Choosing towels for your children and babies might seem simple, but once you consider comfort, absorbency, durability, skin sensitivity and wash frequency, it becomes clear that not all towels are created equal. Children’s towels need to work harder than adult ones - they’re used daily, washed frequently, dropped on floors, wrapped tightly after baths, taken to swimming lessons and occasionally turned into superhero capes.
This guide breaks down exactly what to look for when choosing the best towels for children, from fabric and GSM, to size and care.
1. Prioritise Softness for Sensitive Skin
Children’s skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, particularly in babies and younger children. Harsh fibres can cause redness, dryness or irritation over time, especially with daily use. That’s why fibre quality should always come first.
Look for gentle towels:
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- Pure 100% cotton fibres for natural softness and breathability
- Zero twist construction for a fluffier, more delicate feel
- Combed cotton yarns for smoother, stronger fibres
- Organic cotton towels for a gentler, more environmentally conscious choice grown without harsh chemicals
- Bamboo-cotton blends for added softness and enhanced moisture absorption
If you're not up-to-scratch with towel lingo, you may be wondering what are zero twist towels? Simply put, the fibres in these towels are not tightly twisted during production. This allows the cotton loops to remain open and fluffy, improving absorbency while giving a noticeably softer feel - therefore making zero twist towels particularly popular for children and babies.
Towels with a combed cotton finish undergo an additional process that removes shorter fibres, leaving only longer, smoother strands. This creates a softer, stronger yarn that is less likely to pill or shed. Over time, this also means the towel will maintain its softness rather than becoming rough.
It’s important to remember that thickness alone does not equal softness. A towel can feel heavy but still be scratchy if the cotton quality is poor. Always consider fibre composition over visual bulk.
2. Choose the Right GSM for Practicality
GSM (grams per square metre) measures the density of the towel fabric. While higher GSM in towels often means a thicker towel, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best option for children.
For everyday use at home, consider:
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- 500–600 GSM - lighter weight, quicker drying, easier for children to handle
- 600–700 GSM - plush yet still practical for frequent washing
Towels that exceed 800 GSM can feel extremely luxurious, but they are often heavier and slower to dry. In households where multiple baths or showers happen daily, this can lead to damp towels lingering for longer periods.
A midweight towel offers the best balance. It feels soft and cosy without being overly bulky, making it easier for children to wrap around themselves independently.
Additionally, lighter or midweight towels are often more manageable in washing machines, reducing strain during frequent laundering.
3. Get the Size Right for Each Age
The towel size for children plays an important role in both comfort and everyday practicality.
Baby bath towels are designed specifically for infants and toddlers - they’re smaller, lighter and often feature hooded corners to help wrap up and warm a little one straight from the bath. They prioritise gentle fabrics and easy handling for parents during cuddly, splashy bath time.
As your little one grows up, a towel that is too small may not provide enough coverage to wrap around the body properly, leaving children feeling exposed or chilly after bath time.
On the other hand, a towel that is excessively large can feel bulky and heavy, especially for younger children who are still developing coordination and strength. An oversized towel may also drag on the floor, become difficult to hold securely, or feel awkward to manoeuvre, making it harder for children to dry themselves independently. Choosing the right size ensures the towel feels cosy and manageable rather than cumbersome.
Childrens towel size guide:
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- Babies & toddlers: Smaller bath towels or hooded towels that are lightweight and easy to wrap securely.
- Young children (3–8 years): Standard bath towel (approx. 70 x 120cm) provides enough coverage without excess bulk.
- Older children (9+): Large bath towels or a compact bath sheet, especially useful for swimming or sports.
Younger children benefit from manageable sizes that encourage independence. Being able to hold and wrap their own towel helps build confidence in post-bath routines.
For children who attend swimming lessons, slightly larger towels, or a designated large beach towel can provide ample coverage and extra warmth in cooler changing rooms.
4. Durability Is Essential
Durability is particularly important when it comes to children’s towels, as they tend to go through far more wear and tear than adult ones. They’re used daily, washed frequently, sometimes left damp on the floor, and often packed into swim bags or taken on trips. A towel that isn’t well made can quickly lose its shape, thin out, or develop frayed edges after repeated washing.
To ensure long-lasting performance, look for towels made from high-quality cotton with strong, reinforced hems and secure stitching. Longer staple fibres are less likely to break or shed, helping the towel retain both its structure and softness over time. Colourfast dyes are also worth considering, as frequent washing can cause poor-quality colours to fade prematurely. Investing in the right towel from the outset means it will withstand busy family life while maintaining its comfort and appearance for much longer.
5. Quick Drying Towels Help Prevent Odours
A towel that remains damp for extended periods can quickly develop unpleasant odours and may even harbour bacteria, particularly in shared family bathrooms where ventilation isn’t always ideal. Because children’s towels are often used daily - sometimes multiple times a day - choosing one that dries efficiently is essential.
