Functional Components of Burp Cloths, Blankets, and Covers for Infant Reflux
Burp cloths and blankets used for infant reflux should be absorbent, machine washable, soft, generously sized, and stylish. Read feedback from our National Science Foundation-supported interviews with parents and contribute to the conversation by following us on social media or through our newsletter.
As part of the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Propelus program, we interviewed dozens of parents and caregivers about their experiences with infant reflux. We discovered that many parents and caregivers share concerns about infant reflux and other moisture babies deposit on their clothing at inopportune moments.
What did we find out about what parents are looking for in a burp cloth?
ABSORBENT
Burp cloths for infant reflux should be absorbent. While the idea rain-coat-style blankets where you can brush off reflux might be great for the outdoors, most parents we heard from wanted burp cloths and reflux blankets to absorb moisture.
MACHINE WASHABLE
Burp cloths for infant reflux need to be machine washable. No parent has time for blankets with fussy washing instructions. Fussy baby, yes. Fussy, cloth no.
SOFT
Burp cloths for infant reflux need to be soft. Parents we spoke with are very concerned about the texture of cloths that come into contact with their baby’s skin. This is one reason that while a bath towel might be practical for absorbing moisture from reflux, it is not the preferred solution for parents. The texture is too rough.
GENEROUSLY SIZED
Burp cloths for infant reflux need to be generously sized. While parents of infants who had little spit were content with small, over the shoulder traditional burp cloths, those who regularly encountered reflux found traditional burp cloths “totally useless” because they did not sufficiently cover parent clothing.
STYLISH
Burp cloths for infant reflux should be aesthetically pleasing. Both dads and moms had strong views about the aesthetic appearance of the blankets and cloths they wear while holding and caring for their infant. Parents wanted burp cloths for infant reflux that reflected their own sense of style. They wanted muted colors and patterns appropriate for an adult, rather infantile designs more fitting for baby clothes. Cloths for reflux become part of a parent’s outfit, and as such, they should fit the style of the parent, not the baby.
Camel Corps founders put these aspects together to create CamelGuard reflux shields. They are absorbent, machine washable, soft, generously sized, and stylish. One parent couldn’t believe how functional the cover was because they thought it looked like a seasonal fashion wrap!
CamelGuard Mom is ready to meet your needs. Check out the CamelGuard Mom. CamelGuard Dad is still in research and development. To be the first to know when CamelGuard Dad launches, sign up for our newsletter, the Dromedary Dispatch.