlike regular towels, the best baby towels are designed for delicate skin, smaller proportions, and quick wrapping after baths. Choosing the right kind, like a soft, breathable, and quick-dry one, can turn a chaotic bath into something peaceful.

How many baby bath towels do you actually need?

If you’re wondering how many towels you really need for a baby, here’s a simple breakdown:

One towel per bath might seem enough until laundry gets delayed or you’re dealing with a surprise diaper explosion right after drying off.

Most parents find that 5 to 6 baby bath towels cover their weekly needs comfortably. Add one or two extra if you don’t want to rush laundry cycles.

What should you look for in a newborn baby towel?

Not all towels labeled “baby” are actually good for babies. Here’s what makes a towel actually worth using regularly:

1. Size that wraps, not swallows

Go for something around 47" x 47". Big enough to wrap around a baby fully without being oversized and clumsy.

2. Material that’s skin-safe

Muslin bamboo blends and organic cotton are the safest bets. They’re gentle, breathable, and stay soft after multiple washes.

3. Hooded corners = warm heads

Newborns lose body heat fast. A built-in hood helps keep them warm while you’re drying their arms and legs.

4. Easy to wash (and quick to dry)

Heavy towels take forever to dry and can get that weird damp smell. Go with lightweight, absorbent materials.

Try our Arizona Baby Muslin Swaddle Blanket. It’s breathable, machine washable, and doubles as a light post-bath wrap.

Can swaddles work as bath towel alternatives for babies?

Absolutely. Most baby swaddles that are made from bamboo-cotton muslin can dry your baby just as well as a towel, and they’re way more versatile.

Here’s why many parents prefer swaddles after bath time:

• Quick to wrap around (especially if your baby hates being cold).
• Softer than terry towels, which can feel scratchy.
• Doubles as a receiving blanket or stroller shade.

Swaddles feel soft, but what makes them special is how versatile they are. You can throw one in the diaper bag and it’ll cover multiple purposes throughout the day.

Consider our Louisiana Baby Girl Muslin Swaddle Blanket. It’s lightweight, generous in size, and doesn’t trap heat.

What kind of towels do you need for newborn sponge baths?

For the first few weeks, newborns don’t go in tubs. You’ll be using warm washcloths and sponge-bathing them gently.

But even sponge baths call for a solid drying routine. You’ll need:

• 1 towel or swaddle for wrapping your baby immediately after.
• 1 smaller towel to lay underneath during the sponge bath.
• A hooded option helps retain warmth during drying.

Our Southern Belle Muslin Swaddle Blanket works great for sponge bath routines. It dries fast and doesn’t feel bulky.

How should you wash and maintain baby towels?

Even the nicest baby towel turns rough if it’s not cared for properly. Here's how to keep them feeling soft:

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent (avoid softeners, they reduce absorbency).
• Wash in cold or warm water, not hot.
• Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry if possible.
• Store in a dry area (damp towels = bacteria playground).

Don’t overload your washer. Baby towels need space to rinse clean. If your towels lose softness, toss in a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle once a month.

5 baby towel alternatives from Little Hometown that go beyond drying

Little Hometown swaddles double beautifully as bath towels, especially for newborns and smaller infants. Here are 5 favorites that score high on comfort, breathability, and usage flexibility:

Aw, Shucks! Oyster Baby Muslin Swaddle Blanket

Gentle on skin, machine washable, and doesn’t trap moisture. The oyster print makes it adorable for gifting too.

Arizona Baby Muslin Swaddle Blanket

Bold print meets breathable muslin. Great for dry-off time and post-bath cuddles.

Louisiana Baby Girl Muslin Swaddle Receiving Blanket

Perfect size, soft on sensitive skin, and easy to roll up into the diaper bag. Comes in a 2-pack. Great for rotation.

Southern Belle Baby Muslin Swaddle Receiving Blanket

Bright, cheerful design with thoughtful softness. Great for bath time and beyond.

Gift Set: Aw, Shucks Oyster Swaddle + Bib/Burp Cloth

A two-in-one value: towel and burp cloth. You’ll be reaching for both more often than you think.

Conclusion

Bath time doesn’t have to be a mad scramble. With the right towels, or towel alternatives like muslin swaddles, you’re already halfway to calm, cozy post-bath cuddles.

If you’re building your stash of newborn bath towel sets, go for quality and comfort. Stock up smart. Look for items that don’t just dry, but double up in your day-to-day routine.

Ready to build a smarter baby bath routine? Start with Little Hometown’s collection of muslin swaddle blankets that double as soft, snuggly, fast-drying towels.

Because bath time should feel like home, too.

Key Takeaways

1. You’ll need at least 5 to 6 baby bath towels in rotation.
2. Muslin swaddles work incredibly well as post-bath wraps.
3. Go for breathable fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo blends.
4. Wash towels gently and skip softeners to keep absorbency intact.
5. Little Hometown’s swaddle blankets are smart, cute, and practical towel alternatives.

FAQs

How many baby towels do you need in the first year?

Start with 5 to 6 towels or swaddle blankets that are towel-worthy. You’ll want backups in case of spills, laundry delays, or double bath days.

Can I use adult towels for my baby?

Not recommended. They're usually too rough, oversized, and not designed for newborn skin. Stick to baby towels or muslin swaddles.

How many towels do I need if I bathe my baby daily?

You’ll need at least 6–8 towels in rotation. The more frequent the baths, the more often you’ll need clean, dry towels ready.

What towels are safe for a newborn sponge bath?

Light, breathable ones like muslin swaddles or thin hooded baby towels. Avoid bulky, heavy options. They don’t dry quickly and can irritate skin.

Can I use the same towel for a few days?

Not advisable. Always use a fresh towel after each bath to avoid bacterial buildup.