A Natural Baby's Layette Needs Check List

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Why a check list for Natural Babies?

Parents who care for their babies more naturally will choose different types of products than others. In general, a natural mothering style is simpler and will entail less baby gear/gadgets and more natural quality products that support your choice to swaddlle, co-sleep, wear your baby, cloth diaper and breastfeed.

It can be overwhelming- and a lot of fun too- to prepare for your new baby. My advice is to keep it simple in the beginning. Although it's best to have everything washed and in place before baby arrives, with the internet you can easily order what you are missing without leaving your home.

A Note about Baby Showers and Gifts: You will receive a lot of what you need at your baby shower and from friends and relatives. If you have strong preferences (eg: only organics), be specific on your invitations and in your conversations.

So, what do I really need for my baby?

The following list is a guideline for Spring/ Summer babies and the quantities are for mothers who will do laundry twice a week. Keep in mind that breastfed and/or cloth diapered babies will need to be changed more frequently. Plan for 3 changes per 24 hour period.

Newborn Layette Basics (0-3months)

Clothing:

_ 2-3 side snap T-shirts – easier to put on newborns
_ 2-3 side wrap kimonos – dads love these
_ 4-6 bodysuits/onesies
_ 3-6 baby gowns- the easiest for night time diaper changes
_ 3-5 footed sleepsuit/playsuits
_ 1-3 pairs soft pants with/without feet
_ 2 cardigans/light weight sweaters
_ 2-3 baby sleep bags or bunting bags -especially if using a crib.
_ 2-4 swaddlers. Read more about swaddling here.
_ 2-3 just plain cute outfits
_1-2 ”take me home”outfits- Should be warm, comfortable & work in the carseat

Accessories:

_ 2-5 hats/caps-maintain baby's body temperature & protect ears
_ 5-10 socks and booties- amazing how fast they disappear
_ 2-3 bath towels
_ 6 washcloths
_ 8-10 Burp Cloths
_ 1 dozen cloth wipes/washies
_ 1or 2 soft cuddle toys- cotton/ wool to absorb parent's scent
_ Natural Baby bottom cream, lotions, soap
_ Grooming items: hair brush, nail clippers, etc.
_ A basket to carry diapering essentials from room to room
_ 1-2 wool puddle pads for a portable changing pad or waterproof place to lay the baby- especially useful if you plan to practice “Elimination Commubication.”

Cloth Diapering: Please see articles and our free printable Cloth Diapering Handouts with all the information you need to get started with cloth diapers.

Nursery Basics

Baby's Bed: Your newborn will spend more than 60% of her first year sleeping. Because infants and children are so vulnerable to toxins, it is important that baby's bed and bed linens be free of harmful chemicals like pesticide residues, formaldehyde and vinyl chloride. For more info on this topic, read “Why buy an Organic Mattress?” here.

Co-sleeping: For this method, you just need your arms and a wool puddle pad to protect your mattress from leaks. The Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper and the Humanity Family Bed are very useful too. Read more about co-sleeping here.

Crib: Solid wood cribs with non toxic finishes are the safest for your baby. Cribs that convert to a toddler bed are the most practical and ease the child's transition from crib to “big boy bed”.

Moses Basket or Bassinet: Even if you choose co-sleeping or a crib, you may want to have a Moses Basket or Bassinet so baby can be near you in the living rooom, garden, kitchen...

Bed Linens:

_ Non toxic mattress
_ Bumper Pad if you have a crib or cradle.
_ 2-4 sheets per crib, bassinet, etc
_ 1-2 mattress pads/covers
_ 5-10 receiving blankets
_ 2-3 thicker, nice everyday blankets
_ 2-4 large stretchy interlock blankets
_ 1 totally beautiful blanket

Changing Table: A changing table will keep all your baby gear organized and in one place- a blessing during the sometimes chaotic fourth trimester. Consider a non toxic mattress and several extra sheets.

Rocker or Glider Chair: Another almost necessity if you have the room for it. Choose a chair with padded arms at the right height to supprt your arms so that you can breastfeed without hunching over. A small table next to your chair to hold the things you might need (water, burp cloth, a book) while nursing and a foot stool are both good to have.

Laundry Hamper(s) for baby's clothes, Baby Bath Tub

Other Baby Gear:

___ 1-2 baby Slings/Carriers-  A sling is very important. Get yours in advance and practice before the baby's arrival. Read more about babywearing here.

___ Car seat- research and purchase well before your due date. Since all Car Seats are made with toxic materials, we     recommend a car seat Cover.

___ Stroller/Jogger- can very useful, but not necessary at first- your sling may be enough, depending on your health and
lifestyle.

___ Baby Bouncer Chair or Swing- You may want to wait and see how your baby is- fussy, calm, etc- then purchase. Do    
check out the options ahead of time though. Again, a sling may be all you really need.

