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Q&A: What's in a layette?

What should we put on our registry? I'm totally overwhelmed- it feels like there's so much to get. What do we really need, and what is just a luxury?

Re:

What should we put on our registry? I'm totally overwhelmed- it feels like there's so much to get. What do we really need, and what is just a luxury?

The Bump Expert

A layette is basically the collection of clothes a newborn will need, though the term is also used to refer to all basic supplies for an infant. We'll use it in terms of newborn clothing.

Infants grow quickly -- though baby will be tiny upon arrival, newborn sizes will soon be too small. Opt for slightly larger sizes, and don’t buy too much in advance. Once baby arrives, you’ll have a better idea of what sizes and styles work best. Choose soft and comfortable materials, fasteners that close easily, and finished seams. Check for snaps, buttons and tags that might scratch, and avoid zippers, which can pinch. Exactly how many of each item you’ll need depends on how often you do laundry -- our suggestions are estimates. (Items with a * are must-haves.)
[  ] 4-8 bodysuits or onesies (wide head openings and loose legs)
[  ] 4-8 undershirts or vests (snaps at neck or wide head openings, snaps under crotch)*
[  ] 4-8 one-piece pajamas*

[  ] 2 blanket sleepers for winter baby
[  ] 1-3 sweaters or jackets (front buttoned)
[  ] 1-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits*
[  ] 4-7 socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby walks)*
[  ] 1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for winter baby)*
[  ] No-scratch mittens
[  ] Bunting bag or fleece suit for winter baby

[  ] Swimsuit for summer baby
[  ] Gentle laundry detergent

| May 07 , 2009 1:23 PM

re: Q: Registering for Baby?

This was a helpful list for those of us who are not only 1st time moms- but surrounded by people who seem to know as little as I do! My husband and I used the list to help create our registry :o)

Drgnfly | July 12 , 2007 5:26 PM

re: Q: Registering for Baby?

I'd like to register in one place - but be able to choose items from different stores and websites. Does such a registry exist?

serenamca | September 17 , 2007 10:02 PM

re: Q: Registering for Baby?

There is a website called myregistery.com where you can register as many stores as you can find! Enjoy ~ inny

inny | September 23 , 2007 4:14 PM

re: Q: Registering for Baby?

how many places should i register at?

Baby LaFond | May 03 , 2008 7:49 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

The "sleep sheep" is really cool and works great!

carly silva | July 22 , 2009 12:47 AM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

thank you for that link, inny! i have been trying to find the perfect site for a registry and that one seems to do the job. thanks.

opheliaslove | August 04 , 2009 8:59 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

You will get so much clothing at your shower, that it's really unneccessary to put it on your registry. Remind people of the other not-so-fun necessities you will need instead, that they might not think of.

xenayes99 | August 12 , 2009 2:40 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

Amazon.com now does a "universal" registry and wish list. So you can choose things from other websites and stores but have it all for others to see on Amazon.

dustbunni | August 14 , 2009 8:17 AM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

MyGiftList.com is also a universal registry and many sites use them including ShopCupcake.com

jennyromeyn | November 01 , 2009 6:22 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

www.gregme.com is a great, easy to use website for registries! You can insert a link with a description of what you want, or type in the store to buy it from if they don't have a website (like a local boutique).

Camiliana | March 09 , 2010 5:10 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

if you actually go INTO the store at toys-r-us to do your registry, they give you a bunch of free stuff while your there!!! xo <3>

misspbbunny17 | June 28 , 2010 11:17 AM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

That's cool. Honestly, I didn't even use any registries I had. But it's fun to go shopping and gives you an idea of all the things you may need or want. It's good to keep a single registry that links to many sites and stores because most everything you need is found better and easier online. It's fun to do more shopping with baby once he or she is born- you get what you need and that way you get the baby what they want.

jltaylor318 | July 15 , 2010 8:48 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

here are some baby gear that is important/ helpful car seat stroller - lots of options too many to list here bouncy seat (smaller than a swing and almost every baby loves them.) pack n play - for visits to grandma or at home changing table - one with a dresser helps (but you can also just use the top of a dresser!) breastfeeding - a good electric pump (will help with engorgement and back to work) crib - with sheets and mattress pad. crib, car seat buy new.

Ciak | October 21 , 2010 12:23 AM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

Target gives out a tote bag filled with coupons, a few cards that list several items with their barcodes so that you just add those items directly to the registry without having to go look for them, and a couple of samples. I got one pampers newborn diaper sample with a pkg of 6 pampers wipes, and a sample of 2 huggies NB diapers with a pkg of 8 wipes., plus a little trial size of bath and body wash for baby (or something like it). Oh, and tons and tons of coupons! There's also a book they gave me with the tote that has a good list of everthing you may ever need for the nursery and on-the-go. That especially is a pretty good tool for your starting point. You have to ask them for it, probably even show your baby's registry first. I'm just putting what I see I like, making sure I have at least one of everything. There are a lot of people who show up to the showers at my church, so I need to be sure I have more than a few items on it. lol Another thing I'm doing, is researching online all these registry checklists and then literally going through and checking the items off as I add them to my registry. I'm also keeping track of this list so that when the shower comes, and I don't get everything I'll likely need, I know what I have left on my "must have" lists. Since this is my 1st baby, I'll let you know how well this really turns out! =)

