Layette for a newborn – necessary accessories, when to start?

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Happy parents expecting a new family member to come into the world need to prepare to welcome them at home. At the end of pregnancy, you should therefore collect the so-called layette for a newborn.

Layette for a newborn – when to start?

In some environments there is a superstition that you should not buy clothes before the baby is born because it brings bad luck. This view is completely wrong and not supported by any scientific evidence. Moreover, the short period in which mother and newborn are in hospital is not a good time for hasty purchases by the child’s father or other family member.

On the other hand, there is no need to buy “complete equipment” for the baby at the beginning, which is offered in specialized stores. Time will show what elements our child lacks, which ones work and which ones do not.

Check it out: The Apgar scale, or what a newborn gets points for

Layette for a newborn – clothes

That is: T-shirts, jackets, rompers, caps, socks, gloves, overalls or a jacket and shorts. They should be made of high-quality natural materials (cotton), easy to wash and without unnecessary decorations that are easily damaged in the washing machine.

Rompers are also a good idea, which are very convenient when taking care of a child for novice parents. They should be fastened at the front along the entire length and in the crotch. The materials should also be breathable. Just remember not to buy clothes in too large quantities, because your baby will grow out of them very quickly and will not even use some of them.

What clothes we should buy depends also on the season in which the child is born. In the case of winter, let’s add to the list: socks and tights; a sweater that could be put on a romper and a jumpsuit that will be warm and, importantly, easy to put on. It is best to choose one with a zipper along the entire length of the torso, and even reaching the bottom. The children’s overalls have sewn-in sleeves and legs, thanks to which the child’s hands and feet will not get cold, they are also equipped with warm hoods that provide protection against wind and frost.

More on this topic: Newborn clothes – layette, size, advice for mum

Layette for a newborn – bedding for a cot

Linen also it should be made of natural materials (cotton or flannel), soft, do not cause abrasions on the delicate skin of a newborn. On the other hand, down-filled wraps are not recommended – the child sweats in them, which promotes the development of sweat rats. It is best to wrap the newborn in the so-called cone made of a cotton blanket.

It is also worth buying a cot bumper, which at the right moment will protect the child’s head, which will prevent it from hitting the hard rungs of the cot. You can also invest in a warm sleeping bag, which will prevent the toddler from stretching the material over his head. If we buy a blanket, we should also remember that it should be as thin as possible.

Baby bedding – what should you pay attention to?

Layette for a newborn – cloth and flannel diapers

Currently, they are replaced by disposable diapers with Velcro fasteners, which perfectly absorb urine and prevent chafing.

Also check: Reusable or disposable diapers? Types, accessories, washing

Layette for a newborn – accessories used when changing

Changing is an activity that will be constantly performed by us at the very beginning of a child’s life. Therefore, it is worth buying some products to facilitate the entire process.

Among them we can mention, for example: a changing table, which will make it easier for us to keep clean while taking care of a baby (we can choose changing tables placed on a cot, table or chest of drawers); delicate wet wipes, facilitating hygiene or anti-chafing cream, whose task is to protect the delicate skin of a child.

Layette for a newborn – bath accessories

These should include a bathtub, anti-skid sponge, soap or washing liquid, moist wipes, skin care olive, brush for combing hair, towels or the aforementioned flannel nappies for wiping after bathing, mattress for laying the baby down after bathing.

All cosmetics and toiletries should be certified by the Institute of Mother and Child, it will give us confidence that these products have undergone appropriate tests and will be safe for use in children, pregnant women or during breastfeeding.

Among the cosmetics, we should think about buying the aforementioned anti-chafing creams and special creams that provide protection in all weathers or with a filter with a factor of at least SPF 30. It is also worth buying a water thermometer (remember that the appropriate temperature should be 37 degrees Celsius), from typical care accessories, in addition to the brush, special scissors with rounded tips for cutting nails and a nasal aspirator, which will help us remove secretions from the child’s nose.

Also check: Bathing a newborn baby – preparation for bathing, water temperature, course

Layette for a newborn – a crib

The best ones are those with adjustable height of the mattress, because they will serve the child for a long time. The mattress should be made of airy, natural material. Sea grass mattresses with a waterproof cover are ideal. Additionally, you can put an oilcloth under the bedding. It is also worth considering the beds with the possibility of opening the sides.

Read: How much does a newborn sleep? How to deal with disturbed sleep?

Layette for a newborn – feeding

If the baby is not going to be breastfed, it will be necessary to prepare milk formulas from formula milk. You should then have bottles with a teat, plastic or metal pots, spoons and a funnel. These utensils should only be used by the newborn. A bottle warmer will also be useful, as it maintains a certain temperature of the liquid for watering the baby.

Mothers who do not breastfeed (and sometimes also breastfeed naturally) should also have a breast pump and nipple shields to protect the nipples – they will prevent them from macerating due to leaked milk. It is also good to buy a sterilizer that is designed to destroy dangerous microorganisms.

Breastfeeding mothers should consider buying a special bra with detachable cups, nursing pads that allow you to maintain hygiene and avoid staining clothes, as well as a feeding pillow that allows you to place the baby in a comfortable position.

See also: The most important features of an anti-colic bottle – which model to choose

Layette for a newborn – stroller and car seat

A stroller, a baby carrier and a car seat are also necessary components of the newborn’s layette, but they do not have to be purchased first. The only exception is the car seat, which will come in handy when transporting the child home from the hospital.

Layette for a newborn – toys

Toys they are not needed by a newborn in the first days of his life. Their purchase should be carefully considered, paying attention to the age for which they are intended. It is absolutely forbidden to buy toys that are not certified by the Institute of Mother and Child – especially those manufactured in the Far East.

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