Would You Choose Traditional or Non-traditional Colors for Baby Layettes?

Long before the days of modern science those expecting a baby had to wait until the day of birth before knowing the gender of their little one. Some may have used old-wives-tale methods of detecting the gender, but that was not very effective. Modern methods have taken the stage in helping to determine the best color choice for baby gifts.

Before selecting a baby gift it would be wise to consult with the expectant parents regarding the baby's gender or their theme for the baby's room to help you select the appropriate colors.

All babies are adorable in little bonnets and booties. Fathers will cringe at their newborn son wearing anything pink, or girlie looking, while most mothers want their baby girls dressed in soft colors with ruffles and bows.

For the handcrafter, a wide array of beautiful yarns in the traditional pinks and blues are still plentiful, but the non-traditional colors are also fun to consider when selecting gifts for babies. The yarn shops have delightful colors of varying hues for baby layettes and blankets. Baby yarns of cotton, bamboo, hemp and acrylics are available in soft hues and beautiful bright colors that are easy-care, washable and hypoallergenic.

Along with the traditional pink or blue baby colors, are shades of deep blue, sage green, bright yellow, brown sugar, purple, lavender and soft shades of orange. Some variegated yarns in soft tones of pink, blue, or tan give the illusion of denim for a look that is different for boys or girls.

Baby layettes in white for christening rites are always appropriate for either gender, however, they could be accented with red, green, dark blue or lavender ribbons tied in the corners of blankets or on bonnets, and booties for a little added color.

Traditional color selections for baby girls are pink, yellow, lavender or soft green. However, brighter colors of yellow, purple, aqua blue, sage green or cranberry can be used for blankets, bonnets, and booties or for accent trims on items for baby girls.

Popular with dad's are color combinations that correlate with their favorite sport for caps, booties and sweaters for baby boys. Combinations of denim and dark blue, brown and tan or mixed shades of green also make interesting choices for baby boys.

For quilters and those that like to sew the fabric shops offer a wide array of beautiful quilt tops with adorable baby characters or theme patterns. Many are already quilted and only require a trim of matching color combinations to complete for an easy to make baby gift.

Fabric shops also have books with beautiful patterns, when combined with soft fabrics in pastels or bolder colors can bring either a traditional or non-traditional look to a baby's layette.

Source: Personal experience