Fibres and Materials
- Natural fibres are the best choice as they absorb moisture are soft and comfortable and have a natural feel.
Natural materials are materials such as:
Wool - This is warm to wear and therefore it is more suitable for cold weather, but it must not come in contact with the baby’s skin as it may irritate it.
Cotton - This is absorbent and therefore more comfortable to wear next to the skin, especially when the skin is hot as it can then absorb the baby's sweat
- Fibres that are a mixture of synthetic and natural make for easy care, crease resistant, strong fabrics. In this way, the advantages of different materials can be combined.
- Synthetic Materials are easier to wash and dry than natural materials. In general they are cold to wear in winter because they do not retain body heat and hot and clammy to wear in summer because they do not absorb sweat. There are exceptions though: acrylic gives warmth and viscose is absorbent. Synthetic materials include:
Acrylic - e.g. Acrilan. This is a bulky fabric, which is soft and warm to touch. It is lightweight, crease-resistant and non irritating to skin, it is alternative to wool
Polyester - e.g. Terylene. This is crease resistant and does not catch on fire easily. It is an alternative to cotton.
Viscose - e.g. Rayon. This is absorbent and retains whiteness. It is pleasant to handle but it lacks strength.
Nylon - This is very strong and does not shrink.
Recommendations
- Baby clothes should be: Loose and comfortable, easy to put on and take off, easy to wash and dry, lightweight, soft and warm, non irritant (will not scratch or irritate the skin), porus (so that moisture can escape) and flame resistant (so they will not catch fire).
- Clothing should not be tight, especially round the neck and feet. When toes are cramped for a long time they can become deformed
- Drawstrings and ribbons near the baby’s neck should be avoided as they could pull too tight and strangle the baby.
- Loosely knitted or open weave garments should be avoided as a strand of wool or nylon can get caught around a baby’s finger or toe and can then cut off the blood supply.
- Garments must be either non-flammable or have passed the low flammability test.
- The fastenings should be easy to operate.
- The clothing should be machine washable so it can be cleaned easily.
- Sleepwear should be soft and comfortable and suit the temperature.
- Babies grow quickly and sleepsuits will not stretch indefinitely.
- The choice of fabric should suit garment. (e.g. stretch for movement and denim or heavy cotton for play)
- It is best to buy unisex clothing as it can be handed down.
- The amount of clothing depends on temperature, season. It is good to remember that several light layers are warmer than one thick bulky layer.
- Homemade garments are good, as knitting is a relaxing activity for an expectant mother to partake in.
- Textile information is on a label in the clothing it should be followed.
- The care code is based on five labels.
Other Layette Items
- Disposable nappies - Make changing the nappy quicker and easier. They are available in various sizes to suit the babes increasing weight. Disposable nappies are designed for daytime and nighttime use. Stretch waistbands and sides ensure a comfortable fit. The fastening tapes are easy to use. Nappies are designed to keep the moisture away from the baby’s skin to prevent a sore bottom. A waterproof outer covering prevents moisture escaping from the nappy and as the nappies are disposable they can be thrown away after use.
- Blankets - Have to be light, warm and machine washable. Cellular blankets made from wool, cotton, mixed fibres are ideal. Blankets should have satin-bound edges to protect the child’s face. Fringes or plastic thread should not be used as they are resilient and can choke a tiny baby. The blankets need to be large enough to be tucked in securely. They are best to be made of materials that are easy to wash and dry. They need to cover the mattress of the pram and the cot. The minimum supply of three is required. Flannelette(brushed cotton) is recommended
- Sheets - They have to be comfortable, soft and easy to wash. Cotton is cool for summer and flannelette is warm for winter. Fitted sheets make bed making easier. It is best for the blankets to be made of materials that are easy to wash and dry. They need to be able to cover the mattress of the pram and the cot. The minimum supply of three is required and flannelette (brushed cotton) is recommended.
- Toiletries - it is not advisable to use soaps or wipes for the first six weeks as these products can defat the baby’s skin.
- Cotton wool
- Baby wipes
- Small round-ended nail scissors
- Flannel or sponge
- Safety pins
- A soft hair brush
- Baby shampoo
- Antiseptic cream
- Baby soap or bath liquid
- Baby cream, oil or lotion
- Baby powder
- Zinc and castor oil cream
Equipment
Cot
- Used after age of 6 months.
- Slatted sides so baby can see out.
- Bars should be between 45-65mm apart to prevent baby’s head being caught between them.
- Mattress should be of a tight fit so there is just enough room for the bedclothes to be tucked in. There should be no more than a gap of 4cm anywhere round the mattress in which the baby’s head, arms, or legs can become trapped.
- One side which drops down. Must have catches to hold the drop-side in the upper position. The catch needs to be too difficult to be undone by the baby or a young brother or sister. When the baby can climb out of a cot it is time for a bed.
