by PrincessNike

Created on: March 09, 2007   Last Updated: April 28, 2011

LAYETTE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR NEWBORN

Baby clothes are irresistible for any expecting mother, grandmother, and friend of the family. They are the sweetest things you have ever seen. Try to restrain yourself: newborns do not need as much as you think they do. Expecting parents can easily put together a small layette with all the essentials.

COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT

Newborns like soft clothing. Parents like baby clothes that are easy to change and wash. Other people will buy the baby cute little outfits in the newborn (0-3 month) size, most of which will never be used. The lace will be too itchy, or the pants will have a built-in belt that might be uncomfortable, or the parents just will not take the baby out that much in the first couple months.

Some clothes are essential for they first couple months:

1) Nightgowns keep the baby warm and comfortable, and make changing their diaper easier. Get the softest ones available, and, yes, they have them for boys, too. The layette should include 4 or 5 nightgowns.
2) "Onesies" or body suits are the foundation for any outfit and will often be worn alone. Softness is again the basic requirement, and be sure to buy long-sleeved ones if it will be winter. Have 6 to 10 onesies, and be sure to get ones with large openings for the head.
3) Cotton pants or sweatpants, when combined with a body suit make a complete and comfortable outfit. There are "manly" ones and frilly "girly" ones available. Between 4 and 7 cotton pants should be sufficient
4) Stocking caps are important for keeping your newborn warm, even in the hot summer.
Sun hats will be required if you plan to take your baby outside for more than a couple minutes, or if it's very sunny.
5) Socks are less of a requirement in the summer than in the winter . Buy 4 or 5 pairs of socks if the baby is due in the summer, 15 to 20 pairs if the baby is born in the fall or winter.
6) Mittens will only be required if your baby needs them to feel secure or if you cannot manage to cut their fingernails short enough to prevent them from scratching their face.

LARGER SIZES

Some babies are big enough at birth that they are only in the “Newborn” size for a month or less. And even when the baby does not truly need the next size up, dressing a baby in clothes that "just fit" is difficult, so many parents will move up to the 3-6 month size sooner than absolutely necessary. So an essential layette for a newborn will also include clothing in larger sizes.

Babies will need the same things

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