Some experienced parents may think this as a fairly common question, but this is typical among expecting ones – how long do babies use bibs, and when will they need it? The answer varies for all babies, and will all depend on their stages of development. Along with baby bottles, bodysuits, and blankets, bibs are among the big B’s that moms and dads should invest for their little ones. Using these mealtime essentials may appear simple, but the bib game has been evolving over the years. Let’s uncover some mystery and tips behind bibs so you will be a bib master in no time.
Types of Baby Bibs
Before we discuss how long do babies use bibs, let’s find out first the types of baby bibs.
Your parents must have probably raised you using a standard bib—a rounded, cloth-like garment that goes around your neck and snaps at the back. While these tried and tested bibs are still available and helpful as ever, there are a few more varieties parents can choose from.
- Drool/Dribbler Bibs—These bibs may look like a hanky or even a hipster’s fashion accessory. But if you are not into this style, there are regular drool and dribbler bibs. They are perfect if you are nursing or bottle-feeding. Plus, they’re also comfortable for your little one to wear around the house. Infants tend to dribble all over the place, and their saliva will turn a fresh shirt look like it’s been worn for days. Rather than do extra laundry, put a drool bib on them, so their clothes stay cleaner for hours.
- Feeding Bibs—When your little has already graduated from baby food, it’s an entirely new (messier) game. Feeding bibs will keep those little bits of peas and carrots from falling on your kitchen floor. The top part looks like an original bib, but the bottom has a pocket sewed into it. This pocket catches the food, which protects not only your baby’s clothes but will help keep your floor clean.
- Smock Bibs—These are also known as long-sleeved bibs, and they are worn like a usual shirt. This bib covers your baby from the neck down and is the perfect foolproof mess prevention during mealtime. It is also great for protecting those beautiful dresses and white baby clothes. Though a bit bulky, these bibs have an open back so you can just roll up those bits of food before they spread everywhere.
- Disposable Bibs— While these bibs may not be practical for everyday use, they come in handy if ever you forget to bring one while you’re on vacation or are attending an occasion.
Bibs by Age Group
While some baby bibs can be used for months, or even years, other bibs are fitting for certain situations. So, how long do babies use bibs?
Children who are 0-6 months old will benefit the most from regular and drool bibs since they usually will not eat baby food until they reach six months of age.
Once they are at the 4 to 6-month mark, you may want to look for feeding bibs. How long do babies use bibs, you ask? Well, these bibs can be used for as long as you want. You can combine these bibs with droolers so your little ones’ clothes will be protected no matter what they’re doing.
Smock bibs may not be practical for newborns, but you may find them useful as your baby grows older and begins to eat fruits and vegetables. Get more tips on bibs.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea which type will keep your little one clean and happy, you can stock up on these cutest bib styles. If you are one of those expecting parents and are curious about how long do babies use bibs, the answer depends on your cute little drooler. As long as your little one needs a bib to protect his clothes or the kitchen floor, you can let them use bibs for as long as you feel they still need them. These useful and fancy little bibs were created for that purpose, after all. Make sure to stock up on the right bibs that your baby needs in his age.