You've seen the Instagram reels. Babies joyfully smearing avocado across their face. Spaghetti in the hair. Yoghurt on the dog. Everyone's laughing.
What you don't see: the parent behind the camera, quietly calculating how many outfit changes are left before laundry day.
If your baby is a spirited eater — and most of them are — the bib-versus-smock debate is one worth having. We've been in the smock game for a while, so yes, we're biased. But we're also honest. Here's the breakdown.
The Traditional Bib
Bibs cover the chest. Good ones have a pocket at the bottom to catch food. They're quick to put on, easy to wipe down, and fine for milk feeds and gentle spoon-feeding. The problem? Once baby-led weaning starts, a bib is bringing a napkin to a food fight.
The Smock Advantage
A long-sleeve smock covers arms, chest, and lap. Ours are waterproof, which means puréed beetroot stays on the outside. Sleeves have elastic cuffs. The neckline is generous enough for easy on-and-off but snug enough to keep food from sneaking down the back.
Think of it this way: a bib is an umbrella. A smock is a raincoat. Both keep you dry, but only one does the job properly when things really get going.
Beyond the Highchair
Here's where smocks truly earn their keep. They're not just for food. Use them for finger painting at playgroup. Sand play at the beach. Water tables in the backyard. Baking 'helpers' who think flour is confetti. Our waterproof smocks handle it all, and they wipe clean in seconds.
The Cleanup Factor
Our smocks are designed to be wiped and re-used between washes. The waterproof coating means most spills don't penetrate. When you do wash them, they dry quickly. Compare that to a cotton bib that soaks through immediately and needs a full wash cycle to recover.
Which One When?
Use a bib for quick milk feeds or neat snacks. Use a feeding smock for meals, messy play, art, and any activity where the words 'it'll wash out' are about to leave your mouth. Use both if you have a child who somehow gets food in their socks.
Our smock twin packs mean you always have a fresh one ready. Because mess doesn't wait for laundry day.
Shop the full smock collection and let them make the mess.
