Of all the things needed to prepare for the arrival of our baby (who will be here in just a few weeks ahhh!), there was one I was most excited for: choosing the layette. For those who may be wondering what a layette is (no judgement here... my knowledge was limited before going through this process) it’s basically your baby’s first wardrobe, including an outfit to take your little one home from the hospital in.
Many of my friends told me that layette shopping was one of the most fun things they did during their pregnancies. I couldn’t wait to pick out all the adorable clothes. But once again, ‘ol Corona put a wrench in the plans. In an attempt to be as cautious as possible, my husband and I have been avoiding in-store shopping and have stuck entirely to curbside pickup and delivery. I was bummed to lose out on the layette shopping experience, but just didn’t feel 100%comfortable shopping in-store right now, especially so close to my due date.
Enter Monica and Andy. For those who are not familiar, Monica and Andy is an amazing clothing brand that makes super soft organic clothing and essentials for babies and toddlers in limited edition prints. Everything is GOTS certified and made from organic cotton. I’ve been fortunate to work with the company, having taught baby classes in both their Manhattan store locations in pre-pandemic life. I also answer parents’ questions about play and engagement with babies and toddlers live on the Monica and Andy Instagram account each week. Long before my pregnancy, I was a huge fan of the brand, often making mental notes of my favorite prints and styles and keeping my fingers crossed that they’d still be available once it was my time! So when I found out they were doing virtual layette appointments on Zoom and Facetime, I was thrilled!
Setting up a virtual appointment with Monica and Andy’s baby concierge was super easy and can be done through their website. In addition to working with a personal shopper to walk you through picking your baby’s first wardrobe, you also receive registry advice, and guidance and recommendations about all of the baby prep classes and virtual events Monica and Andy offers. Think of these classes like your mommy prep bootcamp, with offerings on everything from Infant CPR to registry help to breastfeeding support.
I set up our appointment on Zoom and was able to include my mom and my mother-in-law as well. It meant a lot to be able to include them, while still staying safe in our own homes. During the 45 minute appointment, our consultant, Katie, walked us through M+A’s layette must-haves, sizing, prints, etc. Side note: if you plan to book your virtual layette appointment, I would highly recommend heading over the Monica and Andy website ahead of time to familiarize yourself with some of your favorite patterns and prints. With so many cute ones to choose from, it will help you make the most of your appointment!
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for (or at least the one I’m dying to share with you!!) MY FAVE PICKS!
Baby’s Coming Home Outfit
Your baby’s outfit for leaving the hospital. A couple of notes on the Hello Baby top and bottom: In addition to being super soft and made from organic cotton, which was definitely a priority for me for baby’s first outfit, these tops and bottoms have convertible hand and foot covers! Super important since baby’s nails will be long and you want to protect them from scratching themselves! The top closes on the side, so no need to pull it over baby’s head or worry about the umbilical cord. The Hello Baby top and bottom come in a variety of patterns and colors with coordinating blankets and hats. We went with this sweet purple heather set, and chose the pastel starlight pattern for the cap and blanket.
Hello Baby Top - purple heather
Hello Baby Bottom - purple heather
Top Knot Cap - Pastel Starlight https://monicaandandy.com/collections/hospital-coming-home-outfits/products/top-knot-cap?variant=31469301465150
Coming Home Blanket - Pastel Starlight
The coming home blanket is an item I know we’ll use well past the first few months, so I actually invested in a second one in a different pattern. There are tons of patterns to choose from. You also have the option of adding a monogram to the blanket for an additional $15.
Kimono Tie - Ombre Arch Deco
The Ombre Arch Deco is one of Monica and Andy’s newest patterns. I love the wrap style on this one-piece romper, and the long sleeve is perfect for our November baby. If you’re giving birth in the warmer months, be sure to check out the Sweet Baby B romper, which is a similar wrap style in short sleeves.
Soft Touch Gown Clouds
I didn’t know much about infant gowns until venturing on the layette journey, but I feel like the open bottom will be especially handy with all the middle-of-the-night diaper changes in the early weeks and months.
On The Go One Piece Goldendoodle
If you know my husband and me, you know that we are dog-obsessed and dog-deprived. We know all the building and neighborhood dogs by name, and long for the day when we’ll own a dog of our own. Doodle mixes are our favorite, so when Monica and Andy launched this print just days before my virtual appointment, it felt like it was meant to be! As far as the style, the On The Go One Piece is a great staple for your baby’s wardrobe. It has convertible foot covers and comes in tons of print options.
Long Sleeved All Dressed Up Bodysuit Gray Rainbows
If you’re having a little girl, this bodysuit is a MUST! I love the ruffle shoulder details and the little flounce skirt.
I also added a few additional pieces I couldn’t resist for when our girl gets a bit older, including another Coming Home Blanket (you can never have enough blankets!) and the ruffle romper in several patterns. I cannot wait to dress our daughter up in these adorable, cozy outfits. Major thanks to Monica and Andy for giving mamas-to-be the fun of the layette shopping experience, without the need to leave home!