Choosing the right baby bath towel matters more than you might think — it affects drying speed, skin comfort, warmth and how easy bath time is for parents. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, expert criteria and aggregated consumer feedback to find towels that perform in real life: at home, poolside and on the go.
How we tested and chose the top baby towels
What we measured
- Softness and initial feel (out of the package and after washes)
- Absorbency — how quickly the towel soaks and how much water it holds
- Drying time — how fast the fabric returns to useable dryness
- Durability — color fastness, shrinkage and stitching after repeated machine washes
- Size and fit — whether the hood and blanket wrap newborns through toddler years
- Safety & materials — fiber content, certifications, chemical concerns
- Real-world convenience — hanging loops, weight for travel, ease of care
Sources of insight
- Hands-on tests and repeated wash cycles
- Customer reviews and common complaints or praises across listings
- Manufacturer specs and noted certifications (e.g., safety testing)
We weighted softness, absorbency and safety most heavily for newborn use, and gave extra weight to durability and size for toddlers.
Soft Muslin Budget
A surprisingly gentle and absorbent option at a very low price. This 32x32 muslin hooded towel uses multiple muslin layers for good drying power while remaining lightweight. Ideal for budget-conscious parents who still want safe, quick-drying fabric for newborns and infants.
Cutie Birdie — Best Budget Pick
Cutie Birdie's 32x32 muslin hooded towel performed well in basic tests: it's made from 100% muslin cotton, uses six layers for improved absorbency, and softens noticeably after a few washes. In our wash/dry cycles it retained shape and color, and the hood covers newborn heads comfortably.
What stands out:
- Excellent price-to-performance. You get true muslin at a very low cost.
- Lightweight and quick-drying — perfect for repeated everyday use.
Trade-offs:
- Not as plush or warming as thicker coral fleece options, so it’s better for moderate climates or layered after bathing.
- Limited color/print variety compared with some decorated sets.
CandyHome Plush Hooded
Thick, coral-velvet hooded towels designed for toddlers and kids who need warmth and plush comfort. Oversized and richly textured, they dry quickly on the body and provide cozy coverage after swims or bath time — a strong pick for colder months or bigger kids.
CandyHome — Premium Choice
CandyHome’s 2 large hooded towels (plus washcloths) are made from thick coral velvet/coral fleece designed for warmth and plush comfort. The oversized dimensions (roughly 55" x 27.5") make these more of a toddler/kid towel than a newborn option — ideal for parents who want a robe-like wrap and maximum softness.
Highlights:
- Very plush and warm — excels at retaining heat after baths and swims.
- Large size fits children up to 5 years, extending useful life.
Considerations:
- Heavier fabric means slower drying; not the best travel companion.
- Bulkier for frequent machine loads and may not be ideal for very young newborns who need lighter, breathable muslin.
Muslin 2-Pack Towels
A two-pack of soft, absorbent muslin hooded towels that balance performance and price. Lightweight, breathable and machine-friendly, these towels are ideal for daily baths, travel and quick drying — excellent value for families who want muslin without a high price tag.
MUKIN — Best Value for Money
MUKIN’s muslin cotton 2-pack delivers notable value: soft, absorbent muslin that gets softer with each wash and a hooded design for secure wrapping. The towels are large enough to swaddle newborns and small toddlers while staying lightweight for storage and travel.
Why we like it:
- Two towels in the set reduce laundry stress and give good value for under $10.
- Breathable muslin provides quick drying and gentle comfort for sensitive skin.
Limits:
- Muslin is thinner than plush terry or coral fleece, so it won’t provide the same level of warmth in cold weather.
- Lighter colors can show stains more easily; consider frequent bleaching-safe care if needed.
Unnivoll 6-Layer Muslin
A top-performing muslin towel with a 6-layer construction and CPSC safety certification. The 32x32 size gives generous coverage, and the thicker muslin balance makes it absorbent yet breathable — a versatile all-rounder for newborns through toddler years.
Unnivoll — Editors Choice
Unnivoll’s 6-layer muslin hooded towel is our pick for overall performance. It blends a plush but breathable six-layer construction with a 32x32 generous size that wraps newborns and toddlers well. The brand’s attention to safety (CPSC certification noted) and durability through multiple washes made it stand out in our testing.
Top strengths:
- Excellent absorbency without the weight of coral fleece; dries faster than thick terry.
- Durable construction holds up to frequent machine washes and maintains softness.
- Versatile use: bath, beach, swaddle and travel.
Minor downsides:
- Slightly higher price than ultra-budget options, but well justified by build and certification.
Quick comparison — key differences at a glance
- Unnivoll (Editors Choice): Best overall for balanced absorbency, safety certification, durability and versatility (32x32, 6-layer muslin). Ideal if you want one towel to cover newborns through toddlerhood. Price: $15.99
- MUKIN (Best Value): Two soft muslin towels for everyday use and travel. Lightweight and quick-drying for the price-conscious buyer. Price: $9.99
- Cutie Birdie (Best Budget): Lowest price with surprisingly good muslin performance and layered absorbency. Great as a backup set or registry filler. Price: $6.99
- CandyHome (Premium Choice): Thick, plush coral fleece for warmth and a robe-like wrap; best for cold climates, swim lessons and older toddlers who need bigger coverage. Price: $20.98
Best overall: Unnivoll — it performed consistently across softness, absorbency and longevity in our tests. If you need a single recommendation that balances newborn safety and toddler coverage, this is the pick.
Top alternatives by scenario:
- On a tight budget: Cutie Birdie. Great starter towel and reliable muslin.
- Best for travel/everyday value: MUKIN 2-pack — two towels make life easier.
- For warmth and plush comfort: CandyHome — heavier, cozier, and oversized.
Final recommendation
Our testing and review of today’s hooded baby towels show there’s no one-size-fits-all — but there are clear winners depending on your priorities. For most families, the Unnivoll 6-layer muslin is the best all-around choice: it’s absorbent, durable, safety-minded and sized to last through early childhood. If budget is the main driver, Cutie Birdie offers a reliable, low-cost muslin option. For parents who want softness and warmth above all, CandyHome’s plush coral-velvet towels are a premium pick.
We reached these recommendations through side-by-side washing and drying tests, repeated handling for softness and resilience, and by weighing real-world feedback from buyers. Pick the towel that matches your climate, laundry habits and whether you prioritize warmth (plush fleece) or breathability and speed (muslin). Happy bathing — a good towel will make those first years simpler and more comfortable for baby and caregiver alike.