Some moms have a limited budget when it comes to shopping for the layette. Of course, every mom would love to have an unlimited credit card to furnish the nursery and buy all the baby essentials. Pregnancy comes with dreams of the layette and the nursery, but what is genuinely useful and what can be skipped when putting together the layette?

Look, I put together this list based on MY own experience and what I used the most. You can tailor the list to your own taste and adapt as needed, but since I am a practical mom, I like to keep things simple, so maybe this basic baby layette checklist will meet your needs. For those who are just starting out, it can give some direction about what is really necessary and where to begin.

List of Essential Items

  • 6 onesies for each size: Newborn (NB), Small, and Medium
  • 12 bodysuits for each size: Newborn (NB), Small, and Medium (if you want, split this number between short-sleeved and long-sleeved)
  • 12 baby pants for each size: Newborn (NB), Small, and Medium
  • Wool sweaters if your baby will be born in cold weather
  • 10 pairs of baby socks
  • 10 Cremer cloth diapers
  • 10 burp cloths
  • 3 swaddle blankets
  • 3 crib sheet sets (check your mattress size to see if it’s a standard size)
  • 3 towel-diapers
  • 2 microfiber blankets
  • 2 shawls
  • 1 coming-home outfit
  • 1 or 2 crib bumper sets with a zipper to make washing easier
  • 1 set of travel bags for the baby
  • 1 changing mat for the dresser (usually included in the crib bumper set)
  • 1 baby bathtub
  • 1 brush and comb
  • Cotton swabs, cotton balls, and alcohol
  • Shampoo, liquid soap, and 1 thermometer
  • Baby scissors or nail clippers
  • 1 stroller
  • 1 crib
  • 1 wardrobe
  • 1 dresser
  • 1 infant car seat

Video About Layette

This list can be adapted according to your budget and your needs and you can also add or remove some items, but this is the list I always used and it always worked out. Everything also depends on the time of year your baby is due, so putting together your baby’s layette will take that into account as well.

I didn’t include shoes, decorations like a hospital door sign, baby monitor, or party favors on the list, but these can be included too. The layette for a baby girl can be pretty similar to the layette for a boy because the differences are minimal.

Changes are mainly in color and accessories. If you like specific brands, it’s worth researching online or even shopping around in person. It’s worth shopping around because the price difference can be huge from one store to another. Well-known brands like Tip Top have baby clothing outlets too, which is great! Search Google for an outlet in your area.

Diapers

I didn’t mention diapers, but if you’re planning a baby shower, ask for more size M and some in size Small, since M is the most used of all sizes. To start with, I suggest getting about 8 packs of Newborn diapers, as they fit the baby best in those first days of life.

Layette from Abroad

Some people like to buy the layette abroad. If your finances allow it, it’s a good option; you can bring back a lot from the United States, for example, and clothes are not taxed by customs. Strollers and car seats are also often worth it, depending on the brand and model you choose. A tip for those with a tight budget is to buy the sizes as you need them; at first, prioritize Newborn and Small or even Medium, the Large can wait a bit.

The main tip is to buy things as you see the need arise. Sometimes, in all the excitement, moms end up buying things that aren’t needed and never get used.

Do you have anything to add to this list? Don’t be shy! Leave it in the comments!

I hope this was helpful!

See also: What to pack in your baby’s hospital bag

Photo: Adrian Midgley

_ Key Information Box:

  1. Some moms have a limited budget when it comes to shopping for the layette, though of course every mom would love an unlimited credit card for the nursery and baby shopping.
  2. This list can be adapted according to your budget and your needs, and you can add or remove some items, but it’s the list I always used and it always worked for me.
  3. Changes are mainly in color and accessories. If you like specific brand-name clothes, it’s a good idea to research online or shop around.
  4. I didn’t mention diapers, but if you’re planning a baby shower, ask for more size M and some size S, since M is used most.
  5. The main tip is to buy things as you need them. Sometimes, in all the excitement, expectant moms buy things they end up never using.