The gown/wrapper/kimono is the basic garment in a layette.Theycan be used for both day and night wear. They should be made out of soft cotton that is absorbent, comfortable and easy to wash. Suitable fabrics are flanellette, muslin, knits, nainsook etc. (hyperlinks for underlined words)
Gowns are long bags with an envelope fold or drawstring at the bottom. Gowns should be at least 27 inches long. One advantage of gown is that it keeps the baby’s feet warm. But it has to be changed if the baby wets it. When gowns are closed at the bottom they are called sleeping bags. They should be long enough to permit the baby to move his legs.
Wrapper/kimono opens all the way down and can be worn with the opening either in the front or the back depending on the way the baby sleeps. If the baby sleeps on the back it can be fastened on the front and vice versa.