LAYETTES
In refugee camps, hospitals, and villages around the world, gifts of layettes convey a warm welcome to newborns and their mothers.
Your group can also help LWR get layettes to the people who need them by donating a brick on the Good Samaritan Quilt Plaza or by making a contribution to the Project Comfort Fund.
Review the General Assembly Instructions before collecting items for the layettes.
Include the following items in each layette:
- Two shirts or Onesies® (or similar item)
- Two gowns or sleepers (with or without feet)
- Two receiving blankets
- Four cloth diapers, flat fold preferred
- One sweater or sweatshirt
- Two washcloths
- One bath-size bar (4-5 oz.) of gentle soap, in its original wrapping
- Two diaper pins
Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed. Gently used, clean items can be substituted for new ones. Wrap items in one of the receiving blankets and secure with diaper pins. Do not enclose the kit or any of its contents in plastic bags.
TIPS
- Sizes up to 24 months may be used. Consider varying the sizes of the clothing items so the layette will continue to be useful as the baby grows.
- Sweaters may be knitted or crocheted from leftover yarn, or made from heavy double knits or fleece. Select a pattern that suits your skill level. Preferred styles have buttons or ties down the front.
- A bolt of flannel can furnish a number of receiving blankets, diapers and gowns. A square cut the width of fabric (usually 36" or 45") easily makes a blanket. Diapers can be made by using a pinking shear to cut pieces 25" X 27" (note: this is a change in size from previous guidelines).
- Use care when making blankets and diapers with flannel. It may be necessary to zigzag edges or sew a hem to prevent raveling.
Project Comfort Fund Note: LWR's approximate cost to handle and ship one LWR layette overseas is $1.10
What’s Next: How to pack and where to send LWR Parish Projects
From Here to There: How LWR Parish Projects get to the people who need them
From the Field: How LWR Parish Projects are put to good use overseas
In the Parish: How LWR Parish Projects can be a part of your parish’s ministry
Please contact Brenda Meier (bmeier@lwr.org) at LWR if you have any additional questions.
