The Layette

What You Need

It seems that moms-to-be come in two varieties - the type who think that they don't want to overdo it and the type who think that it's impossible to overdo anything when it comes to their baby. Both are possible when it comes to baby's layette. So, how will you make sure that you don't end up shopping two days postpartum or tossing out new clothes that your little one has outgrown? Follow our guide to find the items that you'll really need.

Shop ahead for the basics

The last thing most women want to do immediately postpartum is shop. Sifting through racks and standing on your feet with your new baby in a germy environment doesn't sound good to the veterans among us. Take advantage of your expecting time, and shop for the following basics in advance.

Is that too many or to few?

If you hate to do laundry, or your spouse doesn't know how to operate your washer, you'll want to buy six to eight each of the basics. Between the spitup and many diapers, very little ones often need a change of clothes. So you may find yourself changing several of these items each day.

Don't want gender neutral clothes but don't want to know baby's gender?

Visit one of the wonderful children's stores in Triangle. At many of the city's finest children's stores, the owners are glad to make a list of the items of your choosing. When your little bundle arrives, you can send a friend or family member to the store to retrieve your items.

What's basic? These are the must-haves.

For baby

• Four undershirts
• Four onesies
• Four sleepsacks
• Two small hooded towels
• Four bibs
• Four pairs of socks
• One sweater (if born in winter)
• One going home outfit
• Four receiving blankets
• Ten burp cloths (or cloth diapers)
• One package of newborn size diapers
• One package of size one diapers

For baby's room

• Crib bumper
• Dust ruffle
• Two or three crib sheets
• Quilted mattress pad
• Waterproof mattress pad