For those precious first moments, it's important to gather a layette—a collection of clothing for your newborn. Here's what other Nordstrom moms suggest to help get you started. Tip: buy extras so you're not doing laundry 24/7.
- 1 TAKE-ME-HOME OUTFIT
- 2 SLEEP GOWNS
- 2 SLEEP SACKS
- 2 HATS
- 2 STROLLER BLANKETS
- 4 ROMPERS AND COVERALLS
- 4 BODYSUITS
- 4 RECEIVING/SWADDLE BLANKETS
- 8 FOOTIES
This is a pretty accurate list to what I prepare for. Except I usually buy a Photo outfit (Frilly Dress or little man's suit) for the hospital's newborn photographer. Then I change my little one into a comfy going home outfit. Bring 2 or 3 onsies incase your baby has an accident in their going home outfit...There's nothing like hearing a screaming newborn all the way home because of a dirty diaper and wet clothes (just something I learned from my twins).
Sleep sacks are still new to me. I'm a swaddler. I love to bundle my little one up so they feel like their still in the womb. This will be my 1st time buying a sleep sack; so I can't wait to see how that works out.
Hats - Well if your baby has the right size head and they don't pop off then these are perfect. Otherwise I still buy the bonnets for girls with velcro ties.
Stroller Blanket! I've already bought 2. There is nothing worse then pushing your stroller and realizing you just drove over your blanket. Especially with a newborn in a mall... GERMS!!! So, stroller foot muffs or a stroller blanket is an awesome idea.
Here is one more recommendation - Buy the kimono style t-shirt at least 5 to start. While you have a newborn these are just easier getting on and off.
As for swaddle blankets I love the new muslin style fabric. A lot of companies are starting to make them. They are huge and thin. Great for a summer baby. So long to my old cotton receiving blankets (don't just trash 'em if you have old ones cut them and use them as glass and window cleaning cloths).
Don't forget the items that are going to need to be replaced at times
2 in 1 Hair and Body Wash
Baby Lotion
Diaper Rash Cream
Mustela Vitamin Barrier Cream - Check out their website; I love their products!
Wipes
DO NOT USE BABY POWDER!!! It's no longer recommended because babies can inhale it (use the Barrier cream instead).
Alcohol pads (baby's Belly button)- No Q-tips and a bottle of alcohol is not a good idea. Too many things to think about here. Just use the first aid single use pads that you can open and toss when done.
Diapers - Keep a package of size 1 and size 2 ready... I've never had a newborn come home actually wearing a newborn diaper. My 10lb sweet girl came home in size 2 diapers. The nurses brought in a whole package and giggled about how they had to go to the children's ward to pick these up. They didn't have size 2 on the maternity floor!
Breast pads - Buy the kind without the plastic backs. The cotton on both sides allows for air to pass through and keeps away a lot of the discomfort. Simplisse and Johnson and Johnson make great quality pads.
Bottles - Start with about 6 of one kind if you plan on using them. You may not like the first set you decide on. I have used the AVENT (which back then had a serious leaking problem) I like the playtex with disposable liners but can be annoying when you realize at the last minute you ran out of liners rendering your bottles useless, I've used the Gerber and Evenflo which were both fine simple easy to clean and inexpensive bottles. This time around I'm using the Tommee Tippee bottles. I love the fact they come with a powder container inside. No more grabbing bottles and a powder container and figuring out later you don't have enough formula for each bottle.
Lastly, there's the Mommy Wish list...
Snugglewrap Baby Carrier
Bottle insulated pouch
reusable snack bags
Wet stuff bag
Fancy Diaper Bag
Wipe warmer
Diaper Pod
Wipe containers
Innobaby Packin' Smart
Packin' Smart Keepaa
Nursing Cover
Plush Changing Pad
Pack 'n Play
Baby Swing
Baby Bouncer
High Chair
Exersauser
infant Play-mat
Baby Toys
*I don't buy half these items... This is just a suggested list or a "wish list" :)
Browse websites by brand names to get to know products better. I do not recommend just going to Target or Babies R Us and splurging without knowing your options first. There are so many awesome baby products on the market you should know what your buying.
My favorite Baby stores!!
Babies R Us
Target
Nordstroms (oh yes! Check out their Clearance)
Bergstroms
and Don't Forget the Boutiques in your area. They carry some of those products that you see online and think where can I get that?
