A Basic Layette

Your precious new arrival is on its way, so now is the time for you and your partner to gather together all the paraphernalia you’ll need during those all-important first few months. Alongside all the other essentials, your baby will need a range of clothing to see her through the days and nights ahead. Follow our guide to ensure you have everything you need for your baby’s basic layette…

What is a layette?

A layette is a collection of all the clothes, linens and bedding your 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, you may still want to make some of your baby’s layette yourself. Knitted or crotched blankets and matinee jackets are a favorite amongst grandmas, and make the perfect gift for a new mom-to-be.

What is in a layette?

Enough clothing to last your baby for the first six weeks, along with bedding and other linen. Buy the best quality you can afford, as you will be washing each item dozens – if not hundreds! – of times. Pure cotton is best for baby, and white the best color for bedding and vests as it can be washed at high temperatures – colored 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 your baby’s other clothes to provide extra warmth and comfort. Babies lose body heat quite quickly, so keeping their core warm and cozy 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 the above two items will form the basis of your baby’s day and night wear. As she grows and you begin to dress her in proper outfits, your baby can still sleep in the vest and bodysuit combo. You may want to buy more interestingly colored or patterned bodysuits for your baby to wear in the daytime.

Matinee jacket or warm cardigan – one or two of these should suffice.

Complete outfits of trousers and top/dresses and tights – you will probably need about six or seven of these. Cute outfits are often bought for new babies by excited family members, so be sure to let them know if you have any color preferences well in advance. 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 fine. Make sure there are no scratchy labels inside the hats which could irritate your baby’s delicate skin – this should go for all her 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 nursery 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 you are using a sleeping bag you will not need a top sheet as well.

Blankets – one or two, often received as gifts. This is important for carrying your baby for the first few weeks to ensure she feels safe and secure. You will also need to use a warm blanket when taking her out in her pram.

Muslins or "burp cloths" are very useful - buy them in large quantities because it is likely that you will be washing these often! You can usually buy these by the dozen, and I would buy at least 2 dozen! It is not unusual for babies to get very attached to these cloths, and if you try to buy them new a year or so down the line, they just won't be the same!

Bath towels - you 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 your baby warm and dry.

Weather requirements

Obviously you will need to tailor your baby's layette to suit the weather. You may need more cardigans and matinee jackets, and even a snowsuit for taking the baby outside. Warm weather babies may live and sleep in baby all-in-one vests or even just their diapers for their first few months and need little else.

Which sizes to buy?

Baby clothes come in a variety of sizes – even ‘newborn’ has a range from early baby to larger baby. Most stores will exchange if you have bought the wrong size. As a general rule, it is better to put your baby in clothes which are slightly too big than to squeeze her into clothes which are too small and will restrict her growing bones.

You might also be interested in:

Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

More about Newborn Babies

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AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

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