Mommy Essentials:

___ Postpartum personal care items- pads, sitzbath herbs, etc
___ Enough shampoo/conditioner, etc. for at least a few weeks
___ Nipple Cream, Mother's Milk tea
___ Breast soothers- a warm washcloth will work too
___ Breastfeeding pillow, extra cushions for your arms, back...
___ 8-10 pairs Breast pads
___ 2-3 nursing bras
___ 3-5 Nursing tops
___ 1-3 Nursing gowns/pajamas
___ 1 Nursing cover

___    Diaper Bag: We recommend choosing a fairly large one that is free of toxins that might rub off on your baby clothing.

___ Mothering Magazine subscription- a wonderful new mom companion
___ Baby care informational book that supports your lifestyle choices. We like “The Baby Book” by Dr Williams Sears.
___ Birth Announcements- select these before the birth and have them stamped and ready to mail.
___ Crock Pot- you can put a meal on to cook in moments between caring for your baby- a lifesaver!
___ Journal, a new novel or two

Siblings: There is a lot you can do to help ease the transition for older siblings. Some very good books are available to help prepare your child before the big event. We offer a wonderful book, check your library for others.

I always had a new “baby” ready for the older siblings- even the boys. Moses baskets and slings like Mommie's are great too. Stock up on quiet time activities such as puzzles, games and art supplies and bring them out as needed. Matching infant/sibling outfits and name bracelets are a big hit too.

About Baby Blankets:

“ From the luxurious to the practical, you can never have too many baby blankets.”

It's obvious I love baby blankets- I've dedicated an entire website to them. In fact, blankets will be used more frequently- and longer- than just about all your other baby items (along with diapers, the carseat and the baby sling ). Baby blankets come in a huge variety of sizes and styles because they have so many uses. Having a good supply of blankets on hand will simplify life with baby.

When selecting your blankets, be sure to check the size and fabric content, so that it will fulfill the function you have in mind. Note: Use thinner blankets for covering small babies. Avoid comforters and thick, fluffy blankets until baby is about 6 months old. If your infant sleeps in a crib, it is best to use a blanket sleeper or sleep bag to avoid risk of suffocation and to be assured that your little one will not kick off the covers.

Baby blankets wind up draped all over the house- choose some pretty ones too.

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A Natural Baby's Layette Check List

Courtesy of www.naturesbabyblankets.com

Clothing (0-3months):

___ 2-3 side snap T-shirts
___ 2-3 side wrap kimonos
___ 4-6 bodysuits/onesies
___ 3-6 baby gowns
___ 3-5 footed sleep/playsuits
___ 1-3 pairs soft pants with/without feet
___ 2 cardigans/light weight sweaters
___ 2-3 baby sleep bags or bunting bags
___ 2-4 swaddlers.
___ 2-3 just plain cute outfits
___1-2 ”take me home” outfits

Accessories:

___ 2-5 hats/caps
___ 5-10 socks and booties
___ 2-3 bath towels
___ 6 washcloths
___ 8-10 Burp Cloths
___ 1 dozen cloth wipes/washies
___ 1or 2 soft cuddle toys
___ Natural Baby bottom cream, lotions, soap, etc
___ Grooming items: hair brush, nail clippers, etc.
___ A basket for diapering essentials

Bedding & Linens:

___ Non toxic mattress(es)
___ Bumper Pad if you have a crib or cradle.
___ 2-4 sheets per crib, bassinet, etc
___ 1-2 mattress pads/covers
___ 1-2  extra wool puddle pads
___ 5-10 receiving blankets
___ 2-3 thicker, nice everyday blankets
___ 2-4 large stretchy interlock blankets
___ 1 totally beautiful blanket

Other Baby Gear:

Baby slings/carriers

Carseat and cover

Baby's Bed: Co-sleeping, Crib, Moses Basket

Changing Table, Rocker or Glider Chair, Storage, Laundry Hamper(s), Baby Bath Tub

Mommy Essentials:

___ Postpartum personal care items- pads, sitzbath herbs, etc
___ Enough shampoo/conditioner, personal cosmetics
___ Nipple Cream, Mother's Milk tea, etc
___ Breast soothers- a warm washcloth will work too
___ Breastfeeding pillow, several extra cushions
___ 8-10 pairs Breast pads
___ 2-3 nursing bras
___ 3-5 Nursing tops
___ 1-3 Nursing gowns/pajamas
___ 1 Nursing cover

___    Diaper Bag

___ “Mothering Magazine” subscription
___ Baby care book (“The Baby Book” by Dr Williams Sears.)
___ Birth Announcements -
___ Crock Pot- can be a lifesaver
___ Journal, a new novel or two

Sibling Essentials:

___ Books, videos, toys and engaging “quiet time” activities
___ New “baby” & gear
___ 1-2 infant/sibling matching outfits

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