by: Susan Hawkins
Here's a message for first-time moms. Any seasoned mother will tell you - the newborn stage flies by like a cheetah on caffeine, so remember these two things: Cherish those precious, middle-of-the-night moments when it's just you and your baby, and resist the temptation to go hog wild on your infant's initial wardrobe.
During their first month, most newborns continue to gain weight at a rate of at least 5 ounces (141 grams) a week. They generally grow in height about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.54 to 3.81 centimeters) during the first month. Many newborns go through a period of rapid growth when they are 7 to 10 days old and again at 3 and 6 weeks.
Infants grow so quickly that many experienced mothers suggest starting out with the layette items you receive for baby shower gifts, supplemented if necessary by some items of your own choice and a few hand-me-downs. Save your money (and your urge to have the world's best-dressed baby) until the rapid growth process takes a breather.
You won't have to wait long. Physical growth slows down during the second half of the first year, yet by that first birthday cake, your baby will probably have almost tripled his or her birth weight and will have grown about 10 inches (25 centimeters).
Perhaps the definition of a layette will help you focus on your needs. A layette is quite simply a complete assortment of clothing and accessories for a new baby. And keep in mind, many newborn babies hardly spend a month in the 0-3 month sizes, so concentrate on size 0-6 months. To help you prepare the nursery with the essentials in infant finery without breaking the piggy bank, follow this checklist and you'll be all set with the perfect layette:
Clothing:
1 “Take Me Home” Outfit
8 Bodysuits
3 Shirt and Pants Sets
4 Coveralls (one-piece footed outfits)
1 Sweater
6 Pairs of Socks
8 Sleep Gowns with Elastic Bottom
2 Sleep Sacks
Lots of Burp Cloths
4-6 Drool Bibs
Bath Accessories:
2 Large Hooded Towels
4-6 Receiving Blankets
6-9 Washcloths
1-2 Washcloth Mittens
1-2 After-Bath Cover-Ups
3-6 Crib Blankets
Accessories:
1-2 Caps and Booties
1-2 Mittens
Depending on where you live:
Coat, Hat and Snowsuit
Swimsuit and Brimmed Sun Hat
Last, but not least, you'll need a good supply of cloth or disposable diapers, whichever you prefer. How many will you need? Well, if you're breastfeeding, and your baby is eating regularly around the clock, expect to use about eight to 10 diapers a day. That's 70 a week, so stay well-stocked!
Don't forget - your baby shower will probably yield lots of wonderful surprises in any of the above categories, including personalized baby gifts that will start your baby out in style. And count on a couple of baby gift baskets in the mix, too. It's no sweat - you'll be all set and not in debt from your layette!
