Nothing caps off a great bath better than a soft, cozy and — in a perfect world — warm-from-the-dryer towel. Hooded towels certainly aren't a layette necessity, but squeaky-clean newborns do look pretty darn cute in them. And since the hooded towel seems to be age-appropriate only through mid-childhood, you might as well use them while you can. But be warned — while any old towel certainly will do for dry-off time, optimum style and comfort will require more than just pocket change. Here are five of our favorite post-bath hoodies. — Katie Bayless
aden + anais Hooded Towel and Muslin Washcloth Set — $29.95
If you're longing for simplicity in your life and your hooded towels, try out the Aussie-inspired Hooded Towel and Muslin Washcloth Set by aden + anais. This affordable pair includes a cotton muslin washcloth and a classic white terry towel encased by cotton trim with the aden + anais signature design printed across the hood. The towel is luxurious, and the gentleness of the muslin washcloth makes this set perfect for newborns or infants with sensitive skin. Affordable, classic, simple and soft makes this hooded towel our top pick.
Buy it from aiden + anais.
Hooded Towels : Runners-Up
Cotton Monkey Hooded Towel — $54
Although it seems hard to justify spending $54 on a towel (it's a towel, people), if you're going to, you'll definitely be satisfied with a Cotton Monkey Hooded Towel. Available in four prints and two solids, this towel is like a foot rub, soy latte and twenty minutes of uninterrupted silence rolled into one. First, like all of Cotton Monkey's products, it's organic, which means you get organic sateen on one side and soft organic terry cotton on the other. Second, it's big — 29" x 43" — so it will last you well past infancy. And finally, it's thick, cozy and plush — factors that were only enhanced with subsequent washes.
Buy it from Sage Baby.
Giggle Hooded Bath Towel —$36 and Kee-Ka Organic Hooded Towel — $50
If going organic is one of your top concerns, but you want to be easy on the wallet, try out Giggle's Hooded Bath Towel from their new line of "Better Basics," which are made of 100% hand-picked, fair-trade organic cotton. While their sole color choice doesn't win many points for style, this 35" x 35" post-bath wrap has plenty of absorbent terry to dry off your splash champion. And if you love Mother Earth but still crave a bit more style, head over to Piccolini for their Kee-Ka Organic Hooded Towel. For a bit more money, you get 100% organic small-loop terry cotton plus four color options, each with a cute embroidered emblem on the hood and a matching washcloth. A perfect shower gift.
Buy it from Giggle.
Buy it from Piccolini.
DwellStudio Hooded Towel — $44
Products from DwellStudio (formerly DwellBaby) are never lacking in style, and their hooded towels are no exception. Dwell offers their generously sized (43" x 28"), 210-thread count, Egyptian cotton towel in eleven style-savvy patterns (my favs are Garden and Gio). While the patterned cotton exterior keeps your kid in fashion from bath to bed, the terry/cotton lining is super absorbent and snuggly. If you visit Dwell's site you'll pay a few bucks more for the hooded towel ($51), but will have all eleven styles to choose from. Otherwise, head over to Rosenberry Rooms, which carries eight of the patterns for $44. To keep this one looking nice, follow the care instructions and wash in cold water.
Buy it from DwellStudio.
Buy it from Rosenberry Rooms.
The Koeka Hoodie Wrap Towel offers a unique feature. In addition to boasting twelve color options, this European import includes a built-in "pocket" to hold small infants, keeping newly washed toes warm and dry. Available in two large sizes (32" x 31" and 36" x 35"), this towel wins high marks in every area except plushness. Though some might find it a tad on the thin side, that quality makes the Koeka great for travel. It's the perfect towel for that tropical getaway you keep dreaming about during two a.m. feedings.
Available at Spunky Sprout.