For 60 years, Hillcrest’s Layette Program has provided layettes (clothing and supplies for babies 0 – 18 months of age) to new mothers by working with the Contra Costa County Public Health Nurses and other county-wide programs, this partnership ensures that each month 20-25 new mothers receive an important basic resource for their babies.
“We were so excited to have our first baby. Thank you for this layette. We found we couldn’t afford much at the thrift stores. It makes a big difference to us.” A young couple
“These are some of the nicest things I have ever had.” A young mother
Each layette contains a mix of new and gently used clothing; a handmade quilt and afghan; and new items such as a baby book, rattle, and baby wipes.
Donate
Hillcrest’s Layette Program depends on monetary donations to purchase needed items. For example, $25 will provide one dozen white onesies, 25 baby books or 25 baby wipe packets. Many groups enjoy holding a baby shower, a Mother’s Day activity, or an annual collection at Christmas or in the spring time to collect new or gently used baby clothes.
If you would like to support the Hillcrest Layette program, you can make a donation or contact us for more information.
“There is a lot of love put into the layettes.” A volunteer
Contents of a Hillcrest Layette
Each layette that is distributed contains the following items for babies aged birth – 18 months. Layettes are specific to a baby boy or baby girl.
Our layette contains some items that must be brand new as well as those that are new and those that are very gently used.
NEW ONLY:
- Size 1 diapers (we give out 8-10)
- 1 baby wipe packet
- 1 rattle
- 1 teething ring
- 1 beginning board book (ABCs, shapes, numbers, colors)
- 1 or 2 stuffed animals (small or large)
New or Very Gently Used Supplies
- Crib quilt
- 1 afghan
- 2 blankets, light or heavy weight
- 2 receiving blankets
- 2 burp cloths
- 2 bibs
- 1 hooded bath towel, washcloth
- 1 crib sheet (as available)
Clothing (New or very gently used in size ranges 0-3, 6, 9, 12-18 months, short or long sleeves
Please no Newborn, NB or under 7 lbs.
From each size range
- 2 white onesies, short and long sleeve
- 1 or 2 sleep and plays, cotton or microfleece (by season)
- 1 or 2 outfits, 1 piece and/or 2 piece
- 1 or 2 colored bodysuits
Other Items
- 1 infant sleep gown
- 1 blanket sleeper, cotton or microfleece
- 1 swaddle
- 1 outerwear outfit, sweatshirt or microfleece
- 1 sweater, jacket, or hoodie
- 1 diaper bag
- 1 or 2 soft caps
- 1 or 2 knit hats
- 4-6 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of shoes/booties
We love including seasonally themed clothes—warm clothes for winter and cute summer outfits.
Top Needs
In all size ranges:
- Sleep & plays
- Basic white onesies
- Pants
- Any 2 piece outfit
- Heavier jackets — with or without a hood
- Knitted sweaters
- Hats
Free of charge to the neediest families with new babies in Contra Costa County. 20-25 layettes are distributed each month. They are distributed only through the County’s Public Health Nurses and several other well-established county-wide projects. “
“These are some of the nicest things I have ever had.” A young mother
“I am always thrilled to see and share a family’s surprise and joy when they receive such beautiful things.” A nurse