The
dictionaries define layette as "a set of clothing for a newborn baby." That's not a terribly helpful definition when considering the wide array of baby clothes that are available.
Baby clothes are definitely the most central factor of tyring to define
Layette, but rather than what would often be considered "outerwear" we think it means more "everyday wear." Most people wouldn't consider a fancy dress for a baby girl to be a layette item, nor would we consider a tiny tuxedo or a vest for a baby boy to be a layette item. It's a rather subjective definition, unfortunately, but essentially we think that it means baby clothes in the sense of
bodysuits (onesies),
sleep n play (gowns and footed sleepers or pajamas),
shirts & pants (lap-shoulder shirts & "sweat" style pants), as well as side-snap shirts (hospital shirts),
playwear (rompers), and
accessories (such as caps and mittens).
Places like
Wikipedia include many other categories like burp cloths,
hooded towels,
socks & booties, and even
washcloths, so it looks like we're all on about the same page as far as our definition goes, even if no one has come up with a really solid and encompassing definition yet!
Our site is using this Layette page to try to clarify what Layette is, but we go into greater detail if you select one of those items that make up the baby clothes category on the left. We include socks and shoes as clothes, since they are items that can be worn, but we've grouped bath towels and washcloths and such in the
Health section of our site. Sites that specialize in
soft baby care products frequently group
bath and
footwear in other places on their sites.
So
Layette is a sort of basic, but cute, type of baby clothing that's geared toward newborns. That's why you'll hear of layette sets given as baby shower gifts.
Baby clothes should be made from the best quality possible while still remaining a good value. Babies grow quickly, and so you will want to make sure it stays affordable for you to dress your baby in great
baby clothes without spending a fortune on clothing that the baby will only be able to wear for a few months at most. The more money you save, the less you need to work, and thus the more time you can spend with your little one!
BABY CLOTHES
BABY PRODUCTS SITES
