When I built Poppylist, I knew one thing for sure—trust is everything. Parents don’t need another sales pitch; they need real, honest reviews to help them make the best choices for their families. That’s why comparison articles and videos have become my favorite way to help parents cut through the noise. They’re fun, insightful, and most importantly, they give parents the full scoop without the fluff—which is probably why they’ve become some of our most-loved content.
First, there was the Smart Sleeper Showdown, where we put Cradlewise and The Snoo head-to-head for almost 6 months straight. Then came Harbor vs. Nanit: Which Baby Monitor is Right for You? And now, we’re diving into the messiest battle yet—mealtime! So, grab a snack (or maybe a bib), because this one’s going to get good.
Mealtime is messy—but a good bib makes it less painful
If there’s one universal truth about feeding a baby, it’s this: they will find a way to make a mess. Purees, crumbs, and an impressive ability to launch food at warp speed—it’s all part of the mealtime experience. That’s why silicone bibs are a non-negotiable for parents who’d rather spend their time actually eating instead of scrubbing stains out of tiny shirts (pro-tip, take the shirt off! Bibs only, y’all!).
Two of the most talked-about, newest options? Babynetic & Magnetic Me—both promising less stress and less mess. But which one actually delivers? In this food fight, we’re breaking down materials, usability, durability, and overall value to help you decide which bib belongs in your kitchen or on your baby registry.
Did you get that snack? Let’s go.
Material & Safety: What’s actually touching your baby’s skin (and food)?
When it comes to baby products, materials matter. No one knows this better than Rebecca Fuoco, M.P.H., Director of Science Communications at the Green Science Policy Institute, who was our guest on a recent webinar titled: The Non Toxic Nest: Choosing Healthy Products for You & Your Baby.
“Babies are particularly vulnerable when it comes to chemicals of concern, because their bodies and brains are developing. Researching every last item on your baby registry is a tall order, so you might consider prioritizing healthy and non-toxic products that stand to have the biggest impact on your child, from an exposure standpoint. Babies spend the majority of their time sleeping, so focusing your efforts on selecting a verifiably healthy crib mattress, crib and bedding is a worthwhile place to start. From there, you can add items that your baby may have in their mouth, like bottles, pacifiers, and certain toys, or that you’ll put on their skin, like baby lotion and body wash,” said Fuoco.
And bibs should be no exception.
Both Babynetic and Magnetic Me bibs are made from 100% silicone, meaning they’re naturally free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates—aka, the nasty stuff you don’t want near your baby’s mouth. But here’s the kicker: not all silicone is created equal.
Food-Grade Silicone vs. Platinum Silicone: What’s the difference?
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Food-Grade Silicone is safe for contact with food and meets FDA standards for non-toxicity. It’s durable, flexible, and easy to clean.
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Platinum Silicone (often found in higher-end baby products) is a step above. It’s cured with platinum instead of peroxide, making it purer, longer-lasting, and more resistant to degradation over time. Think of it as the gold standard of silicone—it won’t absorb odors, discolor, or break down as quickly with repeated washes.
So, which bib uses which?
If you refer back to the chart at the beginning, Babynetic’s silicone magnetic bib is made from Platinum Silicone, while Magnetic Me’s silicone magnetic bib is made from standard food-grade silicone. This means Babynetic’s bib is more resistant to wear and tear, less likely to discolor over time, and will hold up better with repeated washes—all small but important details when you’re using a bib every day.
So while both are safe, Babynetic takes the edge for parents looking for a longer-lasting, more premium option.
Closure & Fit: Will it actually stay on?
If you’ve ever watched a baby rip off a bib mid-meal, you know that closure design is everything. A secure fit means less mess, fewer outfit changes, and one less battle at the high chair. Both Babynetic and Magnetic Me offer unique closure styles—but which one actually does the job better?
Babynetic: The "post” closure for a more secure fit
Babynetic, on the other hand, uses a post-style magnetic closure, which functions similarly to a snap but with a pin-like attachment that “snaps” into place with the force of the magnets. This closure feels more sturdy and it’s much more difficult to pull apart due to the post closure. Just ask my almost three year old—she’s tried. And let me tell you, that girl hasn't met a protein source she didn’t love!
