As a new parent, providing the softest and gentlest products for your baby’s delicate skin is a top priority. When it comes to bath time, a specially designed baby towel is a practical essential that offers more than just drying. Unlike standard adult towels, baby towels are designed with an infant’s needs in mind, featuring smaller dimensions, softer materials, and often an attached hood to keep your little one warm, dry, and comfortable.
This guide, updated for September 2025, explores why a dedicated baby towel is a worthwhile investment and reviews the top options available to help you make an informed choice for your family.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Towel | Best For | Material | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KeaBabies Bamboo Towel | Overall Performance | Bamboo Viscose | Ultra-soft, large, and durable | $$ |
| Natemia Hooded Towel | Supreme Softness | Bamboo Rayon | Plush 500 GSM luxury feel | $$$ |
| Burt’s Bees Baby | Newborns & Organic | Organic Cotton | Perfectly sized for newborns | $$ |
| aden + anais Hooded Towel | Lightweight Comfort | Cotton Muslin/Terry | Gentle muslin hood | $$ |
| Little Unicorn Towel | Gifting & Style | Cotton Muslin/Terry | Stylish prints & hand pockets | $$ |
| Hudson Baby Towel | Budget-Friendly Fun | Terry Cotton | Cute animal hoods, large size | $ |
| Carter’s Towel Set | Value Set | Cotton Blend | Multiple towels for rotation | $ |
Why a Special Baby Towel is Necessary
Regular adult towels can be too large, bulky, and coarse for an infant. Baby towels are preferable for several key reasons:
- Gentle on Sensitive Skin: In the first few years, a baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive. Baby towels are made from materials chosen for their soft, gentle texture, which helps reduce the risk of irritation.
- Superior Temperature Regulation: Newborns struggle to regulate their body temperature, and a hooded towel is crucial for keeping their head warm immediately after a bath. The hood helps prevent heat loss and reduces post-bath chills while you get them dressed.
- Proper Size and Absorbency: Baby towels typically measure around 30 x 30 inches, a size that makes it easier to securely wrap an infant without overwhelming them with bulky fabric. Materials like cotton terry and bamboo are both soft and absorbent, helping to quickly remove moisture from delicate skin creases without harsh rubbing.
- Comfort and Security: The act of being wrapped snugly in a hooded towel can create a sense of security for a baby, reminiscent of being in the womb, which helps soothe and comfort them after a bath.
Key Features to Look For in a Baby Towel
When shopping for the perfect baby towel, consider these important features:
Material
The fabric is one of the most critical factors for comfort and performance.
- Bamboo Rayon: Known for being ultra-soft, hypoallergenic, and highly absorbent, bamboo fabric remains soft even after many washes. The KeaBabies and Natemia towels, for instance, use bamboo viscose to achieve a plush, premium feel.
- Organic Cotton: A breathable and soft choice, organic cotton is grown without pesticides, making it a safer option for babies. It is often used in knit terry constructions that are gentle and easy to launder, as seen in the Burt’s Bees Baby towels.
- Terry Cloth: This classic looped cotton fabric is efficient at absorbing moisture. Many baby towels use a “low pile” terry cloth that is thinner and less scratchy than regular towels. Some brands, like aden + anais and Little Unicorn, pair an absorbent terry body with a softer muslin hood for enhanced comfort.
- Microfiber: This lightweight synthetic material is also very soft and absorbs moisture well, making it another gentle option for sensitive skin.
Size and Shape
- Hooded Design: The hood is a key feature that helps retain warmth around the head, dry fine baby hair, and prevent chills.
- Sizing: Towels sized around 29″ x 29″ or 30″ x 30″ (approx. 76 cm) are ideal for newborns and younger babies. Larger options, from 33″ x 33″ to 35″ x 35″, offer more coverage and can be used well into the toddler years, providing longer usability.
