How Many Muslin Cloths and Wash Cloths Do You Really Need?

Quick answer

For most newborns, start with 8 to 12 muslin cloths and 6 to 10 baby wash cloths. If you wash every two to three days or have a baby who spits up often, aim for 12 to 15 muslin cloths and 10 to 12 wash cloths so you are never caught short.

Muslin cloths and baby wash cloths are two of the most-used items in a newborn's daily routine, yet they are also the easiest to under-buy. Running out mid-change or mid-feed is frustrating, and over-buying means unused cloths taking up drawer space.

The right number depends less on the baby and more on your laundry habits, feeding method, and how many rooms you want to keep a cloth in. This guide gives concrete counts and explains when to adjust them.

How many muslin cloths do you need for a newborn?

Plan for 8 to 12 muslin cloths if you wash laundry every two to three days. Muslin cloths get used for burping, wiping spills, shielding clothes during feeds, and as a light cover in the pram, so several can be in use at once.

If you prefer a once-a-week wash cycle or your baby brings up milk frequently, 12 to 15 is a more realistic number. Keep a small stack in each main room so you are not walking to the nursery every time you need one.

• Keep at least two cloths in the changing bag and two in the pram.
• A 2-pack is a useful top-up size if you only need a few more.

How many baby wash cloths do you need?

Six to ten wash cloths covers most daily washing needs: face, hands, bottom changes, and bath time. If you use wash cloths instead of disposable wipes, lean toward ten or more so you always have a clean one within reach.

Wash cloths are smaller and quicker to launder than muslin cloths, so a slightly smaller quantity is usually fine. The key is having enough that you never have to reuse a damp one.

• Dedicate a few wash cloths to bottom changes and a few to face and hands.
• If you wash every other day, eight wash cloths is a comfortable middle ground.

What changes the number you actually need?

Feeding method matters. Formula-fed babies often need more burp cloths because spit-up is more common, while breastfed babies may use fewer. Babies who reflux or spit up heavily can double the daily cloth use.

Laundry frequency is the other big factor. If you have a washing machine and dry cloths quickly, you can manage with fewer. If you rely on a shared laundry room or hand-washing, buy more so you are not stuck waiting.

• Add two to four extra cloths if you have a toddler and a newborn.
• Buy a few extra if you plan to use cloths for cleaning or as a changing mat cover.

Should you buy muslin cloths and wash cloths in sets or separately?

Sets are convenient because they match and are often better value per cloth. Buying separately lets you choose exactly the quantity and prints you want, which is helpful if you already have plenty of one type.

A practical approach is to start with a 2-pack of muslin cloths and a small set of wash cloths, then add more once you see your baby's daily pattern. Most parents find their real number within the first month.

• Check whether the cloths are GOTS-certified if organic cotton matters to you.
• Prints and colours can help you assign cloths to specific jobs.

How do you store and rotate cloths so you do not run out?

Keep a basket or drawer of clean cloths in the nursery and a smaller stash in the living room and changing bag. When a cloth is used, put it straight into a wet bag or laundry bin rather than leaving it on a surface.

Rotate older cloths to the bottom of the stack so everything gets used evenly. Muslin cloths soften with washing, so a simple rotation keeps your whole supply comfortable and fresh.

• Wash new cloths before first use to remove any manufacturing residue.
• A small wet bag in the changing bag keeps used cloths separate from clean ones.

Quick reference: your cloth checklist

Muslin cloths

Start with 8 to 12 for a newborn; go to 12 to 15 if you wash weekly or your baby spits up often. Keep two in the changing bag and two in the pram at all times.

Baby wash cloths

Six to ten is enough for most families; choose ten or more if you use them instead of disposable wipes. Separate face cloths from bottom cloths to avoid confusion.

Adjust for laundry

If you wash every two to three days, the lower end works. If you wash less often, buy the higher number. Add two to four extra if you also have a toddler or use cloths for cleaning.

When to buy more

If you find yourself reusing a damp cloth or hunting for a clean one, you need more. Add a 2-pack first. A 2-pack of GOTS muslin cloths is the simplest top-up.

Products that fit this guide

• Muslin Cloth, Printed, 2-pack - GOTS Dreamland: Soft muslin cloth in 100% premium organic, GOTS-certified cotton with lovely Cam Cam prints, in brown and white shades. A 2-pack is an easy way to top up your supply without overbuying, and the GOTS certification gives you a verifiable organic cotton option.
• Long Sleeved Body William - GOTS - Oatfield: Designed with two hidden shoulder press buttons and a single button placket collar for easier changing, made from soft stretchy jersey cotton. Fewer clothing changes mean fewer cloths used per day, so a well-designed body can slightly reduce how many cloths you need on hand.
• Make Up Purse - OCS - Bows: The smallest purse in the Cam Cam Copenhagen family of bags, perfect for Mummy's makeup or smaller items such as nappy cream and small wet wipes. A small purse works as a tidy way to carry a couple of clean cloths and nappy cream in your changing bag without adding bulk.

Most parents land on 10 to 12 muslin cloths and 8 to 10 wash cloths once they know their baby's routine. Start slightly lower and add a 2-pack if you keep running out, rather than buying a huge stash upfront.