Search inside any parent forum and the answer to "how many muslins do I need?" varies wildly. The honest answer depends on your baby, your laundry habits, and how prepared you want to be. Here's what we'd actually recommend.
How many muslins do you need for a newborn?
As a rule of thumb, you can't go wrong with around a dozen muslin squares. If you have a sicky baby or one with reflux, you'll want more — some parents get through four or five a day in the early weeks. Muslins are one of those things you'll always wish you had more of, so stocking up before your baby arrives is always a good idea.
Quality matters too. Cheap muslins made from standard cotton can be scratchy against delicate newborn skin and don't absorb nearly as well as bamboo muslins, which absorb around four times more. They also hold their shape and colour through the many, many hot washes ahead.
How many shall I pack in my hospital bag?
A pack of three muslin squares is plenty for your hospital bag. You won't need more than that for the first day or two.
How many muslins shall I have at home?
We'd suggest around two dozen muslin squares (roughly 60x60cm). This size is perfect for flinging over your shoulder when burping, tucking into a changing bag, or using as a quick clean-up cloth throughout the day.
What about large muslins?
Extra large muslins (120x120cm) are brilliant as a tummy time mat, nursing cover, or lightweight pram liner. A couple of these alongside your muslin squares gives you a really versatile set-up for the early months.
What else do new parents actually need? A comforter.
Once you've got your muslins sorted, the next thing most parents wish they'd bought sooner is a baby comforter. Where muslins are your practical workhorse, a comforter becomes your baby's sleep companion — the thing they reach for to self-soothe at nap time and bedtime.
Bullabaloo comforters are made from soft muslin with a satin edge — the combination that babies instinctively rub to calm themselves. They're small enough to be safe in the cot, machine washable at 40°C, and always sold as a 2-pack so you're never caught without a spare.
Many parents introduce a comforter from around 4–6 months, and the earlier you start, the stronger the sleep association becomes. It's one of those purchases you'll look back on as one of the best you made.
Are muslin squares breathable?
Yes — muslin is one of the most breathable fabrics you can use around a newborn, which is part of why it's so widely recommended. Read more in our guide: Are muslin squares breathable?
🔒 Always follow safe sleep guidelines. Comforters are recommended for children who can independently move objects away from their face. For guidance, visit the Lullaby Trust.