Softness, Durability, and Absorbency
A towel’s softness is crucial for a baby’s sensitive skin. Absorbency is equally important, as it helps remove moisture quickly so you can get your baby dressed and warm sooner. Durability ensures the towel can withstand frequent washing and maintain its condition until your baby outgrows it.
Safety and Certifications
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100: This label indicates that a product has been independently tested for harmful substances. Class I is the strictest category, designed specifically for babies.
- “Hypoallergenic”: This term is not strictly standardised. It’s best to prioritise gentle materials and check labels for potential irritants.
The Best Baby Towels: A Comprehensive Review
Based on hands-on testing and expert analysis, here are the best baby towels available.
🥇 Overall Best Baby Towel: KeaBabies Bamboo Baby Towel
This towel stands out for being ultra-soft, large, and durable. Made from bamboo viscose, its softness is immediately noticeable compared to competitors. Its generous 35″ x 35″ size provides full coverage and can grow with your child into toddlerhood. In testing, it held up well through multiple launderings, proving its longevity.
- Large and Durable Hooded Baby Bath Towels – Measuring 35" x 35", KeaBabies Hooded Baby Towels for newborn are built to be long-lasting even with repeated washes. The soft baby hooded towel can be use as your newborn grows into a toddler and up to age 5.
- Three Times the Absorbency – Made of viscose derived from bamboo, our baby towel absorbs water three times faster than cotton baby towels, keeping baby dry and clean quickly. Machine washable and dryer-friendly, it's a must-have baby bath essential.
- Extra Thick and Lush – Made with viscose derived from bamboo and premium 500GSM thickness, our hooded towels for baby and kids offer lush thickness and extra fluffiness. The premium material makes our toddler bath towel feels ultra-soft to the touch.
- Gentle on Sensitive Skin – Our infant bath towels made of natural material protect baby's delicate skin. These baby towels with hood are safe for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Perfect for everyday bath time or gentle drying after a wash.
- Super Adorable Design – Every bath time is an adventure with our adorable hooded bath towels for babies. Wrap them warm with our kids bath towel after every bath. This newborn baby essential in kraft gift box makes an awesome baby shower gift.
- Pros: Ultra-soft, large 35″ x 35″ size, durable and holds up well after washing.
- Cons: Higher-than-average cost, corners may curl slightly after washing.
☁️ Softest Overall: Natemia Hooded Baby Towel
- SUPER SOFT, THICK AND ABSORBENT! Made from highest quality 70% rayon from bamboo Natemia hooded towel is luxuriously soft. At 500 GSM it absorbs water three times as fast as ordinary cotton, drying your child quickly while also keeping him warm and cozy. Wrap your little one in soft, cozy towel after bathing him in a tub, at the pool or beach.
- DURABLE AND GENEROUSLY SIZED- PERFECT FOR NEWBORNS, INFANTS, TODDLERS AND BIG KIDS! Our Ultra Soft Towel with Hood is 40”X 30” has a longer lifespan than most towels, perfect for a newborn it will last into the toddler years. 70% rayon derived from Bamboo and 30% cotton is extremely durable and can withstand countless washes.
- UNIQUE HOODED TOWEL DESIGN! We want bath time to be fun and enjoyable experience for you and your little one. Natemia Towel with a Hood is fun, cute and gender neutral! Who can resist a freshly bathed baby wrapped in a baby towel with adorable animal face?!
- IDEAL FOR DELICATE SKIN! Our hooded towels are odor resistant and are very easy to wash. Perfect for babies with sensitive skin.
- PERFECT PRESENT! Like all other Natemia products, this ultra-soft 70% rayon from bamboo hooded towel is packaged in a beautifully designed box making it a perfect unisex baby shower, birthday or baby registry gift! Having a girl? Check out Natemia pink princess towel, every little girl and mom would love!
The Natemia towel is celebrated for its plush, premium feel and thick, cosy construction of about 500 GSM. Made from 100% rayon from bamboo, it delivers a luxurious experience. The 35″ x 35″ dimensions make it suitable for newborns through to the toddler months.
