Month: February 2023

Your baby is going to grow quickly, so you’ll want to buy them a wardrobe of basic clothes that they can wear for a long time. The best way to start is by getting them a collection of bodysuits and pants in different sizes and colors. Once you have this, you can wash a few loads every week to keep your baby’s clothes clean and fresh. GOTS-certified brands are the ones you’ll want to look for when you’re buying clothing for your little one. These brands make their clothes out of organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics, so they are better for the environment and your baby’s skin. They also have a wide range of patterns and prints that you can choose from, so your little one can be stylish without breaking the bank. The best part of this type of clothing is that they’re breathable and help keep your baby comfortable. This means that they’ll be less likely to overheat in the summer, and they’ll also keep them warm in the winter. Try to find clothes that have handy features like snaps or zippers in the front, so they’re easier to put on and take off. This will save you a lot of time and energy, especially if you’re a new mom. Avoid clothing with a hood, buttons or decorative rhinestones because these can pose choking risks. If you do purchase clothing with these, check the labels to ensure that they’re sewed on tight and that they won’t pull down. When shopping for baby clothing, always try them on in person before you make a purchase. This way, you can get an idea of the size of the clothing and whether it will fit your baby well. Shop the sales rails When you’re shopping for baby clothes, it’s a good idea to shop at stores that frequently sell their items on sale. This will mean that you can score deals of up to 50% off on baby items that might be on the clearance rack. H&M and Mango are some of the best places to find cute and affordable baby clothes. They have a whole range of bodysuits, jackets, coats and more in bright colors and trendy styles. You can also snag clothing sets and multipacks for extra savings. Target’s Cat & Jack brand has some really cute clothes for your baby that are on-trend and feature fresh patterns. They have a lot of coordinating pieces, so you can build a capsule wardrobe for whatever season your baby is in. Useful bibs and blankets are great for baby because they can hold messes in place, so you don’t have to constantly worry about them falling off. Some of the better-designed bibs even come with clips that can attach to your child’s clothing or other accessories. Another great option is a soft blanket that your baby can sleep in. Often, these blankets are made out of muslin or cotton and can be draped over your baby’s head to shield them from the sun. They’re a great accessory for your child to have around for when they’re teething, since it can keep them warm and help protect their delicate skin.

Burial gowns are an alternative to traditional burial clothing, and they can be worn at funeral services. They are often made from soft fabrics, and resemble smart nightgowns, pyjamas or dressing gowns, and come in a range of sizes. They can also be personalised to fit the individual who has died. Burial clothing is not always purchased from a retail store and can be sourced online or at funeral homes. Some families choose to dress their loved one in their own clothes, which can be an incredibly comforting experience. It may also be helpful if the deceased person has left instructions on what they want to be dressed in, and this can make the process of choosing their funeral attire much easier. Funeral gowns are also a good option for people who have lost a significant amount of weight in the months or years leading up to their death, and they can provide a more comfortable final resting place for them. They are usually available in a variety of styles and colours, and can be personalised to match the deceased person’s personal preferences. Shrouds are garments that are made to cover the body of a dead person before burial or cremation, and they can be found in most cultures. Early shrouds were made by family members, but they gradually became a profession in the nineteenth century and now are available in a range of sizes, fabrics and prices. Some people who have been buried in a shroud have also chosen to wear other burial clothing, such as a robe or a casket cover, for the funeral service. Traditionally, these have been used to protect the body from the elements and keep it clean during viewings. These can be expensive and may not be available at all funeral homes. Alternatively, some stores specialise in bespoke burial clothing, and they can provide an affordable and thoughtful way to honour the memory of your loved one. Angel Gowns Project The Angel Gowns Project is a non-profit organisation that makes and donates beautiful burial gowns for babies. They are based in Guatemala and work with infants who have been stillborn or prematurely born, so they can have the chance to look their best in the final moments of their life. A lot of these gowns are hand-made, so they are not always cheap to purchase, but the organisation has a great deal of compassion for its customers. Their aim is to reduce the financial burden of parents, who have been bereaved by their child’s death, and they have been very successful in achieving this goal. In many cultures, the dead are buried in traditional clothing or in their own clothing that is similar to the clothes they wore when alive. This is especially true for those who have died in a religious context, where their customary clothing may be important to them and it can help to ease the pain of grieving families. For example, a Muslim woman who dies is buried in a white sheet. This is to ensure that her body does not become polluted and she can continue her spiritual journey in heaven.

