The first months with a little one are a magical time, full of tenderness… but also challenges. The right baby layette will ensure you are well prepared for every moment of the day, from morning diaper changes to evening cuddles for sleep. Find out which clothes and accessories are worth stocking up on.

The daytime part of the baby layette primarily consists of clothes and accessories that facilitate daily care for your baby. You will need:

• rompers,

• bodysuits with short and long sleeves,

• sleepers and footed pajamas,

• rompers.

Socks, hats to protect the head, and neckerchiefs will be useful at any time of year. If a cold season is ahead of you, you'll need to add a warm jumpsuit and gloves to this basic set, and for an older baby – a warm jacket and trousers, as well as shoes appropriate for the child's age.

In addition, it's always good to have bibs with a waterproof backing and soft towels with hoods within reach. Organizers, boxes, and baskets for small items are invaluable for keeping your child's room tidy. One of the most important accessories are… plain muslin or cotton diapers. They have dozens of uses with a baby.

The evening part of the layette should promote relaxation and comfort. Such a little one doesn't need separate pajamas – they can sleep in sleepers or footed pajamas. Those made of soft cotton, without thick seams or hard buttons, work best. Sleeping bags are a good alternative to blankets, as they prevent babies from uncovering themselves at night. A night light with a warm glow will also be useful, which will have a soothing effect and help the baby feel safe and calm down.

For the evening ritual, you will need:

• soft bath towels,
• cotton washcloths,
• an organizer for baby cosmetics,
• soft-to-the-touch bedding.

A protective sheet is a valuable gadget that will help keep the crib clean.

Avoid thick and heavy blankets and duvets, which can overheat the baby or make it difficult for them to breathe, as well as pillows for infants – they should sleep flat, without any head supports. Also, avoid toys that make loud noises or flash lights before bedtime – save them for earlier in the day or skip them altogether.

A walk is not only a pleasure for a baby but also a daily ritual important for health and development. For such occasions, layered sets that are easy to adapt to the weather are best: bodysuits, front-fastening sweatshirts, thin sweaters, and light hats. For colder days, a padded jumpsuit, fingerless gloves, and warm socks will be useful, and in spring or summer – a hat or cap to protect from the sun.

And what about accessories? For a walk or travel with a baby, it's worth having a soft blanket or swaddle. Blankets made of natural fabrics work well – light but warm. A diaper, wet wipes, a bottle of water (if the baby is already drinking it), and spare clothes should also be in the parent's bag. You might also find a thermal bottle cover useful to maintain the drink's temperature.

For longertrips with a baby, all sorts of travel organizers, cosmetic bags for accessories, bags with compartments, and a light, portable changing mat that is easy to fold and wash are extremely useful. Thanks to such accessories, even a spontaneous walk or a few-hour trip will go smoothly.

Avoid:

• an overly thick jumpsuit for a car seat – it will make it difficult to fasten the seat belts properly,
• buying too many pacifiers and bottles at once – first, calmly test what suits you and the baby,
• shoes for a child who doesn't walk yet – socks or soft shoes without a hard sole are enough,
• buying too many seasonal clothes – you'll be surprised how quickly a baby outgrows them, so it's better to have a few well-fitting, universal sets than a wardrobe full of unused clothes.