Chic&Clean bib by ChicTots

Mess makers. That should really be what we call babies and toddlers, especially at meal time. Those cute little faces smile with glee as they smash sweet potatoes into their faces and everything else... and it just seems to get worse not better as they learn to feed themselves.

But that's why bibs exist. So babies and toddler can take their time learning to eat. Here's a look at the best bibs out of the dozens I've tried with my girls...

Chic&Clean bib by ChicTots ($22.97, chictots.com)

This is the granddaddy of all bibs. It is really long and can be snapped around baby's legs for ultimate coverage and full chair chair coverage. The Chic&Clean bib can also be snapped around the back and used as an art smock or little chef's apron, so it's triple duty.

They come in all sorts of cute designs and are one size for babies from 6 months old and up. It's mildew and stain resistant, waterproof, and machine washable. I like that it's made from PUL and not vinyl too. (ChicTots also makes a long-sleeve version.) This is my absolute favorite bib.

Taffeta Waterproof Bib by Kushies ($9.20-$12.50, kushiesonline.com)

These bibs are quite handy with their long sleeves and bottom pouch to catch anything that falls out of little mouths. The Kushies bibs come in four different sizes for infant up to 6 years old. These one are also waterproof and the long sleeves make them great for using as an art smock too. Kushies is offering a special 10% off for examiner.com readers. Just enter "examha10" to receive a 10% discount on any order from kushiesonline.com (not just bibs).

DaGiggles by DaBib ($12.99, dabib.com)

The DaGiggles bib is a waterproof bib by DaBib. I like this one because of the "scrunch neckline" and catch-all pocket. The scrunch neck is great because it can tightly go around baby's neck without being irritating. Plus if baby pulls at it, it stretches instead of just coming off.

Bibbity by Kiddopotamus ($9.87 for a 2 pack, walmart.com)

This is my favorite bib for on the go at restaurants. The reason: you just roll it up into its catch-all pouch when you're done making a nice and neat tube that pops in your purse or diaper bag. The Bibbity is rubbery feeling, BPA-free, latex-free, PVC-free, and can go right into the dishwasher when you get home. One size fits babies eight months to four years. I have a few of these that have lasted for a few years now and still look new.

Bandana Binky Bib by Tivoli Couture ($20, tivolicouture.com)

This is the most creative bib of the bunch. It's not waterproof, nor does it have a catch-all pouch. What it does have is a really nifty snap ring at the bottom to hold a pacifier or teething toy in easy reach. These are good for meal time but even better for wearing on super dribbly days when baby is teething. I don't know how many times I've had to change my girls when they're in full-on drool mode. But this bib fixes that up nicely.Plus it's soft and pretty.