- Pros: Plush ~500 GSM build, large 35″ x 35″ size, soft bamboo fibre feel, cosy hood.
- Cons: Premium price point, may require line-drying or laying flat to maintain quality.
🌿 Our Favourite for Newborns: Burt’s Bees Baby Hooded Towel
- Soft and Absorbent: Crafted from 100% organic cotton, these hooded towels are gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. The single-ply knit terry fabric is soft and absorbent, ensuring your baby girl or baby boy stays cozy every after bath.
- Perfectly Sized Hood: The hooded baby towels are thoughtfully designed. Its perfectly sized hood is not too large or deep, so it does not cover the baby's face. Our baby born essentials are sweet, snuggly, and super soft.
- Smooth and Loop Texture: These baby bath towels are fluffy on one side and loop-knit terry on the other. The soft side feels gentle against your baby’s skin while providing excellent absorbency—a practical and functional design for everyday use.
- Product Dimensions: Each absorbent towel measures 29"" x 29"", providing ample coverage for wrapping up your little bee. These baby bath towels are also great for outdoor use like pool or beach. It is super versatile and convenient for everyday use.
- Made from Premium-Quality Organic Cotton: Our newborn essential hooded towels are combed and ring-spun for durability, softness, and no-pill washing.
This 100% organic cotton terry towel is a trusted and practical choice, often sold in two-packs. At 29″ x 29″, it is sized perfectly for newborns. While it is thinner than plush bamboo options, it is soft, absorbent, and durable, laundering well with little change after multiple cycles.
- Pros: 100% organic cotton, soft, durable, absorbent, and sized well for newborns.
- Cons: Thinner single-ply knit terry feel, smaller size is not ideal for toddlers.
🌬️ Best Lightweight Comfort: aden + anais Hooded Towel
- [Soft and Absorbent] - 100% high quality muslin organic cotton, the best fabric for babies, makes the baby bath towel super soft than regular cotton towel. It absorbs the water off baby quickly and keeps baby warm after baths.
- [Excellent Durability] - The 6 layers thickness muslin design is long-lasting enough for everyday use. Sized in 32 x 32 inches, the hooded baby towels are suitable for newborns, infants, toddlers, and small kids up to 3 years old.
- [Easy Care] - Our muslin baby towels with hood will keep its softness, thickness and color even after many washes, machine washable and quick dry. The set of 2 baby towels for newborn is more convenient for daily change and easy clean up.
- [Versatile Usage] - Not only used as baby bath towel, it can also be used as baby blanket, swaddling, changing mat cover. Wrap your little one in this soft baby hooded towel after bathing him in a tub, at the pool or beach.
- [Perfect Baby Gift] - As a lovely and practical baby essential, our hooded baby towels for boys and girls is a perfect unisex baby shower gift, or baby registry gift!
This towel strikes a balance between gentleness and function by pairing a soft cotton muslin hood with an absorbent terry body. Its 76 cm x 76 cm size is practical for infants, and the design is intentionally smooth and breathable for sensitive skin.
- Pros: Gentle muslin hood, breathable, absorbent, and infant-friendly size.
- Cons: Lightweight feel is less plush than high-GSM towels; smaller than 33-35″ options.
🎨 Best Prints & Giftable: Little Unicorn Hooded Towel
- 100% Cotton Muslin backing with full color or print
- 30 x 30 inches
- Super absorbent & soft terry fabric interior
- 0-18 mo, up to 36 inches
Combining stylish printed cotton muslin with a soft terry interior, this towel is both functional and a popular gift choice. Sized at 76 cm x 76 cm, it is designed to fit babies from 0-18 months and features cosy hand pockets.
- Pros: Stylish prints, muslin and terry comfort, cosy hood and hand pockets.
- Cons: Smaller than 33-35″ towels; slight print variations are possible.
