Layette

A layette describes the first items of clothing you gather together for your new baby. Also known as newborn clothing,  these clothes are designed for the first weeks and months of your baby's life. After they outgrow their layette clothes, you'll need to check out the infant clothing guide.

Getting Started

The first thing you are going to need is an outfit to take your baby home from the hospital. Depending on your child's birth weight, you may need to look at preemie clothing (usually for babies under 6 or 7 pounds).  Good Web sites to try for premature baby clothes include: Itty Bitty Bundles or The Preemie Store.

The basic items you'll need will include: a hat, blanket, top, bottom and socks or booties.  Depending on the climate, you may also need a sweater and snowsuit.

Special Considerations

It's not as easy as dressing yourself in the morning -- newborns require a little extra TLC.  Here are some things to consider when shopping for your new baby:

• Most likely, your baby will have a tender umbilical cord. The cord area needs air to heal, so one-piece outfits are not ideal until the cord dries up and falls off. For more information on umbical cord care visit CNN"s health page.
• Babies are tricky to dress, they wiggle, squirm and generally don't cooperate. Look for easy fastenings until you get the hang of the situation.
• Little necks are very delicate. Try to skip the pullover tops  until you are more confident in your skills. Opt for button or tie-front closures.
• Wash all of your baby's clothing before you pack you bags for the hospital. Residual dyes and chemicals can remain on the surface of garments. Use a gentle fragrance-free detergent  to clean the clothing.

Top Brands

• Carter's 
• Baby Gap
• Tadpoles 

The Basic Layette Includes

Socks  If possible buy in multiples of the same color and style. These little items tend to disappear in the wash. All you will need for footwear for awhile. Baby shoes are cute but unnecessary.	Hat  Babies can't regulate their temperature for the first few weeks. It's up to you to keep them warm and safe.	Tops  Front closures are ideal. Snaps are the easiest fasteners. Get a mix of long- and short-sleeved tops.	Bottoms  Bottoms with snaps at the crotch are ideal for quick diaper changes. Zippers and buttons are hard to maneuver, elastic waists are best.	Blanket  Soft cotton blankets will wrap your baby in warmth. Look for machine washable fabrics. For more information visit the Blankets and Quilts page.

Sweaters	Snowsuits	Sets

Related Guides

Cribs	Teething	Car seats	Bottles	Diapers

Related Products

Check out these great guides for items you may need before and after the baby arrives:

• Infant Clothing
• Maternity Products
• Toddler Clothing

External Links

• eSorrtment-- The ten most common questions about newborns.
• Medem -- More tips, this time from doctors, about dressing your newborn baby.
• Babies R' Us -- A complete layette checklist.