Firebirde072 | October 26 , 2010 8:41 AM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

I agree that people just tend to give clothing. At least a my shower... I was warned not to put clothes on the registry for this reason (because people just pick what they like anyway). Clothes, baby lotions/washes, and blankets were the biggies that I just kept unwrapping. We didn't get many of the other necessities :-/ and had to buy some of those, but I'm pretty sure our little girl will never have to repeat an outfit for the entire first year/year and a half.. I did not buy a single article of clothing for her.

camikyle | December 10 , 2010 7:26 AM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

Maybe it was the staff at Target when I registered, but no one gave me anything free. Maybe going in when you have a staff that is more permanent would help (not at 7:30pm on Sunday to avoid crowds). My first shower I got 90% clothes and 90% of those were clothes she couldn't wear for 6-12 months, and I had been told not to register for clothes (except onsies) and hadn't. I think if they know the gender, specifically if it is a girl, that is what you are going to get. However, I have been going online and in stores when the seasons are changing to grab clearance items for some of the basics I need. I will have a March baby and all the winter stuff is on clearance, so I am in luck. I am also trying to find things for next year. I wish I had known her gender when the summer stuff was on clearance!

kbgregoire | January 28 , 2011 1:40 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

I advise you don't register for clothing -- people will buy on impulse and get whatever they want anyway and ignore your registry. Don't even bother! If you're buying clothes yourself, check out Baby Gap -- their sizes are generous and the quality is quite good. I didn't like Carters' Just One Year brand. It's kind of cheap and on the small size. You should know that not all sizes are the same -- it depends on the brand really. We got the most use out of sleep 'n play outfits with the little footies included on the pants. Newborns get cold easily -- you want to cover their feet. Be sure to get several swaddling sacks -- Halo Swaddlers are good and so are Summer Infant brand swaddlers. The velcro on both are strong. Your baby will sleep better and longer if you swaddle her/him! They like it. Later you will want to have sleep sacks because at 3 or 4 months, they'll start flopping around in bed and sleep sacks are safer than quilts/covers. Helps prevent SIDS. I agree with the other poster -- register for the big stuff: infant car seat; a Snap-n-Go stroller (sooo useful!); a really good breastpump; all the pumping supplies --- those will add up quick......; a full size baby swing; a pack n' play. We use the Pack n' Play instead of a crib for now. Our son is 2 months' and stays in our room. His real crib is in his own room but it's easier to nurse at night if he's in our room. The Graco one we got has a Newborn Napper in it that is perfect and actually more comfy fo a little infant than the big crib right now.

atomicemmy | March 01 , 2011 10:40 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

well im only expecting but heres what help me, Think about it what do YOU need a bed you go to the bathroom and you need a change of clothes and you eat and you travel, so how would you transform big people stuff t baby stuff? hope that helps

yuliyamaz | May 28 , 2011 1:54 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

I agree with not registering for clothes or blankets. I made sure to register for diapers in multiple sizes. I had a few showers and by the time baby girl arrived we had enough for the first three months! Wipes too. That was wonderful! Also, if you are planning to breast feed ignore the boppy and register for MyBrestFriend. I know the name is dorky but that is the best breast feeding pillow by a mile. My little one is ten months old and I have used that pillow everyday. Sleep sacks are great especially in the winter when you can't use a blanket yet. A swing and a bouncy lounger were wonderful up to 6 months when I had take a shower or just needed a break from holding baby.

Asljoc | July 11 , 2011 4:11 PM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

Thanks for this list, I have seen many lists and they are all about the same. Now I know what I'll need to get :)

Natalie3398 | July 12 , 2011 9:12 AM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

Maybe it was because I'm having a boy, but at my baby shower, we barely got any clothes. We mostly got diapers! One pack of newborns, 6-8 packs/boxes of ones, and 2 packs of 2. Fortunately my sister said that Wal-Mart and sometimes Target are really good about exchanging diapers without receipts as long as they weren't open. We also received just enough bottles and receiving blankets to where we didn't have to buy any more. Between my shower and my sister's shower perviously it seems a lot of people will get the basics, so don't expect anything big. Well, family is the exception. My father-in-law gave us a $500 allowance with Amazon to buy whatever. We ended up getting a travel system, crib, crib bedding, and what not thanks to him!

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Q&A: What's in a layette?

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Gerny | December 28 , 2011 6:39 AM

Q&A: What's in a layette?

Thank you for these useful ideas about what to put on the baby registry. When I was pregnant with my first child I put on the registry a lot of things such as wipes, bodysuits, infant headbands and so on. I have to admit that many of them weren't necessary. The idea is that a baby registry should contain the most important things that you really need.

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