Mid-weight cotton towels typically dry faster than very heavy, spa-style options. Bamboo towels are also an excellent choice for busy households, as bamboo fibres are naturally moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and dry more quickly between uses, keeping them fresher for longer as they're odour free. And, as they're ultra soft, they're kind to delicate skin. This makes them especially practical for children who have back-to-back baths.
To make towels dry quicker:
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- Hang towels immediately after use
- Spread them out fully rather than folding or bunching
- Use sewn-in hanging loops for easier storage
- Ensure adequate airflow in the bathroom
Choosing a towel that balances absorbency with quicker drying time helps maintain freshness and keeps children’s bathrooms feeling clean and comfortable.
6. Safety & Practical Design
Safety is particularly important for babies and toddlers. Towels should be simple and well-finished, with no loose decorative elements that could pose a hazard.
Avoid kids towels with:
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- Loose embellishments
- Rough or scratchy labels
- Excessively long decorative fringe
Smooth edges and secure hems are not only safer but also more durable. For children who are learning independence, a towel that is lightweight and easy to grip reduces frustration during drying.
For extra safety in the bathroom, be sure to use non-slip bath mats beside the bath to reduce slipping and having any accidents.
7. Balancing Fun Colours with Function
Children are naturally drawn to bright colours and playful designs, and choosing a towel in a shade they love can make bath time feel more enjoyable and personal. Allowing them to pick their own colour can also encourage responsibility, making them more likely to hang it up properly after use and take pride in their routine.
That said, practicality should still guide the decision. While crisp white towels can look fresh and clean, they may show marks more easily in busy family bathrooms. Especially with baby bath towels, opt for mid-tones or slightly deeper shades which often prove more forgiving with everyday use, helping towels maintain a neater appearance between washes. Choosing colours that complement your existing bathroom décor can also create a more cohesive and calming space, balancing fun with functionality.
8. How Many Towels Should Each Child Have?
Practicality is essential in busy family homes, where laundry is constant and routines move quickly. Having too few towels can easily lead to rushed washing cycles or, worse, damp towels being reused before they’ve fully dried. This not only affects freshness but can also reduce the lifespan of the fabric over time.
Ideally, each child should have at least two towels in regular rotation. This allows one to be in use while the other is either drying properly or in the wash. If your child attends swimming lessons or participates in sports, having an additional dedicated towel is especially useful, ensuring their everyday bath towel isn’t constantly being packed into kit bags.
Rotating between towels helps distribute wear more evenly, preventing one towel from thinning or flattening prematurely. In larger households, assigning specific colours to each child can make organisation much easier and avoid confusion, particularly in shared bathrooms.
You may be thinking if the answer remains the same when it comes to how many baby towels you need. Well, if you're a new parent on the lookout for baby bath towels, parents find that having three to five towels is ideal. This allows for one in use, one in the wash, and a spare ready to go, especially as unexpected accidents are very likely.
9. Care Tips to Maintain Softness
Even the highest-quality towel won’t maintain its softness and performance without proper care. Because children’s towels are washed frequently, small adjustments to your laundry routine can make a significant difference in how long they stay fluffy and absorbent.
Tips to wash towels:
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- Wash at 40°C for effective cleaning without damaging fibres.
- Use the recommended amount of detergent - too much can cause stiffness.
- Avoid heavy use of fabric softener, as it coats fibres and reduces absorbency.
- Wash similar colours together to prevent fading or colour transfer.
Best ways to dry towels:
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- Shake towels out after washing to lift the cotton pile.
- Hang immediately after use to prevent damp smells.
- Line dry when possible to reduce wear and save energy.
- Tumble dry on low heat occasionally to restore softness and fluffiness.
10. When Should You Replace a Child’s Towel?
Over time, even the best-quality children’s towels will begin to show signs of wear. Frequent washing, daily use and constant exposure to moisture naturally break down cotton fibres, affecting both softness and absorbency. While a well-made towel can last for years, it’s important to recognise when performance starts to decline.
You may want to replace your towels if:
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- It no longer absorbs water effectively
- The pile feels permanently flat or rough
- Edges are fraying or stitching is coming loose
- It remains damp for unusually long periods
- Persistent odours remain even after washing
Replacing worn towels with soft new towels ensures continued comfort, hygiene and proper quick drying properties after every bath, shower or swimming session.
Of course too, with baby bath towels, especially hooded towels, it's important to keep an eye on the fit, to make sure they're comfortable in the towel and not out growing it before your eyes.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right towel for a child comes down to balancing comfort, practicality and longevity. Soft, cotton fibres protect delicate skin, while the right weight and size make daily routines easier. Durability, quick drying and proper care all contribute to keeping towels fresh and long-lasting in busy family homes.
What to look for when buying towels for babies or children:
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- Choose 100% cotton or bamboo blends for softness and comfort
- Opt for a mid-weight GSM (500–700) for balance and quicker drying
- Select the right size for your child’s age and independence
- Prioritise strong stitching and quality fibres for durability
- Ensure towels dry fully between uses to prevent odours
- Keep at least two towels per child for rotation
- Wash correctly and avoid excess fabric softener
- Replace towels when absorbency or texture declines