Last week we brought you Preparing Your Nursery and this week we’re all about getting baby’s layette together. What is a layette you ask? Well the layette is whatever baby will need in terms of clothing and supplies. A lot of parents go crazy buying lots of clothing that baby may end up not wearing. For example my own mommy. Babies grow very quickly so buy only what you need. My mommy is going to tell you what you should really get and what you can leave alone or put on your registry.
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| Don’t be this (my) mommy. Do your research. |
Now buying your baby’s clothing will all most likely depend on the season. Winter babies need a lot more clothing than those born in the summer. Yes all babies need to be bundled up but not overheated. These are the basic items that you will need for baby.
5-10 onesies or bodysuits: long sleeves in the winter or short sleeves in the summer.
8-10 footed sleepers: Cotton ones are perfect for the summer while you may want to buy the fleece ones for the winter babies.
1 take me home outfit: Now is the time you want to buy something pretty but be sure you’re buying for the season as well.
Snowsuit: For winter babies. You want to keep them warm just as you would want to be warm.
5 Receiving blankets: Not only good for bundling/swaddling baby but can also be used as burp cloths. Which is why mommy suggests putting them on your registry. They are truly multifunctional.
SwaddleMe’s are nice to have but not a necessity. Ask the nurses at the hospital how to swaddle baby using a receiving blanket. They are pretty good at doing it and will be more than happy to show you how. If you think you won’t be able to do it then you can always add this to your baby’s registry as well.
2-3 Hats: Cotton floppy hats are great for the summer but you would want a thicker one for the winter. Babies lose heat through their extremities so keep a newborns’ head covered especially during the cooler months.
5-6prs of socks: As mentioned before, babies lose heat through their extremities so keep them covered especially during the colder months.
1-2pr Mittens: Babies tend to scratch themselves so to prevent that you may want to get a pair of mittens to protect them from themselves.
Baby Manicure Set: Babies nails tend to grow pretty fast so you want to keep them short just as you would want to keep your own nails short.
Digital Thermometer: For the days when baby is sick. You want to keep track of any temperature you think baby might have.
2-3 Hooded Towels: Baby is going to need to be wrapped up after a bath and hooded towels offer head to toe wraps.
Infant Bathtub: A lot of parents use their kitchen sink but it is nice to have an infant bath. Lots of them come with an infant sling so baby isn’t totally submerged in the water.
Disposable Diapers: Here’s a suggestion and one that a lot of new parents should take into consideration. Sure newborn diapers are convenient but what happens if you deliver a 9lb baby. Those newborn diapers wouldn’t last too long now would they. Buy size 1 diapers and fold the tab over or inward if you’re afraid of baby’s belly button. Also when adding disposable diapers to your registry ask for a variety of sizes.
Diaper Rash Ointment: Although not necessary it is recommended.
Bottles: With so many bottles to choose from on the market its best to read reviews and choose the one you think is right for you and your baby. Does mommy have a recommendation? She sure does. I breastfed until I was 13 months old and mommy used Comotomo bottles with me and swears by them.
Remember when buying clothing for baby to check for anything that may pinch or scratch baby’s skin. Don’t buy too much and always opt for a size bigger, so instead of buying size newborn buy size 3 month clothing instead.
Laundry Detergent: You’re not sure if baby has sensitive skin so you may want to buy a free/clear detergent or one made specifically for baby.
Infant Car Seat: This is the most important thing and probably the first thing you should try and get. The hospitals would not release you from the hospital until you have an infant car seat. They do check to make sure that baby is properly secured in it before you get to leave as well. Do your research when shopping for an infant seat and be sure it is installed properly in your vehicle as well.
If we are missing anything please list in the comments. There are lots of more items that can be bought for baby but don’t go crazy baby shopping. If you’re having a baby shower put a lot of them on your registry.
Next week we focus on packing for the hospital. Until then have a Terrific Thursday!