Cot Bumper
- Foam padded screen, which fits around the sides of the cot. Protects the baby from draughts and knocking its head on the sides
- Alternatively a blanket can be used. If pinned firmly around the sides.
- Cot bumpers are not recommended for a child that can sit unaided as they can undo the ribbons holding the bumper in place.
Mattress
- Comfortable, firm and waterproof
- Ventilation holes prevent suffocation
Waterproof Sheet
- Must cover the mattress
- For hygienic purposes, it has to be able to be boiled.
Carry-cot
- Suitable first bed, till around six months or becomes too big and active to be left in it safely.
- Sides and hood keep out draughts.
- Can be carried room to room.
- A carry-cot can be attached to a pram if waterproof with attachments.
Moses Basket
- Can be used as a bed for a young baby.
- Suitable first bed, till around six months or becomes too big and active to be left in it safely.
- Sides and hood keep out draughts.
- Can be carried room to room.
Baby monitors
- Enable a baby to be monitored when parents or careers are not in the room
- 2 parts: the transmitter and receiver
- electrical are best
- up to 100 metres can then be used in the garden
- sound sensitive
Baby Bath
- Not made from metal as they can get hot and burn baby
- Can be bathed in a sink or a large bowl. Therefore a baby bath is not an essential piece of equipment
- Must be smaller than a normal bath as babies get scared and paranoid using large things as they are so small
- made from moulded plastic and can be used with a bath stand or placed on a firm surface (the floor is ideal)
Pram
- Weather-resistant
- Well-balanced
- Correct height for the mother, comfortable
- Safe breaks
- Padded upholstery
- Easily cleaned padded mattress
- Must have an anti-glare hood
Travel System
- A travel system is a multi purpose pushchair that suits all of the baby's transport needs.
- It includes a car seat which a rocking and fixed mode. Therefore it is versatile as it can be used in the home, as a carrier or a car seat in the car.
- The car seat fits onto the pushchair or chassis. This means that the pushchair is then suitable from birth.
Carry Cot (for pram)
- Strong handles
- Detachable hood with safe chassis attachment hoods
- 2 harness attaching rings and points for a canopy.
Pushchairs and buggies/ stroller
- Wheels run smoothly and a reliable break
- Points for a safety harness and foot rest
High/low Chairs
- For use when eating solid foods
- Wood or tubular steel
- Padded seat
- Comfortable and easy to wipe down
- Tray of wood or plastic
Baby carrier
Potty
- Easily cleaned boilable plastic
- Stable firm base
- Rounded or flattened rim for comfort, rounded corners
- Suitable size
- Splash guard and an integral grip
Prams and Pushchairs
- Have sufficient brakes
- Be stable - should not tip over easily
- Be easy to steer
- Have anchor points for a safety harness - which needs to be used as soon as the baby can sit up
- Have a basket, which fits underneath where heavy shopping will not cause the pram to over balance.
- Be the right height for the parent to be able to push easily without stooping and yet still be able to see where he or she is going.
- Points to consider when deciding which pram or pushchair to choose includes:
- Weight /carried far, upstairs, often
- Size /used in busy streets, lifts, narrow passages
- Comfort , spend much time in it
- Where to be stored /folding up
- Outings /foot, car, public transport
- Combined pram pushchair required
- Needed for one baby or two
- Good suspension important /comfy ride
- Swivel front wheels /easy pushing
- Should seat be detachable /use as a car seat or baby seat
- Family budget /new or second hand
Bottles
- Need a wide neck for easy cleaning
- Made of clear material so you can check it is clean inside
- Graduated measurements on the sides in millimetres or fluid ounces
- A cap to keep the teat clean
- must be designed so the teat can be placed upside down in bottle for storage or travelling
- Sealing disc included so it can be placed in the bottle to prevent spilling of milk.
Teat
- Hole should be just right. Too big the baby could choke on the milk. Too small the baby could get wind because they swallow air.
- Must be checked before every feed
Steriliser
- A bottle brush must be used to clean the bottle before hand then rinse
- Steriliser must be big enough for bottle size
Convenient and easy to use. Electrical cycle takes all equipment and takes 10 - 15 minutes
Buying Equipment: The Consumer Law
The sale and supply of goods act 1994 gives customers (consumers of goods and services) certain rights. Any goods, which you buy, must be:
- Of satisfactory quality - this means they must be fit for their normal purpose, bearing in mind the price, which was paid.
- As described - on the package, on a display sign or by the seller
- Fit for any particular purpose known to the seller
If these conditions are not met, the customer may be entitled to a refund.
The consumer protection act 1987 covers:
- Product liability - if damage or injury has been caused by faulty goods, the consumer can complain compensation.
- Misleading price indications - it is an offence to give any misleading indications to consumers about the price of goods or services.
The general product safety regulations 1994 makes it an offence to sell unsafe goods.
If you wish to make a complaint:
- Stop using the item
- Tell the shop at once
- Take it back with the receipt
Advice on consumer matters can be obtained from your local trading standards or consumer protection department.
