Planning Your Baby's Layette

If you're buying on a budget, there are some great low-cost sources for all of baby's needs - and considering how fast your newborn angel will outgrow those layette items, you'll want to take advantage of every cost-cutter that you can.

Shop the second’s stores

Just like adult clothing, baby clothes manufacturers sometimes goof just a little. In most cases, the missed stitch or not-quite-perfect seam isn't anything that will affect wear. You can save as much as 70% off department store prices if you pick up baby layette items at your local job lots or discount department store.

Buy a size ahead in sleepers and footsies

Most babies barely spend a month in 0-3 month sizes. Reserve the smallest size for special occasion clothing - like coming home from the hospital, and skip right to the 3-6 month size for any fitted clothing. For the same reason, stick to comfy, stretchy cotton and terry knits for one piece footie jammies. They'll fit much longer.

Lay in a good stock of Swee'pea gowns.

Drawstring bottom nighties are just about the most convenient single item for baby at home. When baby needs changing, just pull up, change and pull back down.

A pack of birdseye diapers make the best burp rags

Even if you decide to use disposable diapers, buy one pack of cotton birdseye diapers. They can't be beat as burp rags to lay over your shoulder or lap when you're pat-pat-patting the baby to bring up any air bubbles in the tummy.

Shop yard sales

Newborn layette items are nearly always gently used. Most babies just aren't in them long enough to do a lot of damage. A stop at your local Salvation Army thrift store can buy you a whole layette's worth of crib sheets, receiving blankets, baby onesies and baby tees for less than $5.

Launder everything before the baby is born

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