If you are going to have a baby and the time is near, now doubt you are thinking about how to prepare your baby’s layette for going to hospital when the moment arrives. Today we are going to give you some tips so that you don’t forget anything in the hurry and so that you have everything you need when you are in hospital.
First of all, we would recommend you pack a little case a few weeks before you give birth – so you can avoid surprises and not forget anything. Get a pencil and paper and make a note of what you are going to need, and we’ll tell you, stitch by stitch, the essential things you just can’t do without.
List of essential items for your stay in hospital.
Once your baby is born, it’s normal to have to spend around 3 days in hospital. We recommend taking what you need to feel as comfortable as possible, as you will be very tired, you will not be able to sleep too much and times of nervousness and joy all come together. Having everything organized will help you live these days with the joy and emotion they deserve.
Parents always choose their baby’s clothes very carefully, and so as a general recommendation take soft comfortable garments, with no strong smells and hand-washed beforehand.
Choose the right kind of clothes for the time of year your baby will be born in, although the best option is cotton clothes with long sleeves. Don’t forget that the clothes should be easy to put on and take off. You might even have to change him when he is asleep, so the head opening should be large – even better if you can undo the clothes completely at the front or back.
Here is a list of things we think should be in every layette:
- 6 cotton bodysuits
- 5 rompers or pyjamas
- 2 pairs of socks or bootees
- 1 pair of mittens
- 4 bibs
- 2 bonnets
- 1 blanket
Cotton bodysuits.
While you are both in hospital, you will probably have to change your baby several times a day. Bodysuits generally get dirty in the first few days, so don’t skimp on this point – take at least a couple for each day. We would recommend especially bodysuits that open up completely at the front, making it easier to dress your baby – long sleeves and 100% cotton.
Rompers or pyjamas.
Once again we would recommend buttons at the front, 100% cotton and long sleeves.
Socks or bootees.
These are needed if the pyjamas or trousers you take don’t cover your baby’s feet.
Mittens.
Mittens could be a good idea for the first days in hospital because babies usually touch their faces a lot and scratch themselves until you cut their nails for the first time.
Bibs.
Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed your baby, bibs will come in handy to keep the skin on their neck dry.
Bonnet.
Most body heat is lost through the head. It is important, in their first few days of life, to keep babies’ heads covered to avoid this loss of body heat, as they are very sensitive to changes in temperature.
Blanket.
This is for both the time in hospital and when you leave to go home – it’s best to have a blanket to keep your baby nice and warm.
As for toiletry and nappy changing material, hospitals normally provide this while you are there. If you have any doubts, you can ask when you have a check-up during pregnancy – like this you won’t have to worry about taking nappies, wipes, dressing for the belly button, etc.
The first real clothes – it’s time to go home
If you are going to have a baby, no doubt you have wondered what your baby will wear on the day you go home. It’s an important day for you, but there’s no need to make things too complicated – choose nice comfortable clothes, as you will probably get straight into the car at the hospital door and go directly home.
A sweater and matching trousers, rompers or pyjamas – this will be the most comfortable option. It is usually quite hot in hospitals, and even more so in baby areas, so wrap your baby up well when you leave and carry him in his blanket.
Remember to have a baby seat in the car. Safety is essential, whether you are just driving round the city or going far away – so don’t forget!
If you still have any doubts, we’ll be waiting for you in the comments!
