| r-to-be derives great enjoyment out of getting the | | | | the starchy substance in new materials. It is wise to |
| layette ready. But, pleasant as it is, the monetary | | | | launder all clothing, diapers, wrapping blankets, or |
| cost, the laundering time, and the effort of actually | | | | similar articles that will touch the baby's skin before |
| putting clothes on the baby must also be kept in | | | | they are used. Use mild soapsuds in warm water for |
| mind. | | | | washing clothes the first time and make sure that all |
| Diapers are the only form of clothing that need to be | | | | the soap is thoroughly rinsed. |
| bought in quantity. Babies grow quickly in the first | | | | It is also wise to remove all labels from inside the |
| months, and their needs constantly change. When | | | | garments. Labels can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. |
| shopping for the layette, keep the following in mind: | | | | The most important article in the baby's layette is |
| (1) clothing should have growing space; (2) garments | | | | the diaper. The choice is wide. A new parent should |
| should be easy to launder; (3) all items should be safe | | | | consider the following: |
| and comfortable for the baby to wear or use; and | | | | (1) If a diaper service is available, does it also provide |
| (4) garments should be simple enough to take a | | | | the diapers? Is the price reasonable? |
| minimum of time to dress and undress the infant. | | | | (2) Disposables are of course convenient for |
| Trendy clothes for tots may look cute on dolls, but | | | | traveling, but are not as absorbent as cloth diapers. Is |
| are often impractical for real, live babies, who loathe | | | | there enough storage for the large quantities |
| being dressed and undressed and express their | | | | needed? |
| exasperation by crying loudly and angrily. A crying | | | | (3) Is there time enough for a parent to launder and |
| baby is rigid and uncooperative, as the parent | | | | sterilize diapers? |
| fumbling with buttons and ribbons soon discovers. It | | | | Remember, the diaper service has to be arranged |
| is well worth searching for clothing that is secured | | | | before the baby's birth. |
| with snap fasteners rather than that which must be | | | | When laundering diapers, do not use harsh |
| pulled and tugged over the baby's head. Infant | | | | detergents; many parents prefer to use mild |
| clothes should be loose and easy to slip on and off. | | | | soapsuds. Even more important, it is essential to rinse |
| In addition, older babies will try to chew on buttons, | | | | diapers thoroughly after laundering to prevent |
| so snaps are much safer. | | | | irritation of the baby's skin. |
| The newborn baby's tender skin is easily irritated by | | | | |