What is a baby muslin for (and how many do you need)?
The basic you'll end up taking everywhere, and why it's worth having more than one.
Updated October 27, 2026
A muslin is a square of fine, breathable cotton gauze that’s good for almost everything. It’s one of those things that doesn’t seem essential until the baby arrives, and then you never leave the house without one. Ours are 100% cotton bambula and measure 100 × 100 cm, a size that’s big enough to cover, wrap or spread out.
Everyday uses for a muslin
- Over your shoulder, when winding or after each feed, to protect your clothes.
- For wiping their mouth, their hands or the odd little accident.
- As a clean surface to lay your baby on a bed, on the sofa or at someone else’s house. If you’re changing nappies when you’re out, a padded travel changing mat is more comfortable.
- When feeding, to keep to hand or to feel more at ease in public.
- For shade in the pram, resting over it without closing it off completely, so the air can circulate.
- As a light towel after a bath in summer, or to dry their hands and face.
- As a thin blanket in your arms or in the pram when it’s warm, always while you’re watching.
How many muslins do you need?
Most people have between 4 and 6: one in the changing bag, another in the living room, another in the nursery and whichever ones are in the wash. That’s why a set of muslins is usually a better idea than a single one, and it’s also a newborn gift that always gets used.
In the pram bag, keep them folded in a multi-purpose bag: that way you keep the clean ones apart from the used ones.
How to wash them
- Wash them before using them for the first time: gauze gets softer and more absorbent with every wash.
- Use a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softener, which makes them less absorbent.
- It’s normal for bambula to look crinkled: it’s part of its texture and there’s no need to iron it.
Muslin, swaddle or blanket?
A muslin is fine and cool: perfect for every day and for the warmer months. For wrapping your baby in your arms or in the pram when it turns cooler, a thicker swaddle is better. We explain it all in swaddle or blanket: which to choose.
Muslins and other out-and-about companions
