At Bibbilyboo, we’re all about making parenting easier with practical, high-quality products. Occasionally in Summer, we hear from parents who notice mould appearing on their baby’s bibs and clothing— and understandably, it can be worrying. The good news? mould can naturally develop in certain conditions but it can be avoided. Here’s what you need to know.

What is mould and why does it appear?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows when three things come together: moisture, warmth, and a food source. Bibs are designed to catch dribble, milk, food, or reflux, which are all organic substances. These provide the perfect “meal” for mould spores (which are already present in the air around us).

Because of this, the “dribble zone” of a bib is the most common place mould can appear and is usually only reported a handful of times to us in the warmer, more humid months when spores multiply faster.

Is mould a sign of poor quality?

No — mould is not caused by the fabric or how the bib, or clothing is made. It’s something that develops after use, depending on the environment and care routine. Just like leaving damp laundry in a basket can cause clothes to smell or go mouldy, bibs need to be washed and dried properly to stay fresh.

How to prevent mould on baby bibs

A few simple steps can make all the difference:

• Wash or rinse promptly: Don’t leave damp bibs sitting for long periods, especially if they’ve been exposed to milk, food, or reflux.

• Dry thoroughly: Sunlight is best, as it naturally disinfects, but a warm, well-ventilated spot works too.

• Avoid damp storage: Don’t leave bibs in a closed laundry basket while wet.

• Store in a dry place: Once clean and dry, keep bibs somewhere airy and moisture-free.

What to do if mould appears

If mould does show up, it can usually be treated:

1. Soak the bib in a white vinegar and water solution (1:1 ratio) to help kill spores.

2. Wash as normal, following the care instructions on the label.

3. Dry thoroughly, ideally in direct sunlight.

This can refresh your bibs and stop mould from spreading further.

Dispose of any heavily soiled items if the treatment is not effective.

A final note

Mould can happen to any fabric exposed to moisture and organic matter. By following a few simple care tips, you can keep your bibs (and your little one’s other clothing) fresh, clean, and long-lasting.

✨ At Bibbilyboo, we’re always here to help. If you have any questions about caring for your bibs, feel free to get in touch — we’re only ever a message away.