Magnetic Me: The “two flat” magnetic closure for quick on & off
Magnetic Me uses two flat opposing magnets, designed to make putting the bib on and taking it off a breeze. However, some parents find that determined toddlers can pull it off with enough force. So, no big deal if you're using this bib at the beginning of your feeding journey—but I’m not sure this magnetic closure is a match for the terrible twos.
So, does the magnetic closure really matter?
For parents who prioritize quick on-and-off convenience, Magnetic Me’s closure is probably more appealing. But for those who’ve experienced the frustration of a bib constantly coming loose—or worse, being yeeted across the room—Babynetic’s post closure is my preferred.
At the end of the day, parents need a bib that stays on until they decide it’s coming off.
Ease of cleaning: No extra scrubbing required
When it comes to cleanup, both Babynetic and Magnetic Me keep things simple. They’re 100% wipeable, dishwasher-safe, and quick to rinse, making post-meal messes a little less stressful. Whether you prefer tossing them in the dishwasher or giving them a quick wipe at the sink, both bibs get the job done without extra hassle.
How to Prevent Silicone from Absorbing That Dish Soap Taste
If you’ve ever taken a sip from a silicone straw or used a silicone baby product that mysteriously tastes like soap, you’re not imagining it. Silicone is naturally porous, especially food-grade silicon, which means it can sometimes hold onto flavors—especially strong dish soap scents. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to prevent your baby’s bib (or any other silicone item) from developing that soapy aftertaste:
1. Rinse Immediately After Washing
Even if you’re using baby-safe dish soap, make sure to thoroughly rinse silicone bibs after washing. Any lingering soap residue can lead to that unwanted taste over time.
2. Use Fragrance-Free Dish Soap
The stronger the scent, the more likely it is to stick. Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free dish soap to reduce the chances of flavors lingering on the silicone.
3. Try a Baking Soda Soak
If your bibs (or other silicone products) already have a soapy taste, try this fix:
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Mix one part baking soda with three parts warm water.
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Let the bib soak for 15-30 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Baking soda helps neutralize odors and remove soap buildup without damaging the silicone.
4. Avoid Harsh Scrubbing or Scouring Pads
Rough scrubbing can create microabrasions in the silicone, making it even more prone to trapping soap residue. Stick to soft sponges or silicone-safe brushes.
5. Let It Air Dry Completely
After washing, let silicone bibs air dry fully before storing them. Trapping moisture inside a cabinet or drawer can intensify any lingering odors.
Price & Value: Which bib gives you more for your money?
When it comes to baby gear, parents want products that last—without overpaying for a name. Both Babynetic ($25) and Magnetic Me ($20) fall into the premium bib category, but the real question is: which one gives you more bang for your buck?
At first glance, Magnetic Me is the lower-cost option, with its opposing flat magnetic closure. However, Babynetic justifies its slightly higher price by offering:
- A more secure post closure (no accidental bib tosses)
- The highest quality silicone that doesn't absorb odors
So while Magnetic Me is the more budget-friendly choice upfront, Babynetic delivers more long-term value—which could mean fewer replacements down the road. If you’re looking for a bib that truly keeps up with your baby’s mealtime messes, Babynetic’s thoughtful design makes it worth the extra $5.
Final Recommendation: Which bib should you buy?
While both bibs get the job done, Babynetic delivers a superior product for just $5 more. And when a product lasts longer, that’s a win for both parents and their wallets. With that being said, you know what's best for your family!
And by now, I’m guessing your snack is long gone and the mess is finally cleaned up. 😏 Now’s the perfect time to check out the Babynetic collection or add their bib to your Poppylist baby registry!
We love seeing innovation in everyday essentials, and magnetic closure bibs are changing the game for mealtime. That said, button bibs aren’t going anywhere—so we’ve rounded up a few honorable mentions worth considering: