Have you ever used an
adult bib? (Or do you have friends, family members or relatives who use it?).
Well, do you remember the time when you were a toddler sitting upright in a
high chair, and playing with your mashed potatoes and gravy on a plastic table?
Well, if you remember that time, then you were probably wearing a bib! But,
bibs are not just for kids, but for adults too, most specially the elderly.
Here’s a quick peek at the interesting evolution of adult bibs.
In
17th Century Europe, Guests Would Bring Their Own Bibs
When kids grow up,
and they’ve already learned some dexterity with the fork and spoon, they’ll
usually do away with using bibs. Well that’s until you are tempted to eat crabs
or lobsters in a restaurant! (Or when you get old, and your hands or fingers
tremble).
But, historians say
that in 17th century Europe, when men and women were invited to
lunch or dinner at a nobleman’s house, it was expected that they would be
bringing their own bibs to protect their clothing, because dry cleaning wasn’t
available during this time yet.
The bib, which
historians say eventually descended on the lap, and was then called a napkin,
was tied around a person’s neck just before the first course. The ladies used
the same cloth as the guys, however the women tucked one of the corners into
the high necks of their blouses.
Couples who went to a
dinner party with their best bib and tucker were often assured that they would
be socially acceptable for that event or occasion. As the custom or practice
spread through the social classes, eventually even peasants and farmers wore
cloth bibs.
When a guy tried to
tie a bib over his high-necked, ruffled shirt, he often had problems with
making ends meet, literally, a phrase that has become associated with the
issues of not enough money and too many expenses.
The early adult bibs
were known to be quite effective in protecting your clothes when working. It is
believed that bibs or aprons originally began with men taking pieces of cloth and
tying them around their waist, to protect their outfits.
Today,
Bibs Serve the Needs of A Wider Spectrum of Society
These days, more and
more people believe that bibs are not exclusively for the use of small kids. In
fact, bibs can actually serve the needs of a wide spectrum of society. Like for
example, doctors, nurses and caregivers can use it in their medical practices.
Welders also use
thick, heavy leather bibs to protect them from molten metal and scalding
sparks. Smokers can even buy and use special bibs to keep their clothes clean
from cigarette ash.
And of course, adult bibs are also commonly used by elderly hospital patients (and even by younger
adults who have problems with controlling the movement of their hands and
fingers).
Today’s set of adult
bibs are also made to look more dignified and functional. They are also made
for people who have special needs in the home or community. The availability of
adult bibs is actually only limited by your imagination!
In summary, adult
bibs are designed for use in the home, as well as in health and aged care
facilities. These clothing protectors are able to absorb liquid and other food
stains from unwanted spills, stains, dampness and odors.
These are also quite
easy to use and clean, and very much ideal for anyone who experiences
unsteadiness while eating or drinking.