Baby layette: a list of what you really need (and what you don't)

Getting your baby's layette ready is one of the loveliest parts of the wait… and also one of the most confusing. The lists out there are endless and it is easy to end up buying things you never use. In this guide we suggest a practical list, organised by moments of the day, with what you will really need in the first few weeks.

What is a baby layette?

A layette is the set of basic clothes, textiles and accessories a newborn needs for the first weeks: getting dressed, sleeping, going out, bath time and nappy changes. You do not need everything from day one; what matters is having the basics and adding to them as you see what you need.

It is a good idea to have it ready a few weeks before your due date, along with your hospital bag. We explain what to pack in how to prepare your hospital bag.

Clothes for the first weeks

• Cotton bodysuits: the item you will use most. Soft baby bodysuits are the basis of any layette.
• Welcome sets: your baby's very first outfit and the one they wear to leave hospital. Have a look at our welcome sets.
• A swaddle for holding them in your arms and for the first outings. See our baby swaddles.
• Socks or booties and something warm depending on the season.

A tip: do not buy too many clothes in the smallest size. Babies grow very fast and many items never get worn.

For sleeping

Where your baby sleeps must be safe. Following paediatricians' recommendations:

• A cot, crib or Moses basket with a firm, flat mattress.
• A fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly.
• Always put your baby to sleep on their back.
• Nothing loose in the cot: no pillows, cushions, soft toys or padded bumpers.
• Avoid overdressing them while they sleep.

For walks and the car

• A group 0 car seat (or i-Size seat for newborns): it is required from the very first journey, including the trip home from hospital, and goes in the back seat facing backwards. To protect it from everyday wear, you can add one of our car seat covers.
• A reducer cushion: a very small newborn is loose in the car seat and "floats" inside it. With the cotton 3-piece reducer cushion they are snug and well supported from the very first journey. We explain how to use it and when to remove it in car seat reducer: what it is for and when to remove it.
• A car seat footmuff if your baby is born in the colder months. See our car seat footmuffs.
• A pram bag to carry nappies, wipes and a change of clothes. There are lots of styles in pram bags.
• If you would like to babywear, an ergonomic baby carrier lets you keep them close with your hands free.

Bath time and nappy changes

• A soft towel or hooded bath towel to dry them well. See our baby towels.
• A changing mat to change them comfortably at home or out and about. You will find them in changing mats.
• Nappies: disposable or reusable. If you are interested in reusable ones, see our eco-friendly nappies.
• A gentle baby wash, gauze cloths and a thermometer.

Bibs

Even though they only drink milk at first, bibs are very handy for spit-ups and for keeping their neck dry. Have several, because they are used every day.

What can wait

• Lots of newborn clothes: a few items of each type are enough.
• Shoes: they do not need them until they start walking.
• Toys and decorative accessories: they will arrive on their own (many as gifts).

Layette checklist

• Bodysuits and welcome sets.
• Swaddle.
• Cot or crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
• Newborn car seat, rear-facing, and reducer cushion.
• Car seat footmuff (if it is cold) and pram bag.
• Towel, changing mat and nappies.
• Bibs.

Frequently asked questions

When should I prepare the layette?

Ideally, have it ready a few weeks before your due date so you are not rushing at the end.

What clothes does a newborn need?

The basics are bodysuits, a welcome set, a swaddle and something warm depending on the season. Better a few items of each type, because they grow very fast.

Is a car seat required to leave hospital?

Yes. Children must travel in a child restraint suitable for their height and weight, including the first journey home from hospital.

In short

A good layette is not the biggest one, but the one that covers the basics: comfortable clothes, a safe place to sleep, an approved car seat, what you need for bath time and changes, and a few practical accessories for going out. You will discover the rest along the way with your baby.