Towels for Newborns and Babies: What to Use and What to Avoid
The best newborn towel is soft, plain cotton, washed before its first use and kept only for the baby. A light-to-medium weight towel that dries fully between baths is safer and more hygienic than a heavy, plush one that stays damp. For the first months, a square hooded towel is handy but not essential; any clean, soft cotton towel works.
This guide covers what to look for in baby towels, how many you need, how to dry a small baby gently, and a few things to avoid. It is general hygiene and safety information. If your baby has a rash, dry patches or any skin concern, please ask your paediatrician.
What makes a good newborn towel?
A baby's skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult's, so the aim is simple: gentle on the skin, easy to keep clean.
- Soft, natural fibre. Cotton terry is the usual choice. It absorbs well and can be washed often without trouble. Our guide to towel materials explains cotton, bamboo and other fabrics in more detail.
- Not too heavy. Very thick towels feel luxurious but take a long time to dry, especially in Karachi's humidity or during the monsoon. A towel that stays damp can start to smell musty. A light-to-medium weight towel is more practical.
- Plain and simple. Avoid towels with sequins, beads, stiff embroidery or glued-on decorations near the face. Plain edges and a soft hood are enough.
- Light colour. White or pale towels make it easy to see that the towel is truly clean, and they can be washed with other baby items.
Is a hooded towel necessary?
No, but many parents find it useful. The hood fits over the baby's head so it stays warm while you dry the body, which helps in cold winter bathrooms in the north or in homes without a geyser running. Hooded baby towels are often square, commonly around 30 x 30 in, though sizes vary by maker. Character designs such as unicorns, animals or superheroes are fun, but check that ears or appliques are sewn on firmly and do not shed.
Baby towels by age: a simple guide
| Age | What works well | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn to about 6 months | Small hooded towel or a soft, plain cotton towel | Keep a second towel ready to wrap the baby while you dress them |
| About 6 months to 2 years | Larger hooded towel or a soft hand towel for quick drying | Babies wriggle more now, so a hood helps keep the towel in place |
| Toddlers and young children | Children's bath towel or a regular bath towel folded in half | Let them start drying themselves with a smaller towel |
A towel's size is not a safety issue in itself, but a very large adult towel is awkward to handle with a slippery baby. For toddlers, a soft cotton hand towel is often just the right size after the bath. If you want to understand the different sizes, see our guide to bath towels, hand towels and washcloths.
What towels to use for a newborn, and what to avoid
Use
- A towel that is used only for the baby, never shared with adults or older siblings.
- Separate small washcloths for the face and for the nappy area, washed after each use.
- Towels washed before their first use. New towels shed loose fibres (lint) and may carry finishing chemicals from the factory.
Avoid
- Fabric softener and strong fragrances. Softener coats the towel loops and makes them less absorbent, and perfumes are not needed on baby things.
- Damp or re-used towels. A towel left folded and wet in a humid bathroom can grow mildew. Hang it open to dry after every bath.
- Loose towels in the cot. Never leave a towel, rolled or flat, in the baby's sleeping space. Keep the cot clear of loose fabric.
- Rough, stiff towels. A towel that feels scratchy on your inner wrist is too rough for a baby. See the washing tips below to soften it.
How to dry a baby gently after a bath
- Get everything ready first. Keep the towel, clean nappy and clothes within reach before you start. Never leave a baby alone in or near bath water, even for a moment.
- Wrap straight away. Lift the baby onto the open towel, cover the head with the hood and wrap the body so they don't get cold.
- Pat, don't rub. Gentle patting dries the skin without friction.
- Dry the creases. Neck folds, underarms, behind the ears, between fingers and toes, and the nappy area hold moisture. Dry them carefully.
- Dress quickly. In winter, warm the room before the bath. In summer, avoid heavy wrapping once the baby is dry, as babies can overheat.
How to wash baby towels
Baby towels need regular, simple care:
- Wash after every one or two uses, and wash washcloths after every use.
- Use a mild detergent and rinse well, so no soap is left in the fibres.
- Skip the fabric softener. If towels become stiff, one wash with half a cup of white vinegar and no detergent, followed by a normal wash, usually softens them.
- Dry completely before folding. Shade-drying on a line with good airflow works well; harsh sun can fade colours and stiffen cotton.
For more on keeping towels soft over time, read how to wash towels so they stay soft, or see the store's care guide.
How many baby towels do you need?
For one baby, a practical starting set is:
- 3 to 4 bath or hooded towels, so one is always clean and dry, even in the monsoon
- 6 to 10 small washcloths
- 1 or 2 spare towels for the changing area or for travel
Children's towels for older kids follow the same rule: one each, kept separate, and hung to dry between uses.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a regular towel for my newborn?
Yes, if it is soft, clean and used only for the baby. A regular bath towel is just larger and a little harder to handle. Wash it before first use and keep it separate from the family's towels.
Are hooded bath towels only for babies?
No. Children's hooded towels come in larger sizes for young kids, and some brands make hooded towels for adults, including hooded beach towels for swimming. For babies, the hood's main job is to keep the head warm after a bath.
Is a towel robe better than a hooded towel for a toddler?
A hooded towel robe is handy once a child can walk, because it stays on while they move. For newborns and small babies, a simple hooded towel is easier, since you can open it flat and wrap the baby quickly.
My baby's skin looks red or dry after bath time. Is it the towel?
It could be many things, including water temperature, soap, heat or a skin condition, so don't guess. Switch to a soft, well-rinsed towel with no softener and pat gently, but please ask your paediatrician about any rash or skin change that doesn't settle.
Where to find soft towels
Home Living does not currently sell baby or hooded towels. For toddlers and older children, the medium towel (30 x 60) in our 2-piece 100% cotton towel sets is a handy size for drying off after the bath, and pale shades such as cream make it easy to see that it is clean. Each set also includes a large towel (30 x 90) and costs Rs 2,999. For any size or fabric question, message us on WhatsApp at +92 327 1336144. Delivery is free across Pakistan, Cash on Delivery is available, and unused items in their original packing can be exchanged within 7 days.
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