What should a baby layette include

Article author: Iveta Bartošová

With first-born children, the baby gear tends to be much more extensive than when a mother is preparing for the arrival of another sibling. Simply because you don’t yet know what awaits you, what you will need, or what your baby will be like. So it’s a good idea to start with a few basic essentials that you will definitely need and then buy more as needed depending on the situation. So what should at least the basic baby gear include?

Changing

• Disposable diapers or cloth diapers;
• changing pads - disposable or washable;
• wipes - Perlan or Perlička and Medvídek;
• diaper cream;
• changing table with a pad.

Breastfeeding

• Nursing pillow;
• nursing bra;
• nursing T-shirt/tank top;
• nursing nightgown/pajamas;
• breast pads;
• cloth diapers - for burping, in case of spit-up.

Bathing

• Baby bath - if you have a shower stall or don’t want to bathe the baby in a large bathtub;
• water thermometer - if you can’t tell the temperature by feel;
• soap;
• washcloth;
• large towel for wrapping the baby;
• massage oil.

Sleep

• Large bed and bed rails - when co-sleeping, nothing extra is needed;
• baby crib - if you will sleep separately;
• sleeping bag;
• mattress and crib sheet;
• breathing monitor;
• baby monitor.

Clothing

In size 56, you really only need a few pieces, because in the first weeks babies grow very quickly. Then you can get more from size 62. However, the best thing is to buy more items only after birth, once you’ve figured out what suits you. The basics will definitely be:

• bodysuit with long sleeves;
• sweatpants or half-rompers;
• socks;
• hat;
• pajamas;
• warmer overall.

Out of the home

• Baby carrier or wrap for carrying the baby;
• stroller and a footmuff;
• car seat.

In brief

In the first weeks and months, you don’t need much. You can manage with just a few pieces of baby clothing, a baby carrier/stroller, a car seat, diapers, a nursing nightgown, and a nursing pillow. You don’t need to have absolutely everything, because what if you suddenly need it. These days, anything can be delivered the next day, so you can very quickly buy whatever is missing. 

What did your baby gear look like? Is there anything that is truly a “must have” and, on the other hand, anything you thought would be important but ended up not needing?