When Should Babies Start Wearing Bibs? A Safe, Age-by-Age Guide for New Parents

Being a parent is all about finding out all kinds of little, unforeseen choices- such as when your baby will need to wear a bib. Although it may appear to be a trivial matter, the selection of a suitable bib at the right moment can be a huge step towards the comfort and safety of your baby.

Brands like Paperclip understand how important those early choices are, which is why thoughtfully designed options—like their silicone baby bibs—exist to make feeding time easier once your baby is ready. But that doesn’t mean bibs are needed from day one.

So, when do babies start wearing bibs? The short answer is: it depends on what your baby is doing. The long answer? It depends on their age, developmental stage, and whether they’re drooling, feeding, or just trying to taste the world one spoonful at a time.

Let’s break it down.

Table of Contents

• Why Do Babies Need Bibs?

• When Should You Start Using Bibs?

• Early Months: Gently Introduce After 3–4 Months

• 4–6 Months: Signs You're Approaching Mealtimes

• 6+ Months: Time for Silicone Bibs

• How Many Bibs Do You Really Need?

• Material Tips: Why Silicone is a Game-Changer

• FAQs on When Do Babies Start Wearing Bibs

• Final Thoughts: When Do Babies Start Wearing Bibs?

Why Do Babies Need Bibs?

In those early months—likely after 3-4 months—many parents start using baby feeding bibs to manage light drool or occasional spit-up. A soft absorbent bib will keep your baby dry, safeguard sensitive skin and reduce frequent changes of clothes.

Bibs are not only used to keep clothes clean but they have practical everyday uses such as:

• Avoiding moisture rashes and neck irritation.

• Reducing laundry loads.

• Making feeding sessions a little bit easier.

Bibs are even more important as your baby grows and begins solids. That’s when many parents switch to silicone bibs—a durable, easy-to-clean option designed for messy mealtimes and long-term use. The right bib at the right time will make both your baby and your routine more comfortable.

When Should You Start Using Bibs?

Early Months: Gently Introduce After 3–4 Months

Babies do not need bibs during the first few months, but they tend to drool and spit up more around 3 to 4 months, and this is a good time to introduce the baby feeding bibs to the parents. Bibs are soft and absorbent and can protect your baby against the skin and minimize the number of changes of outfits during feeding and teething periods.

• Select breathable fabrics such as cotton.

• Have a tight but comfortable fit.

• Take it off when napping, at bedtime, or when you are not supervising them.

4–6 Months: Signs You're Approaching Mealtimes

Between 4 and 6 months, most babies show signs of readiness for solids—sitting with support, good head control, reaching for food, and showing interest in meals. Experts like the AAP recommend beginning solids around 6 months, although some babies may be ready a bit earlier 

This is the perfect time to:

• Start introducing purees with a spoon or try baby-led weaning.

• Upgrade to bibs that are more durable and easy to clean, preparing for messier mealtimes ahead

6+ Months: Time for Silicone Bibs

Once your baby is comfortably eating solids—usually around 6 months—feeding becomes delightfully messy. Waterproof silicone bibs are ideal now. They’re:

• Easy to wipe clean or dishwasher-safe

• Equipped with food-catching pockets

• Durable and stain-resistant

Choosing the right silicone bib at this stage makes mealtime cleaner and easier for everyone

How Many Bibs Do You Really Need?

Well, that depends on the age of your baby, and whether they are active (or messy) or not. The best bet would be to begin with 4 to 6 drool bibs which you can change through the day, particularly during those teething months when the dribble shows no signs of stopping. Once your little one starts solids, you’ll want to have two to four baby feeding bibs on hand, ideally something like our easy-to-clean silicone styles that can handle mealtime messes without a fuss. And be sure to keep a couple of backup bibs in your diaper bag or stroller organizer--because spit-ups and snack-time surprises do not always conform to a schedule.

Material Tips: Why Silicone is a Game-Changer

Silicone bibs, particularly BPA-free food-grade silicone ones, are a hit with the contemporary parents, with good reason:

• Waterproof and wipeable.

• Integrated crumb catchers minimize clean up.

• Durable and dishwasher safe.

• Non-toxic, safe, and mild on the child's skin.

Our Paperclip silicone bibs offer the perfect blend of functionality and minimalist design that fits into every modern family’s lifestyle.

FAQs on When Do Babies Start Wearing Bibs

Can newborns wear bibs?

Yes, lightweight cotton bibs can help with spit-up and light drool.

Are silicone bibs safe for babies?

Absolutely! Food-grade silicone bibs (like Paperclip’s) are BPA-free and easy to sanitize.

How many bibs does a baby need?

At least 8-10 for frequent changes, especially during teething and solids.

By choosing the right bibs and baby dishes and utensils, you’ll make feeding time smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your little one!

Final Thoughts: When Do Babies Start Wearing Bibs?

Ultimately, when babies start wearing bibs depends on their developmental stage. Soft cotton bibs may help with early spit-up, but once your little one starts exploring solids, a good silicone bib becomes essential. Just remember—comfort and safety come first.

At Paperclip, we design smart, beautiful solutions for everyday parenting moments. And bibs—especially thoughtfully designed silicone baby bibs—are one of those quiet heroes that simplify your day in a big way.

Explore our full collection of baby dishes and utensils and choose from the best silicone bibs that make mealtime easier, cleaner, and just a little more stylish.