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What is a Muslin Cloth?
Muslin is a loosely woven cotton fabric which gets its name from the city of Mosul in Iraq, where it was first manufactured.
Muslins form a staple part of every parent’s toolbox - the smaller muslin squares are ideal for wiping and winding, whereas the larger muslin cloths are great for swaddling.
With a multitude of uses, you can never have too many muslin cloths; here are our top reasons why you should keep a muslin handy at all times!
1. They’re Light and Breathable
Due to their loose weave, muslins are very lightweight and breathable, making them a safe addition to your baby’s pushchair or cot bed.
2. Soft and Gentle
Muslin cloths are usually made from cotton or bamboo so they’re soft and gentle against baby’s sensitive skin. Unlike other fabrics, the more you wash your muslin cloth the softer it gets!
3. Stretchy and Ideal for Swaddling
The slight stretch in muslin fabric makes the larger variety perfect for swaddling. Not sure where to start with swaddling? Check out our blog post on swaddling your baby for tips and advice.
4. Perfect for Wiping
Babies create a lot of mess for something so tiny! Despite their thin structure, muslin cloths are surprisingly absorbent so make sure you have one (or two!) handy during those typically messy moments such as mealtimes.
5. Ideal for Winding
Protect your clothes whilst winding your baby by throwing a large muslin swaddle cloth over your shoulder.
6. Easy to clean
Just pop your muslin cloth in the washing machine on a gentle wash with similar colours. You can tumble dry them on low, but they dry so quickly naturally and it’s more environmentally friendly!
7. An Alternative Blanket
When it’s warmer, a large muslin cloth could be used as a lightweight alternative to a standard blanket. It’s truly all your little one will need!
8. Comforting for babies and toddlers
Babies love the soft snuggly texture of muslin cloths and, as you begin to use muslins for almost everything, your little one will start to find comfort in having a muslin cloth close by. You may find they start to settle easier for nap times if they have their muslin with them.
9. On-the-go Bib
If you’ve decided to take your toddler for a picnic but have forgotten their bib, a small muslin square is the perfect makeshift alternative. Simply tuck it into your child’s top to protect their clothes, then once they’re finished it can be used to wipe their grubby fingers and face clean!
10. A nursing cover
Although we certainly don’t think mothers need to cover up during nursing, some might prefer a little privacy. A muslin swaddle cloth can be poked under a spaghetti strap or t-shirt collar to give you a bit more cover.
11. A changing pad cover
Although changing pads are usually made from a wipe-clean material, they can be quite cold against your baby’s sensitive skin. In these instances, large muslin cloths can be used as a changing pad cover, providing a soft layer for your baby to lay on.
Plus, if there are any additional accidents whilst changing, a muslin cloth will absorb any liquids rather than a channel of wee cascading down the side of your changing mat!
12. Tissue alternative
Some parents prefer to use muslin cloths as a handkerchief rather than tissue when their little ones are poorly. Tissues can leave delicate noses looking pink and dry whereas muslin cloths are soft and gentle.
Do you have any other uses for the trusty muslin cloth? Share them below to inspire other Boori families!
