How Many Muslin Squares Do I Need?

How many muslin cloths do I need? It’s one of those questions that sounds simple but has a surprisingly practical answer — and getting it wrong in either direction causes problems. Too few and you’re constantly washing. Too many and you’ve spent money on things you don’t need. This guide gives you an honest answer.

The Short Answer

For most UK parents, 6-10 muslin squares is the practical sweet spot. Here’s the logic behind that number.

Why You Need More Than You Think

Muslin squares disappear fast in the newborn stage. Here’s a typical day:

• Burp cloth after morning feed — 1 muslin
• Sick on your shoulder mid-morning — 1 muslin
• Changing mat cover during nappy change — 1 muslin
• Breastfeeding cover at lunchtime — 1 muslin
• Afternoon nap blanket — 1 muslin
• Evening bath face cloth — 1 muslin

That’s 6 muslins in a single day — before any accidents. With 6 in your rotation and daily washing, you’ll just about manage. With 8-10, you have breathing room.

How Many for Different Stages

Newborn (0-3 months)

This is peak muslin territory. Feeding is frequent, winding is constant, and mess is inevitable. 8-10 squares is comfortable at this stage — you’ll be going through 4-6 per day easily.

3-6 months

Feeding starts to settle into a rhythm. You’ll still use muslins constantly but perhaps slightly less frantically. 6-8 squares is usually enough.

6 months onwards

Weaning begins — which introduces a whole new category of mess. Muslin squares become useful as bibs and wipe cloths. 6 squares remains useful well into the first year.

Washing Frequency vs Number of Squares

The number you need depends partly on how often you’re doing laundry:

Most new parents find themselves doing laundry more frequently than before — but it’s still worth having enough to get through a full day without running out.

Muslin Squares vs Muslin Swaddles — Do You Need Both?

Yes — they do different jobs and aren’t interchangeable.

Muslin squares (70x70cm) are your everyday multi-purpose cloth — burp cloth, bib, face cloth, light blanket, changing mat liner.

Muslin swaddles (120x120cm+) are specifically for wrapping your baby for sleep. A muslin square is too small to swaddle safely — the wrap comes loose, which is a safety risk.

If you’re planning to swaddle, you’ll need both. Our recommendation: 6-8 muslin squares for everyday use, plus 4-6 muslin swaddles for sleep.

Can You Have Too Many Muslin Squares?

Not really. Unlike many baby products, muslin squares don’t become obsolete. They transition easily from burp cloth to face cloth to general household cloth. If you end up with more than you need in the newborn stage, you’ll find uses for them.

They also make excellent additions to a baby shower gift — practical, universally useful, and something every new parent will actually use.

What to Look for When Buying

• OEKO-TEX certified — essential for anything touching newborn skin
• 100% cotton — soft, breathable, and improves with washing
• Properly finished edges — prevents fraying after repeated washing
• 70x70cm — the standard size that works for all uses

Shop Deux Lapins Muslin Squares

Our muslin squares are made from 100% OEKO-TEX certified cotton, finished to last through hundreds of washes, and designed with our signature hand-drawn bunny print.

Browse Muslin Squares →

Sources: NHS Baby Care Guidance · OEKO-TEX Standard 100