In many countries, babies begin life with nothing, not even fabric to be wrapped or clothed in. Newborn kits allow infants in many countries to begin life with a warm blanket, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
Assembly Instructions
- 1 double receiving blanket (see receiving blanket guidelines below)
- 4 flat fold (single thickness) cloth diapers (100% cotton Birdseye Cloth or 100% cotton diaper flannel), approximately 25". Please do not use pre-folded or disposable diapers.
- 4 diaper safety pins
- 1 pair booties or baby socks
- 2 regular-size bars of soap (Ivory or other non-allergenic brand)
- 1 newborn layette gown (please, no footed sleepers; see layette gown guidelines below)
Double Receiving Blanket
- Fabrics: cotton flannel or lightweight fleece
- Size: two pieces of fabric, each between 36" square and 45" square
- You may also use a medium weight fleece. It needs to be a single layer, 36" by 36" with the edges serged.
To make the blanket:
- With right sides facing each other, sew the two pieces of fabric together with a ¼" seam around the edges. Leave a 6" opening.
- Turn the blanket so the right side is out.
- You may also serge two pieces together, no turning needed.
- Baste opening edges and topstitch around the entire blanket for durability.
- Sew a 10" square in the center to keep the fabric from shifting.
- A narrow crocheted edge or piping border is acceptable but not required.
Layette Gown
Patterns for layette gowns are available at the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center,
humanitarian service rooms, and on this Web site.
Place items for the newborn kit in a heavy-duty, two-gallon sealable bag. Remove all air before sealing. Place kits in a cardboard packing box, and take or ship them to the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center, or a bishops' storehouse.
