If there's one piece of fabric that really does it all in everyday life with a baby, it's the muslin. Unassuming, feather-light – and yet the one thing experienced mums and midwives always keep within reach: one in the nursery, one in the changing bag, one in the pram. If you're wondering whether they're worth buying: yes. Ten times over.
Here are ten uses that show why muslin swaddles belong in every set of newborn essentials – plus care tips and the answer to why muslin is the ideal material for them.
Why muslin?
Muslin is a loosely woven fabric made from 100% cotton. The special weave lets air circulate through the fabric – which makes the cloth wonderfully breathable and comfortable even on warm days. The best part: muslin gets softer with every wash. A cloth that's cosier after six months of constant use than on day one – very few fabrics manage that. That's exactly what our set of 3 muslin swaddles is made for. You'll find more background on the material in our guide to muslin cloths.
10 brilliant uses for your muslin swaddle
1. Swaddling
Many newborns feel safe when they're snugly wrapped – it reminds them of the closeness of the womb. At 112 x 112 cm, the cloth is big enough to wrap your baby comfortably. It's best to ask your midwife to show you the right swaddling technique, so you get it right from the start.
2. Burp cloth
The classic: cloth over your shoulder, baby up, wait for the burp. A muslin reliably catches any milky spit-up and can be swapped in no time. For smaller dribbly moments in between, our bandana bibs do a great job too.
3. Nursing cover
Breastfeeding on the go and want a bit of privacy? Drape the cloth loosely over your shoulder. Because muslin is so light and airy, it stays pleasantly breezy underneath – and you can keep an eye on your baby at all times.
4. Privacy screen on the pram
When your baby is sleeping in the pram, a muslin fixed to the side can shield them from curious looks and distractions. Important: never drape the cloth over the whole pram. Even with a thin cloth, air circulation suffers underneath and heat can build up inside. So only use the cloth as a screen on the side – for shade, it's better to use the hood, a parasol or simply find a spot in the shade.
5. Light blanket
On warm days, a muslin replaces the baby blanket: in the pram, on the sofa or for evening cuddles. Used single or folded double, it adapts to the temperature. You'll find more choice in our Muslins & blankets category.
6. Changing mat on the go
No changing facilities anywhere in sight? Spread out the cloth, lay your baby on it, done. Afterwards it simply goes in the wash. It doesn't get much more practical than that.
7. Comfort cloth
Many babies choose their favourite cloth themselves – often it's simply whatever happens to be lying softly against their cheek. A familiar cloth to hold on to makes many situations easier, from a visit to the paediatrician to a sleepover at the grandparents'. If that happens, it's worth having an identical second one: you'll find out why in The favourite muslin swaddle.
8. Play cloth and peekaboo
Peekaboo – or Gugus-Dada, as we say in Switzerland – works wonderfully with a muslin: hide, peek out, giggle. It's also a hit as a sensory cloth during play time on the play mat.
9. The Nuscheli
The Nuscheli is the ultimate Swiss classic: a muslin swaddle that goes everywhere with your baby. A tip from midwives: wear the cloth against your body for a few hours first – the familiar scent gives your baby a little piece of home, wherever you are.
10. Sheet saver
Stretched tightly over the head end of the mattress or used as a liner in the pram, a muslin catches spit-up and sweat. Instead of changing all the bedding every time, you simply swap the cloth – which saves time and nerves.
Why 112 x 112 cm is the premium size
Muslins come in many sizes – from small 60 cm cloths to XXL. The 112 x 112 cm format has become established as the premium size: big enough for swaddling, as a blanket and as a changing mat, yet still compact enough when folded for any changing bag. Smaller cloths simply reach their limits for many of the ten uses.
Washing tips: how to keep your muslins looking lovely
- 30°C is enough: Wash the cloths at 30°C – it's gentle on fibres and colours and perfectly sufficient for everyday use.
- Wash before first use: That way the cloth is pleasantly soft from the start.
- No fabric softener needed: Muslin gets softer all by itself with every wash.
- Air-dry: Dried on the line, the cloths keep their shape best.
The bottom line: one cloth, ten jobs
Hardly any item of baby kit is as versatile as the muslin – which is why it's worth having several. They also make a lovely gift for a new arrival: feel free to browse our gift ideas. We ship directly from Switzerland for CHF 5.90, and free from CHF 50 – you'll find all the details under Shipping & delivery.