Section 2 — the layette What is

Section 2 - the layette

What is a layette? • A layette is a collection of all the clothes, linens and bedding a new baby will need. • In years gone by a mother-to-be and her family would have sewn or knitted the components of the layette while she was pregnant. • Although we can now buy all that we need from shops, parents may still want to make some of your baby’s layette themselves. • Knitted or crotched blankets and matinee jackets are a favourite amongst grandmas, and make the perfect gift for a new mother-to-be.

What is in a layette? • Enough clothing to last the baby for the first six weeks, along with bedding and other linen. • Buy the best quality that can be afforded, as parents will be washing each item dozens – if not hundreds! – of times. • Pure cotton is best for baby, and white the best colour for bedding and vests as it can be washed at high temperatures – coloured bedding and clothing will fade quickly.

Your basic layette should include: • Short-sleeved vests – • at least seven, although they often come in packs of six. • The vests should be the all-in-one style, with poppers to do up over the nappy. • These will be worn under the baby’s other clothes to provide extra warmth and comfort. • Babies lose body heat quite quickly, so keeping their core warm and cosy is a priority.

Long-sleeved bodysuits – seven. • These will be worn over the vest and should be the type that includes feet. • For the first few weeks these two items will form the basis of the baby’s day and night wear. • As she grows and parents begin to dress her in proper outfits, the baby can still sleep in the vest and bodysuit combo. • A parent may want to buy more interestingly coloured or patterned bodysuits for your baby to wear in the daytime.

warm cardigan – • one or two of these should be enough.

Complete outfits of trousers and top/dresses and tights • parents will probably need about six or seven of these. • Cute outfits are often bought for new babies by excited family members, • Make sure the clothing will be suitable for the weather conditions when your baby comes along.

Socks or booties • – about six pairs. Mittens are also a popular item on layette lists. • newborn babies can scratch their faces, which is distressing for parents - but few babies manage to keep them on for long!

Hats • two should be enough. • Make sure there are no scratchy labels inside the hats which could irritate the baby’s delicate skin – this should go for all their clothes.

Baby sleeping bags – two. • These relatively new products are proven to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and are a safe and snug way for your baby to sleep. • Again, buy one which is suitable for the time of year – they range from one tog up to three tog. • Many come with a free room thermometer so you can check your baby’s room is not too warm. Between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius is thought to be the best temperature for a baby to sleep in. • This can feel quite cool to most adults.

Cot sheets/Moses basket sheets – six. • Buy the fitted variety, and make sure they fit the mattress snugly. • If parents are using a sleeping bag they will not need a top sheet as well.

Blankets – one or two, • These are often received as gifts. • This is important for carrying the baby for the first few weeks to ensure they feels safe and secure. • Parents will also need to use a warm blanket when taking the baby out in their pram/ buggy etc.

Bath towels - parents may want to buy 2 or 3 special baby bath towels. • The kind with a hood sewn into one corner can be very useful for keeping the baby warm and dry.

Bibs and muslins • Parents can never have enough of these!!

• Short-sleeved vests- 6 or 7 • Long sleeved body suits / sleep suits – 7 • Warm cardigan – 1 or 2 • Complete outfits – 6 or 7 • Socks or bootie – 6 or 7 • Hats – 1 or 2 • Cot sheets • Blankets – 1 or 2 • Bibs and muslins – loads! • Baby sleeping bags – two. • –Blankets – one or two • Bath towels- one or 2