Pregnancy is a time for making big plans and preparing shopping lists. Preparing a layette for welcoming him or her and the first days in hospital is not enough. To be able to focus only on your little one after the birth, it is a good idea to check in advance what baby clothes you will need and what to buy for your newborn even before the birth. Find out how to make a layette for your baby step by step.

It is already a good idea to pack your hospital bag around the 36th week of pregnancy. This should include clothing, hygiene accessories and toiletries for the mother-to-be and a basic baby layette. A well-composed bag, it will ensure its comfort from the first moments of life. The layette checklist:

• A small blanket to cover it after the birth – ideally this should be washable as soon as you return from hospital, or it can be thrown away (for hygiene reasons),

• A cotton body that is comfortable to wear, unbuttoned at the front for example, with long or short sleeves, depending on the weather – 3-4 pieces,

• Rompers or layers – 3-4 pieces,

• Pressure-free socks – 3 pairs,

• 3 thin cotton caps without straps,

• A sleeping bag or swaddle wrap,

• A hooded towel,

• 4-5 tetra or flannel nappies,

• Disposable nappies – 10-12 per day,

• Cream for nappy rash,

• Water-moistened wipes,

• Sterile swabs,

• Physiological saline,

• Body wash for skin care from day one,

• Belly button cleaning product,

• Clothing to match the weather and season when leaving the hospital,

• Baby carrier-car seat (necessary on the day of discharge).

Remember to wash, or hand-wash in high temperature, everything when you are back home. This will ensure that there is no risk of microbial transmission from the hospital.

Getting a basic baby layette for your home beforehand will give you peace of mind and a greater sense of control too. This is also a pleasure young parents enjoy. Such preparations also have a name: 'nesting'. No wonder you want to stockpile everything you need. Try, however, to limit yourself to a few sets of clothes in sizes 56, 62 or possibly 68 at first, as your little one will grow quickly. It can also happen right at the start that the clothes you plan for it to wear are too big or too small even for a newborn.

Choose the most practical clothes for the baby. Pay attention to the material. At Pepco, the collection for these little ones is made of soft organic cotton for comfort and convenience. Choose the items that you can put on and fasten easily. Ideally, choose bodysuits and layers with press studs so you don't have to pull them over the head. Matinee jackets, jumpers or sweatshirts and warmer shorts and overalls for walking will also come in handy.

In addition to clothes for the baby, accessories for daily care and grooming will also come in handy. You will find it useful to start with:

• A cot or bassinet with a mattress and a set of sheets,

• A blanket or swaddle wrap,

• A changing mat,

• A compact baby bath,

• Hooded towels,

• Essential cosmetics for newborns for bathing, nappy and skin care,

• Physiological saline and sterile swabs for washing the eyes,

• Baby feeding accessories like a breastfeeding U-shaped pillow, a breast pump and milk storage set, bottles and feeding sets,

• Nail scissors with rounded tips,

• Suction nasal aspirator.