Buying a Better Bib

I bought a new bib for Liam recently.  He's a big guy for 2 1/2 so I've been buying those huge terrycloth pullover-type bibs to get maximum coverage over his nice big tummy!   I've found there's not much choice out there for toddler bibs - in fact the only place I've seen them is Target, which is where I picked mine up.  It was cheap, as most things are at Target...and low and behold...after about 4 washings, it's already got a hole in it.  Jeeeezzzz! 

But even worse than a bib with a hole...the other day I read that Wal-Mart has recalled a number of bibs due to high levels of lead in the PVC vinyl material.  Yikes!  Lead in baby bibs?  I had heard about the lead in kids lunchbags, but now bibs too?  That's pretty scary!  Apparently the lead makes the vinyl softer.  And independent lab test done for the Center for Environmental Health showed that the bibs contained 16 times the level of lead allowed in paint!  Double check that you don't have one of those bibs pictured here or read this Associated Press article for more about the recall. 

What I want to know is, where can I find a good looking bib that won't fall apart or leach dangerous chemicals onto my child?  Oh, and it can't cost a fortune either.  Is that too much to ask?

After a bit of searching I found this really cool toddler bib by Alphabet Moon.  It's nice and long - almost like a smock - sure to cover up even the messiest of toddlers!  The bibs are laminated for easy clean up, and I confirmed that they use a lead-free, kid-safe product. They're $12 each but a good deal for a durable and stylish product!  Check out the infant bibs as well and keep in mind that they offer monogramming for an extra charge.  And once you read Lisa Brawley's story, you will really want to support her business.

For those of you looking for a nice, plain organic cotton infant bib, here's a nice one by Bumpkins (found on Amazon.com).  A pack of three for $10.95 seems reasonable.

Under the Nile is another good source for organic cotton bibs.  I found this cute one online (Planting a seed for our future - right on!) and I've seen their bibs at Whole Foods and other stores around town as well.  They are made from 100% Organic Egyptian Cotton and the company is a role model for fair trade commerce.  Read more about Janice Masoud and her company here.

If I were buying a gift, I'd get this adorable bib and burp cloth set from LEquipeBoutique on Etsy.com.  Made from designer fabrics and lined with organic cotton for absorbency.  What an awesome and practical gift!

Of course you could always make your own bibs.  I've been meaning to make bibs for Liam - but after about 6 months of dreaming I think I've finally realized that's not going to happen.  Meanwhile, I don't think I'll be buying any more bibs at Target.  Spending a little more money on a high quality and child-SAFE bib is the way to go.  Good thing there are so many great options out there!

Comments

[jo(e)]

I always used to find myself just reverting to the default bib: a cotton diaper pinned into a bib shape ....

[BigGrown-Up Mommy]

We use bibs constantly for both my 22 month-old and my 5 year old. One thing I've found is that the vinyl really isn't necessary anyway. In fact, I vastly prefer all-cotton or cotton/polyester bibs that I just toss in the laundry. We wash all the kitchen laundry together and those have held up quite well whereas any with a stay-dry coating tend to crack over time.