Layette Preparation
What is a layette? It is best to start preparing the
A layette is a collection of clothing
and supplies that is prepared which is
needed to care for the baby after the
baby is born. The layette also
comprises of clothing and supplies for
the mother.
Why is it important to prepare a
layette?
It is advisable to have the complete
layette ready to take to the hospital
at least one month before your due
date. This will save you from rushing
at the last minute to purchase the
items and that you won't forget
anything if the baby decides to come
early. Not having the layette ready
for the arrival of the baby can
promote unwanted stress.
Also, having the layette ready will
provide comfort to both mother and
baby, and warmth necessary for the
baby which will help him adjust to the
environment.
When should you start preparing the
layette?
layette from about 20 weeks
gestation. At this stage you will know
the number of babies and the gender.
Also, at this point you will know if the
pregnancy is progressing well.
When should your layette be
complete?
A layette should be complete before
pregnancy advances to the stage
where the discomforts of pregnancy
becomes burdensome. Premature
delivery must also be considered a
possibility so it is best if the layette
is complete before 36 weeks
gestation.
Items that should be in the layette
For mother
 3-6 night gowns which opens at
the front (cotton)
 Dark coloured half slips
 2 packs of maternity pads
 1 pair of bed slippers
 1 pair of rubber slippers
 3 towels
 3-6 incontinent pads
 6-12 panties
 3 bath rags
 Bath soap
 Savlon
 Comb and brush
 Toothbrush and toothpaste
 Tissue, lotion and deodorant
 2-3 brassieres
  Going-home outfit
 Small document pouch
containing maternal record
 Purse with money and health
card if available
 Plastic or disposable bag to put
dirty items
For baby
 3 hats
 3-6 pairs of socks
 3-6 baby shirts or chemise
 3-6 receivers
 3-6 onesies
 3- 6 bath rags
 3 baby towels
 1 small bottle of olive oil
 12 newborn diapers
 1 pack of baby wipes
 Mild baby soap
 Baby’s basin
 1 pack of cotton swabs
 1 bottle 70% white alcohol
 Plastic or disposable bag to put
dirty items.
Tips for preparing the layette
When preparing the layette for the
birth of your baby, here are some tips
to consider:
 Prepare the mother’s items
first in case there is an
emergency and you need to rush
to the hospital.
 Have two bags for the layette
if possible, one for the baby’s
items and the other for the
mother’s items.
 Pack items to last up to 3 days
stay in the hospital.
 Buy clothes made of cotton
which is ideal for the baby’s
delicate skin.
 Avoid buying yellow and red
clothing for newborn stage in
case the baby has jaundice or
have any form of bleeding.
 Avoid buying a lot of newborn
clothes of one size as babies
grow very fast and they might
not be able to fit in the
newborn clothes in a matter of
weeks.
 Buy some larger sized baby
clothes, such as one or two size
up which can fit up to 3 months.
 Wash all the baby’s clothes
with non-irritating soap or
laundry detergent to prevent
irritation of the baby’s skin.
 Dry baby’s clothes in direct
sunlight
 Iron the washed baby’s clothes
 Wash your night gowns in non-
irritating soaps and dry in
direct sunlight
 Do not buy any baby’s toys,
they are not necessary at this
point.