The following layette list may be helpful in planning for your baby’s arrival. These are suggested items and you may not need all items. Check consignment stores and yard sales for affordable baby items, but be careful that everything (especially car seats, playpens, and cribs) meets current safety standards before you buy.
Crib or play pen bars should be no farther apart than 2 3/8 inches. Many playpens, car seats, and other baby items have been recalled by the manufacturer due to safety issues, but are still in use because people missed the notification. Check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Recall Hotline to find out if a baby product has been recalled.
Clothing:
- 4-6 t-shirts
- 4-6 sleepers or nightgowns
- socks or booties
- hat or bonnet (warm for winter, shade for sun)
- winter suit
- sweater or jacket
Diaper Supplies:
- diaper wipes or 1 dozen small washcloths
- diaper ointment (optional for diaper rash)
For Cloth:
- 3-4 dozen cloth diapers (newborn size)
- diaper liners (optional)
- 2-4 waterproof pants
- 4-6 diaper pins or clips
- diaper pail
For Disposable:
- 80-100 diapers a week
Bedding:
- 2-4 crib or bassinet sheets
- 2 waterproof crib pads (optional)
- 2-4 receiving blankets or crib quilts
- crib bumper pads
Bath Supplies:
- towels (hooded optional)
- 2-4 baby washcloths
- mild baby soap and shampoo
- baby bath tub or sponge (optional)
- brush and comb
- baby nail clippers and scissors (optional)
Bottle Feeding Supplies (optional):
- 8-10 bottles with caps and nipples
- bottle brush
- disposable liners (optional)
- measuring cups, can opener and large containerto mix formula
Outings:
- stroller
- front carrier or sling (optional)
- diaper bag
- car seat and locking clip
Health and Safety:
- infant thermometer
- electrical outlet covers
- nursery monitor
- infant safety gate
Other Optional Items:
- baby book and First Year calendar
- birth announcements
- camera and film