Marquise has enlisted the support of influential fashion designers in a bid to raise over $20,000 for the Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.

Camilla and Marc, Sass&Bide and Bassike have partnered with Marquise to create a limited edition bodysuit range. Sold through THE ICONIC, the limited edition bodysuits will be on sales through the months of May and June or until sold out. 100% of proceeds will go directly to supporting the Hospital's seriously ill and injured patients. To purchase your designer singlet visit here.

For the past 80 years, we’ve been dressing newborns for their first few weeks “on the outside”. So we’ve learned a few tips along the way about what makes a good baby’s layette. New mums-to-be are always asking us what we recommend, so here it is.

1. Take it easy.

Make sure each garment is super-easy to take on and off. Anything that ties up around the neck at this stage is a no-no (choking hazard). Look for snap-button fastenings and wrap-around or front-buttoned suits and nightdresses. Anything that does up at the back is incredibly annoying, for you and your baby.

1. The wrap.

A stack of good quality muslin wraps are ideal – they act as swaddle, sun cover, impromptu wipe and even breastfeeding shawl. Choose a heavier fabric, like flannelette for winter.

1. Tops and bottoms.

Include a few pairs of socks (though be prepared to lose them!) but footed studsuits are more practical if the weather’s cooler. Don’t forget a couple of little beanies. They’re great protection from winter chills and summer sun.

1. Softly does it.

Marquise uses only the best, breathable 100% cotton so it won’t irritate bub’s delicate skin. Look for an elastic stretch and a good weave that won’t lose its shape. And check that for flat-locked inside seams that won’t rub. Lastly, absolutely everything should be machine washable.

Here’s our checklist of Layette Essentials. You can find everything you need at Marquise. Just use the links below to our online collection or visit one of our stockists:

Basics:

6 singlets

6 – 8 snap button bodysuits

2 spencers

2 – 4 footed and footless leggings

2 romper suits

2 footed studsuits

2 sleeping bags

2 nightgowns

Accessories:

2 beanies

2 pairs of socks

2 pairs of booties & mittens

1 cardigan

Muslin wraps

Marquise might have turned 80 this year, but with the launch of our brand new website and blog, we’re feeling like we’ve just arrived. We’ve had so many loyal customers over the eight decades we’ve been dressing babies and children, it’s exciting to be able to finally share our news with you all firsthand.

So if you’re about to give birth, you have a little one, or you’re buying for one, this blog is where you’ll find the inside scoop from the team at Marquise. Take a sneak peek at our new collections, see what goes on behind the scenes, and find out what’s inspiring us. We’ll also post pictures and tales from our various charity works, and give you first dibs on new promotions and giveaways.

We hope you enjoy what’s to come. We’d love to know what you think – just leave a comment below. And don’t forget to tell your friends we’re here!

What’s the most daunting task facing a new parent? No, not the birth. It’s the all-important swaddle.

So we have to applaud Andrea Sarvady’s brilliant new how-to book, baby-gami. With easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step diagrams, you’ll be the envy of your mum’s group for your flawlessly executed wrap. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with flashier styles, like the Picnic Wrap and the Glamour Sling. You’ll also find expert advice on baby-carrying, soothing and tips on what not to wrap bub in.

We can’t think of a more useful baby shower gift for a mum-to-be.

Pick up a copy online at Readings.