Whether you are making your own, or researching which is the best materials for bibs, this guide discusses everything you need to know.
Types of Materials for Bibs
With many materials for bib making available, we have listed the most popular here;
- Silicone – Made by heating large volumes of sand. It can be used for many things including silicone bibs, which are primarily used for feeding.
- Polyurethane Laminate – This is cotton but has been coated with polyurethane. This material is perfect to use for a waterproof layer. We use this in our nursing pads to stop milk leaking through to the mum’s clothes.
- Cotton — Our preference are bibs made from cotton as they are organic, absorbent and soft. All of our range is made from a 100 cotton front and cotton bamboo backing.
- Bamboo — Bamboo is a popular choice as it’s an environmentally friendly, sustainable and absorbent material. We use this mixed with cotton on the backing of all our bibs.
- Fleece — Fleece is made from polyethylene terephthalate or other synthetic materials. It is lightweight and lets moisture evaporate. But it is not environmentally friendly as is made from non-renewable resources. It also needs extra chemicals to coat the fabric.
Thread
When making or choosing bibs the thread isn’t the first thing you consider. However, a good thread will keep the bib from falling apart. And this is why we use a good quality Gutermann cotton thread.
Types of Fasteners
There are many types of fasteners to choose from. The most popular ones include;
- Velcro — This is a common fastener normally found on cheaper items. These are attached to either side and joined together to keep the bib in place. The main problem is that Velcro loses its stickiness. And the baby learns quickly how to remove the bib, making them useless.
- Plastic Fasteners– These are found on the majority of snap bibs. They are a KAM fastening system and work like a clasp. As they are made from plastic be careful not to iron them.
- Metal Fasteners — These are based on the same snap fastener design as the plastic type but made from steel. They aren’t very popular as they are an overkill. Especially since the plastic KAM snap fasteners do such a good job.
- Draw String — You may find a drawstring on vintage-style bibs. We don’t recommend using string or cord as this increases the risk of strangulation and choking.
Best Materials for Bibs
The best material to use for bibs is cotton fabric. It’s easy to use, eco-friendly and sustainable. Fabric bibs are also absorbent and easy to wash and maintain.
Whether you make your own or are researching materials and sizes for when you buy bibs. We hope this article has helped. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
This article was updated in June 2025 to include additional information on the best materials to use.
Luisa Figueroa — I am the owner, designer, and maker of the My Little Love Heart range of bibs. I am a mum to a beautiful daughter Natalia. I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 15 years, specialising in baby accessories for the last 7. My love of fashion has enabled me to work and study around the world.