When buying baby clothes, it's a good idea to stick to one color scheme. Bright colors are unisex, more easily seen, and less easily soiled than pastels. They're a really good idea for outerwear, as a bright red jacket worn by a child can be easier to see in a busy shopping mall than a baby wearing light blue.

Being practical is important. Babies aren't neat, so you'll want everything to be machine washable. Fancy clothes aren't practical at all. They often interfere with movement and aren't usually comfortable. The more comfortable clothes are those made of cotton and other natural fabrics, especially in hot weather.

Obviously, the climate where you live and the season in which your child is born determine your initial layette needs. If you're not sure what you need, you can talk to other parents and get some helpful ideas, or you can start observing how other babies are dressed. Keep in mind that most babies wear newborn sizes for only a couple of weeks. Overdressing your baby is a definite no-no, particularly when the temperature is hot. If you want a guide, put as many layers of clothing on the baby as you are wearing. So if you're warm, your baby probably is, too.

If you need more ideas about putting together your initial layette, here are some suggestions:

Underwear - Get at least 4 to 6 undershirts for 3 to 6-month old sizes. These are usually made of cotton and can shrink to some degree. Some parents find the undershirts with side snaps easier to put on a new baby. All styles of undershirts are usually available in white, solid colors, and prints.

Socks and Booties - You'll probably want four to six pairs of socks. Make sure they fit the infant's feet snugly. Cuffed booties and socks made of stretchy material seem to work best, since they don't get kicked off your baby's feet as easily as other styles.

Sleeping Wear - Plan on six to ten sleep outfits. Stretchy, footed, or gowns all work great. Blanket sleepers, which are heavier than stretch garments, are good for colder climates. The advantage of gowns is that they allow for easier diaper changing, aside from allowing more freedom of movement for the older infant. If you select sleepwear with feet, do not also put socks on your baby. They will cause the baby's feet to become too warm, and this may cause a condition known as sweaty sock dermatitis.

Hats and Caps - Two hats or caps should suffice. They come in various styles and fabrics, from lightweight cotton stretchable caps to heavy cotton or acrylic hats. Again, the climate where you live in should be your guide in choosing what type of hat to buy. Make sure hats and caps are small enough so they stay on and so you can place them well away from the baby's face, so that he won't suffocate himself when he turns his head.