bibs

A bib is a piece of fabric or disposable material worn around the neck to protect clothing from spills, drool, or food. The term covers several forms used in daily life, including infant feeding bibs, adult medical or dining bibs, dental bibs used in dentistry, and, in sports, a numbered garment worn to identify competitors.

Infant and child bibs are typically soft and adjustable, often with a catch pocket to trap crumbs. They come in cotton, terry cloth, or silicone, and may have a waterproof backing or plastic coating. Closures include snap fasteners, Velcro, or ties, and designs range from simple to decorative.

Adult and medical bibs are larger and designed primarily to protect clothing during meals or medical procedures. Many are waterproof or water-resistant and may be reusable or disposable. They are common in hospitals, nursing homes, and care settings, and may use ties or neck fasteners similar to those on infant bibs.

Dental bibs are used during dental procedures to protect the patient’s clothing. They are usually disposable or reusable fabric bibs that attach with a neck clip or string and may be secured with a bib chain or other fasteners.

Care and disposal vary by type: reusable bibs are machine washable, while disposable bibs are discarded after use. In sports, the term bib may also refer to a numbered vest worn by athletes for identification during events.