Layette

Buying clothing for your newborn can be confusing, especially the first time around. There are some important layette pieces that you may use only for a short period of time. However, while you need them, they are a real lifesaver. It’s important to have enough layette pieces to prevent the need to do laundry every day, but since you’ll only need them for a short time, you don’t want too many. This is a great time to take advantage of hand-me-downs, since most layette items will be very gently used.

Here are the most important baby layette items you need.

• Drawstring Gowns- These are great, especially for midnight diaper changes, because they are so much easier to get baby in and out of. You’ll need 5 or six.
• T-shirt type onesies – The kind with little folds at the neck are great, because it’s much easier to get them on and off. They’re a lot like t-shirts, but the snaps between the legs make them stay put. They usually come in packs of three, so buy three or four packs.
• Bibs – You’ll need five or six small bibs for protecting baby’s clothes from milk spills. You’ll go to bigger ones when you introduce solid foods. Bibs with Velcro fasteners at the back are easier to get on and off than the bibs that tie.
• Hats – You’ll need warm, toboggan types for a winter baby, brimmed hats for sun protection for a spring or summer baby. Three hats should suffice.
• Footed pajamas – These are not a necessity, but are great for a winter baby, because they will stay relatively warm, even without a blanket. You can find them in all types of fabric, from very light cotton knit, to fleece for the coldest months. I prefer the zip ones to the ones that snap, because trying to get those snaps right in the middle of the night is a real chore!
• Socks or booties – Look for socks that don’t kick off easily, but don’t buy too many, because they outgrow them quickly. Two or three pair is enough for a summer baby, but you’ll need 6-8 pair for a winter baby.

Putting your baby’s first wardrobe together can be lots of fun. But, use some restraint on those first clothes, because before you know it, she’ll have outgrown these and need a whole new wardrobe!