Burp Cloths and Bibs

If you’ve been reading our past blogs you may remember how difficult it is to do laundry on the rez – not only because there are no laundromats but also because people cannot afford a washer or dryer or even laundry soap.  Most kids don’t have a lot of extra clothing (we all know how fast they can soil their clothes) so we’re trying to find ways they can wear their clothes one more day. Kids get dirty too and bath soap is a luxury many people can’t afford (another future blog topic).

For the infant /toddler program we are asking for burp cloths and bibs to help cover clothing that may need to be worn the next day. Each child could use 3 or more of each. They’re easy and economical to make from fabric you might have in your stash or from thrift store items. Check out our free pattern page or trace an existing bib/burp cloth, add ¼” seam allowance, cut out front and back, sew together leaving an opening to turn, press and topstitch ¼ from edges, add velcro or other closure for the bib and you’re finished. You can also just serge around a burp cloth or bib or add a bias binding. Watch this series on making a bib if you need help. There are many bibs lessons on the web. Just google “How to sew a bib” if you need help or inspiration. Decorate them if you like or use material with kid’s patterns. Or do as I do- use what you have on hand. My daughter just uses a flat diaper as a burp cloth.

Burp cloths are great for keeping both mom and baby clean. Most babies spit up after eating during the first 6 months of their life so these are especially useful during that time. They also drool a lot when teething. The burp cloths can be made of flannel,toweling, diapers,or any fabric that has some absorbency. You can use these materials alone or combine them with cute baby prints. Make them square, rectangular or kidney shaped and large enough to cover mom’s shoulder or knee area when burping the baby. Don’t make them too thick as they may need to be washed by hand and dried on a line. Mom’s will go through several burp cloths a day.    These sites give you ideas on how to make burp clothes here and here and here.

Bibs can be used for toddlers too although when kids reach a certain age they may not want to wear one unless it has a picture of their favorite character on it. Snaps, velcro or ties can be used. Please refrain from using any vinyl or plastics unless you’re sure they’re BPA free. We’re trying to avoid exposing children to this hazardous chemical which poses serious health risks for children.

Here are a few samples of bibs I made.     I just traced the bib pattern from one I had at home. You can add a pocket as in this tutorial if you want. The  gray /green bib was made of toweling and a cut up man’s shirt. The green /orange one is just made with sweat shirt fabric .

This is one I found in a Singer” Sewing For Children” book but this tutorial is similar with a few modifications.

  These ones I just traced off bibs I had such as the store samples you see in the photo.

See how moms are making money off bibs they designed here and here .

Help us keep the moms, babies and children clean!  Be creative and design your own patterns and share your ideas and photos with the group.

Thanks from Sew For Kids