NEWBORN MUST-HAVES: LAYETTES
It's exciting to welcome a new baby into the family. Yet with a myriad of adorable baby selections available, which do babies really need? In response, I've compiled this first must-have layettes list for newborns. It includes what to buy, which to buy, and why. Remember to not buy more than you need for a particular stage to help keep our earth green!
Bodysuits/Onesies: Bodysuits extends past the waist and has snaps that allow it to be closed over the diaper. Bodysuits keep baby's tummy warm and protects the ambilical cord in those first weeks. Bodysuits are sometimes referred to as a onesie. The word onesie is a genericized trademark registered to Gerber Childrenswear Inc..
Onepieces/Rompers/Coveralls: Onepieces are great for babies to lounge at home in and nap in. It also makes for the quickest baby outfit. Throw on a hat and a pair of socks and baby is ready to meet the world. Onepieces comes with and without footies. I prefer the ones without footies myself so it's less faster to grow out in. However, for babies that reside on the cooler part of the planet, Onepieces with footies will keep them warmer from neck to toe.
Bundlers/Lap Gown: These baby night gowns allow for quick and easy nighttime diaper changes. They usually go up to 3 months and sometimes are made go up to 6 months. Get just a few for newborns when they are spending most of the time at home, sleeping and being changed throughout the day.
Pants: As cute as a baby can look in just a bodysuit and a diaper, pants are quite essential. Look for ones that are easy to slip on with elastic bands that are sewn into the waist part to prevent an overly-tight fit. Babysoy's slip-on pants do just that. Easy, comfortable, roomy and leave no marks around the waistline. Protect those adorable legs as they explore around the house in nice comfy pants.
Hat/Cap: Used to protect baby's fontanels, or soft spots (a newborn's skull is made up of several separate bones that will eventually fuse together) until it is fully closed-up. Look for soft, easy to wear hats. Babysoy's Duo-Style Signature Hat often doubles as a chew toy for teethers and are incredibly soft like the rest of the line.
Bibs: Stay away from any embroidered, printed or adorned bibs. They may be too cute to resist but they are rough on baby's skin thus losing its purpose to wipe a drooling mouth. The ideal bibs are absorbent and decorations-free. Babysoy has THE BEST bib on the market. They are soft, absorbent, provides good coverage and are embellishment-free.
Snap-button bibs are better than velcro bibs. They are noise-free, won't pull baby's hair and won't stick to clothing in the laundry. Some parents buy burp cloths but I double bibs as burp cloths to reduce laundry load.
Blankets: For basically everything and everywhere you can think of. At home, in the car, in the stroller, a nap in the park, playtime, story-time...etc. An important tip here is to buy a blanket that will not be discontinued anytime soon by the manufacturer. Or as soon as your detect an attachment to a specific blanket, buy another as backup ASAP. Every parent's worst fear is losing their baby's security blanket and not be able to replace it. In addition, look for blanket that has some weight to it. Decorations-free blankets are the best. Alike the bib, baby will rub their face to the blanket and you won't want anything that will scratch their delicate skin.
Socks: I don't remember how many pairs we've lost when my daughter first discovered her toes. Sometimes, they will fall off and disappear without her help. Babysoy has these great non-slip off socks that is baby proof. It will take at least an 16 month old to pull them off. Also, the signature socks wrap security and snuggly around the ankles without being too tight or cause any discomfort. Simply the best.
Hoodies and Cardigans: These are great to have extra in the diaper bag, stroller, or car. Babies travel from indoors to outdoors with a drastic change in temperature sometimes. It is handy to have a hoodie or cardigan to warm up the child and keep them protected from the sun as it is not suggested to put sunblock on infants.
Mittens: Look for ones without prints as babies will like to chew on them. Make sure all labels are removed from the mittens. Stay away from mittens that has a string attached between the pair as it may easily get tangled and is unsafe.
MOM'S TIP: The quantity you buy per item should be enough to last in-between laundry days. Some items gets soiled more easily than others so you will need more of it (such as bibs over socks). Always wash new clothing before putting them on baby.
