Types of Jabla for Newborns: Knot, Button & Flip Jabla and When to Use Each
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If you are expecting a baby, or have just brought one home, you will hear one word again and again from mothers, grandmothers and nurses: jabla (also spelt jhabla). It is the soft, simple front-open top that Indian families have dressed newborns in for generations. But walk into any baby shop and you will find several kinds, and it is not obvious which one to buy.
This guide explains the three types of jabla we make at ViRAN Kids, how they differ, and when each one works best, so you can choose with confidence.
What is a jabla?
A jabla is a light, loose top for newborns and young babies. It opens at the front, so you never have to pull anything over a tiny head, and it is usually made from soft, breathable cotton. Because newborns spend most of their day being fed, changed and cuddled, a jabla is designed for exactly that: quick to put on, quick to remove and gentle on delicate skin.
All our jablas are made from organic cotton muslin, a loosely woven fabric that is light, airy and gets softer with every wash. If you would like to know why so many parents choose it, read our guide on why muslin is the best fabric for babies.
The three types of jabla
1. Knot Jabla: the traditional favourite
The Knot Jabla closes with simple tie-knots at the front. It is the classic design that families have used for generations. There are no buttons or snaps, so nothing presses against baby's skin, and the ties let you adjust the fit as your baby grows.
- Sizes: Newborn, 0-3 months and 3-6 months
- Prints: 10 designs
- Best for: everyday wear, warm weather and parents who like the traditional style
2. Button Jabla: easy and secure
The Button Jabla uses snap buttons down the front. Many parents find snaps quicker than knots, especially at 3 am when you are changing a nappy half-asleep. It also covers the widest age range of our three jablas, from newborn up to 12 months.
- Sizes: Newborn, 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months
- Prints: 10 designs
- Best for: night changes, busy days and babies who are growing out of the newborn stage
3. Flip Jabla: the modern two-layer design
The Flip Jabla is our contemporary take on the classic. It has a two-layer flip-open front, so you can open the garment without disturbing a sleeping baby. It is a good choice if you want something that feels a little more structured than a simple tie-knot top.
- Sizes: Newborn, 0-3 and 3-6 months
- Prints: 8 designs
- Best for: the ride home from the hospital, visitors, photos and special days
Knot, button or flip: a quick comparison
| Type | Closure | Sizes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knot Jabla | Tie-knots | Newborn to 6 months | Traditional look, everyday wear |
| Button Jabla | Snap buttons | Newborn to 12 months | Fast changes, longer wear |
| Flip Jabla | Two-layer flip front | Newborn to 6 months | Hospital trip, special occasions |
Jabla with nappy sets
If you would rather buy a matching outfit, we also make jablas with a reusable muslin nappy: the Knot Jabla with Nappy and the Button Jabla with Nappy. They are a simple, ready-to-wear newborn set and a thoughtful gift.
How to choose: a simple guide
- Packing the hospital bag? Pick one or two Flip Jablas for the journey home and a couple of Knot or Button Jablas for the first days.
- Hot, humid weather? Knot and Button Jablas are light and easy to layer or wear on their own.
- Night feeds and changes? Button Jablas are the quickest to open and close.
- Gifting? A jabla with nappy set, or our Newborn Gift Set, comes ready to give.
How many jablas does a newborn need?
Newborns change often, between feeds, spit-ups and nappy changes. Many parents keep around six to eight jablas in rotation for the first weeks, so there is always a clean one ready while others are in the wash. If you prefer to start with fewer, three or four is a sensible minimum.
Choosing the right size
Babies grow quickly, and sizes can vary between brands, so always check the size options on the product page. If your baby is between two sizes, go for the larger one. A slightly roomy jabla is more comfortable than a snug one.
Caring for muslin jablas
Wash new jablas before the first wear, using a mild detergent and following the care label. Muslin softens with every wash, so the more your baby wears it, the softer it gets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a knot jabla and a button jabla?
A knot jabla closes with tie-knots, which you can adjust, while a button jabla closes with snap buttons that are quicker to fasten. Both are front-open, so neither needs to go over the baby's head.
Which jabla is best for a newborn?
All three are suitable for newborns. Many parents choose a mix: Flip Jablas for outings, and Knot or Button Jablas for everyday wear.
Are jablas suitable for boys and girls?
Yes. The jabla is a unisex garment, and our prints work for both boys and girls.
Can I use a jabla in hot weather?
Muslin is light and breathable, so a jabla is a comfortable choice in warm weather. In an air-conditioned room, you can add a light blanket or swaddle.
How long can a baby wear a jabla?
Most babies wear jablas from birth up to around 6 months. Our Button Jabla goes up to 12 months for babies who still like the front-open style.
Shop our jablas
Browse the full range in our Jabla & Co-ords collection, see everything for the first weeks in our newborn collection, or get everything in one box with our Baby Hospital Bag Kit.
Free shipping across India on orders above ₹999.