Babies need clothing, food, shelter and care. A layette list gives expectant mothers a starting point for determining what items are needed for their baby's care, including clothing, bedding and basic toiletries. The number of items included in a layette list may differ depending upon the individual needs of the family, though there is little difference among the nature of the items themselves.
Clothing
You should have at least one hat on hand for your baby, according to the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC). The CPMC also recommends having between five and ten t-shirts, three to five pairs of socks or booties, five to seven sleepers or nightgowns, and at least one cold weather sleeper.
Depending on the time of year you give birth, you can also include a sweater that opens in the front for quick changing, as suggested by the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR). T-shirts can also be swapped out for onesies.
Bedding
Have one or two thermal blankets on hand. Expectant mothers should include at least five to seven lightweight receiving blankets and three or four crib sheets in a layette list.
Diapers
Mothers should expect to go through at least 350 disposable diapers in the first month, as noted by the CMPC. If you plan on using cloth diapers, plan to have at least four dozen on hand; cloth diapers can also be used for burp cloths, and for this reason the CPMC recommends having an extra dozen cloth diapers on hand.
If you are unable to wash your own cloth diapers and prefer to use a diaper service, plan to use this service at least 90 times in the first month. You should also have four diaper pins and between six and ten diaper wraps or nylon pants available when cloth diapering. The Pregnancy Decision Health Center (PDHC) also factors diaper wipes as an essential item in their layette list.
Other
Include between three and five soft washcloths in your layette list--babies get dirty quickly, and washcloths come in handy. Include a mild soap appropriate for use on your baby's skin, as recommended by the CPMC. The PDHC recommends including baby lotion and shampoo in a layette list as well. A baby brush and comb as well as one or two hooded baby towels for bath time are also useful.
Since burp cloths make for easy clean-up after accidents, the CPMC recommends having at least one dozen on hand. The PDHC recommends pacifiers and small stuffed animals in their layette list. Include a first aid kit, or the very basics of a baby rectal thermometer and scissors, as advised by the CPMC. The PDHC recommends including bottles in your layette list. Even if you plan on breastfeeding, bottles can come in handy during times when you must entrust your child to the care of another.
References
- California Pacific Medical Center: Layette and Nursery Supplies You'll Need
- United Methodist Committee on Relief: Layette Kit
- Pregnancy Health Decision Center: Layette List
- "Your Baby's First Year"; American Academy Of Pediatrics, Steven P Shelov; 2010
