what's the point of muslins?

[Brugmansia]

Dc1 is due next week and muslins are one of those items we've bought as they seemed to be part of the normal kit to get for a newborn. As we were sorting the baby stuff out last night DP asked me what they're actually for and I realised I don't really know either.

So what is their main purpose? Or is it just general bits and bobs of mopping up?

We also still have towelling nappies. They are good for mopping up too. Invaluable during toilet training.

When ds2 arrived, I had difficulty positioning him and my boobs for bf, mw came round, could see I was struggling, rolled up a muzzy and lifted my boob up and used it under to prop it up (oh the joys of 2dc, now big and saggy) but it worked a treat, I could comfortably feed ds2 and he could latch on instantly with the makeshift muslin scaffold.

A half swaddle for a flailing bf baby.

Essential for sicky babies and you can't predict whether they will be. That's why they come in packs of like 12.

As emergency wipe clothes they are invaluable.

Take two clothes pegs and a mussie out in summer and voila an instant buggy sunshade (hint - 2 pegs in bag is v useful).

Buy white ones in sainsbury, dye with dylon if needed. Buy a couple of giant ones from Jo Jo maman did they go bust or was it someone else?

My DC are 5 and 2. The oldest used a mussie as a comforter (sicky baby reflux hell). I had about 40 so she always had a clean one.

I forced a mussie (half of my 40 dyed blue for DS) on him because as a comforter they are so easily replaced and WASHABLE.

If you keep them white, add a drop of bleach every few washes to keep them white.

Mine like them tumble dryer soft. A friends DS (Also reflux! - is there a pattern emerging?) likes them stiff from the line.

Yup a muslin can be a

Wiper/mop
Shade
Seating
Toy
Swaddle
Nappy layer
Breast pad
Comforter
Blanket
Cover up
Hat
Sheet protector
Cushion (ie under baby's head when BFing, or under your arm)
Window cleaner
Clothing (ref above!)
Changing mat liner
Dolls bedding/curtains

Any more to add to the list?!

Ooh just realised we use ours as lamp dimmers at bedtime! There really is no end to the uses of muslin cloths. I really want rainbow ones...

As someone mentioned, you can tuck one into the bottom of your bra when breastfeeding so any leaks don't dribble down your clothes. You can also chuck one over your boob for modesty if you're feeding in public.

We had stacks of them for DS, who would throw up anywhere and everywhere, especially when lying on his back. Anywhere his head might touch, a muslin was laid underneath first. Saved so much washing of cot sheets etc.

So glad I misread this - I thought you were being horribly anti-Muslim!

Sunbathing how do you use them as light dimmers? If it is as I imagine it must be a dangerous fire risk? Really hope you don't drape them over the lamp shade???

The huge Aden and Anais ones are amazing to use as blankets, to shade the pram, swaddle the baby, cover yourself and the baby when they are feeding (especially good when they get to the 4 month peer everywhere stage).

I love muslins, and even though my youngest is nearly 2 we still have them as part of our kit for days out. Napkin, something to sit on, sun shade, hat for DH to protect his bald spot, towel, use it to clean hands and faces if you dampen it.

Can use them on newborns as nappies (need a waterproof wrap).

I also have recently been using them to strain home made yoghurt (rest assured they have not been used as nappies... )

Also!!! If you tie a knot in one corner push you index and middle finger into it and hold it to cover your hand with thumb and ring finger you have instant puppet for diversionary tactics! Tie dyed mine.