🐻 Best Budget Pick: Hudson Baby Animal Hooded Towel
- Adorably detailed animal face on hood
- Made with 100% woven terry cotton / hooded towel 33x33 inches
- Soft and gentle on baby's skin
- Optimal for everyday use
- Affordable, high quality hooded towel
Known for its adorable animal-face hoods and budget-friendly price, this towel offers everyday utility. Its roomy 33″ x 33″ size is great for wrapping infants, and the woven terry cotton material is easy to care for. However, testers noted it lacks the softness of premium options.
- Pros: Affordable, generous 33″ x 33″ size, cute designs, easy-care woven terry.
- Cons: Lacks softness, feels more basic than plush towels, not advertised as organic.
💸 Budget-Friendly Set: Carter’s Towel and Washcloth Set
- Value-Packed 8-Piece Set: This versatile set includes 3 towels and 5 washcloths, offering everything you need to make bath time a breeze. With multiple pieces in one pack, you’ll always have a fresh towel or washcloth on hand, saving time and simplifying your laundry routine.
- Fun Character Hoods: Two of the towels feature delightful hooded designs, showcasing playful characters that add a touch of whimsy to bath time. These hoods keep your baby warm while making drying off a fun and cozy experience.
- Soft and Gentle on Skin: Made with soft and absorbent fabric, these towels and washcloths are gentle against your baby’s delicate skin, ensuring a comfortable and soothing feel after every bath.
- Unisex Colors and Playful Prints: Designed in neutral tones with cheerful patterns, this set is perfect for boys and girls alike, making it a great gift for new parents or baby showers.
- Machine Washable for Easy Care: Durably crafted to withstand frequent washing, this set is machine washable and quick-drying, helping busy parents maintain cleanliness with minimal effort.
If you are looking for quantity on a budget, this affordable set includes multiple towels and washcloths. The towels are sized at 29″ x 29″, making them most suitable for newborns. While they are thin and lack fluff, the set is practical for families who need multiple towels in rotation without frequent laundry.
- Pros: Affordable set with multiple pieces, washcloths are a decent size.
- Cons: Thin material, smaller size is not suitable for toddlers.
Care and Washing Instructions
Proper care will keep your baby towels soft, absorbent, and safe for delicate skin.
- Wash Before First Use: This removes residual finishes and maximises softness and absorbency.
- Use a Gentle Detergent: Opt for a mild, liquid detergent that is free of dyes and fragrances.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: These products can leave a residue on fibres that may irritate sensitive skin and reduce absorbency. Wool dryer balls are a good alternative to fluff towels.
- Follow Label Instructions: Typically, this means washing in cool to warm water on a gentle cycle and tumble drying on low heat.
- Keep a Backup: Having at least two to four towels ensures a clean, dry one is always ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I really need a hooded baby towel?
While not an absolute necessity, a hooded towel is a practical item on many newborn checklists. The hood is highly effective at keeping a baby’s head warm, aiding in temperature regulation and drying their hair. - How many baby towels do I need?
Most families find that having two to four baby towels per child is adequate. This allows you to have a clean one ready while others are in the laundry. For newborns bathed weekly, two towels may be enough, but as baths become more frequent, three or four is more practical. - When can a baby start using a regular towel?
You can transition to a regular bath towel once your child outgrows their baby towel, which is typically around age two or three. As long as you dry them promptly to maintain warmth, a larger towel will work fine.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect baby towel is a simple yet meaningful way to ensure your little one’s comfort and well-being. By prioritizing soft, safe materials like bamboo rayon or organic cotton and opting for a functional hooded design, you can make post-bath time a warm and soothing experience. Whether you choose the ultra-soft durability of the KeaBabies towel, the organic simplicity of Burt’s Bees Baby, or the budget-friendly cuteness of Hudson Baby, the right towel is a small investment that pays off in big, cozy cuddles.