Can I Use a Normal Towel for My Baby?

Question: Can I use a normal towel for my baby?

Answer: Yes, you can. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not have a specific standard. 

Lots of moms have this question, especially if you are trying to decide what to buy and what to register for. Do you really have to purchase a specific baby towel with a hood and cute design, or can you just use a regular old towel?

I did some research, and as far as I can tell, Consumer Reports nor the American Academy of Pediatrics have even mentioned specific standards or best practices regarding newborn towels. Ergo: it doesn't really matter which you choose. But, if you want my take...

Little Unicorn Cotton Hooded Bath Towel & Wash Cloth

There are some valid reasons why your baby should have their own towels. I'm not necessarily talking about baby bathing packages, but rather just towels that you've bought specifically for your baby. Here are my reasons to get some towels with your little one in mind:

• Babies have very sensitive skin. A new towel that has extra soft fabric will help keep their skin healthy--and let's be honest, some of our existing towels have seen better days.
• Babies are at risk for certain illnesses that adults and older children don't have to worry about so much. Having a set of designated "baby towels" helps keep baby healthier and less likely to catch a cold or worse.
• Newborns tend to poop and pee a lot. If you like the way your towels look now, consider investing in some towels specifically for baby that you can get rid of when they're grown. Just a thought.
• Babies have more trouble maintaining a normal body temperature, and chill easily--especially following bath time. Getting towels that are extra warm, absorbent, and soft will keep baby comfortable as you're dressing them after bath time. This is where the hood comes in handy.

So there's my two cents. I've used the hooded bath towels and the newborn-specific wash cloths. They're cute, and I honestly enjoyed using them. But if you're feeling a little stretched budget-wise or just want to cut down on some of the baby items you're registering for, try something like this affordable and super absorbent Turkish Towel that will keep baby warm and dry, no matter how big they get.

Lulujo Baby Turkish Towel - Navy and Oatmeal

On the other hand, if you're excited about the hooded towels and know you'll use them, The Baby Cubby has a great selection of adorable hooded baby towels from Little Unicorn:

Little Unicorn Cotton Hooded Towel and Washcloth - Lemon

Little Unicorn makes it easy for you to get a sweet design on the products you need. The towels offered by Little Unicorn (and on our website) come with 1 hooded towel and 1 matching wash cloth. Both products are super soft, the perfect size, and made specifically to keep baby warm and dry following bath time--not to mention stylish. These hooded towels and wash cloths are ideal for that "first bath" photo op, as well as the day-to-day bath needs you'll get to enjoy. Remember, they're only babies for so long!

If you're looking for all bath-related products, just visit our great selection to pick and choose what you want and need. And happy bathing to you all!