Buying a wedding dress is one of the most expensive purchases in a person’s life, but it’s also one of the most personal. But after the big day, many brides find themselves with a dress they’ll never wear again. Donating a wedding dress can be an easy way to give back while also helping someone else get ready for the big day. Several charitable organizations take wedding dress donations and distribute them to people in need, or sell them at greatly reduced prices. Often, these nonprofits offer donors the chance to feel good about their donations, and they may even receive a tax deduction in return. The NICU Helping Hands Program uses donated wedding dresses to transform them into infant burial gowns, or “angel gowns.” These gowns are offered to hospitals, funeral homes and directly to grieving families free of charge. Through Forever Angels of Virginia, you can donate a dress that will be turned into an infant burial gown to honor a baby who’s lost. The organization has seamstresses across the country who painstakingly transform donated wedding dresses into beautiful baby burial gowns for a family to use after losing their child. You can donate your dress to an organization like this in any state or city. To donate your dress, you’ll need to fill out an online form and provide some details about the dress. The organization will then contact you to set up a date to pick up your dress. A new Facebook group called Shared Dream Dresses is giving brides the opportunity to pass on their old wedding dresses to other women who can’t afford them. The group was started by Gwendolyn Stulgis, who was looking for a way to get her $3,000 dress out of her closet and into the hands of someone else who needed it more than she did. Stulgis posted about her idea on the group and soon received more than 300 submissions. She picked Margaret Hyde, a friend from Cleveland, as the recipient of her gown. The pair matched on price and other details, and she said it felt good to be doing something that was meaningful and made a difference. Since then, Stulgis has grown the group to include 12 other brides who have now also donated their dresses. She says the experience has helped her realize that she’s not alone in her desire to give back. You’ll probably have an easier time finding a charity to donate your dress to when it’s in good condition and doesn’t have holes or visible stains. It’s also a better idea to make sure your dress is clean and dry, because that will cut down on the amount of work the charity needs to do when they pick up your donation. Some bridal salons have a collection point for donated dresses. You can also drop off yours at a local consignment shop or a thrift store that sells used clothing. Alternatively, you can consider donating your dress to a bridal boutique or online marketplace. These places typically don’t accept used items that aren’t in good condition, so if you have a good quality wedding dress that you no longer want, these options can be a great way to find a new home for it.

Angel Gowns are small, custom-made baby burial dresses made from donated wedding dresses for families who experience a late miscarriage or stillbirth. Many organizations across the United States make these gowns for families, often offering them to hospitals and birthing centers free of charge. Volunteers from all over the country help sew these gowns for grieving families. Some are donating their wedding gowns while others are transforming used dresses from friends and family members into the garments. QUENCY — Sewing for herself isn’t her favorite activity, but Ann Awerkamp Dickson has found a creative outlet in turning old wedding dresses into tiny gowns for stillborn babies. “It is something that holds a very special place in my heart because of what I experienced,” she said. As a nurse, Dickson knows firsthand that the loss of a child is devastating. She’s seen the aftermath of a stillbirth and the impact it has on an already fragile family unit. She hopes her gown will bring some light to a difficult situation and help parents remember their lost children in a way that is meaningful to them. For most brides, a wedding dress is an item that they only wear once. It’s also a precious piece of clothing that’s usually kept in a safe box in a closet or attic. But for a group of women who have a special connection to each other, a dress can hold a lot more meaning than just a simple piece of clothing. They are dedicated to giving new life to old dresses with the help of their local communities and churches. The group, which is based in Quincy and named Kennedy’s Angel Gowns, has been collecting donated wedding dresses since the fall. They have a long list of recipients, including hospitals, funeral homes and birthing centers. Heather and her partner, Demitri Wilson, registered as a nonprofit organization in order to receive donations that are tax-deductible. They had been receiving monetary donations and other items from friends and family, but decided to register with the IRS in order to operate more smoothly. They have a large team of volunteers who work in the basement of All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin, Minn. They are always accepting wedding and special occasion dresses and monetary donations to cover the cost of shipping and sewing supplies. One of the dresses that is pictured here was donated by Susan Arnold, who has been volunteering with Hillary’s Cherished Gowns for nearly 20 years. She and her daughter, Allison Harris, an audiologist at Akron Children’s Hospital, took their four generations of wedding dresses to the nonprofit organization and gave them a new purpose. Their mission is to provide these gowns and other infant bereavement clothing to families in the Akron area. The dresses, along with hats and blankets, can be used for a baby’s funeral or a ceremony after their death. As part of a project called Project NICU Helping Hands, volunteers from around the region donate their time to sew a dozen or so dresses for newborns who die in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. These outfits can be buried or used as baptism gowns, according to Judi Clarke-Pounder of Pennsauken, who helps organize the program. She says it’s important to have these dresses available in the hospital because it provides a comforting item for the bereaved.

A child funeral can be one of the most difficult and challenging things that you have to deal with as a parent. It can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple things that you can do to help make the experience easier for your child and yourself. Preparing For Your Child’s Funeral The first thing that you need to do is decide what kind of funeral or memorial service will be best for your child and your family. This can be something as small and private as a special ceremony at home or something more elaborate, like a funeral service in a chapel or at a graveside. It is also important to consider whether you would prefer your child to be buried in a cemetery or cremated. It is very common for people to choose to have their child buried in a cemetery, and many families find that this is the most meaningful way to honor their child’s life. Your child’s funeral might include a committal ceremony where the coffin is left on display during the service, or you may wish for it to be hidden from view by curtains during the entire funeral. You can also choose to have the ashes scattered or collected in a special place. You should also discuss what you want your child to wear during the funeral or memorial service, as well as any other aspects of the event that will be important for them to know about. This will give them the chance to share their feelings and memories about the person who has died, and will provide them with some of the support they need during this very difficult time. If your child is very young, you might be able to find someone to sit with them during the service who will be able to keep an eye on them and reassure them that they are not alone in this difficult time. It is also a good idea to make sure that they have some quiet toys and books with them so that they can take a break when they are feeling overwhelmed. Children are very sensitive to emotions, and if they haven’t been taught to cope with grief, it can be very difficult for them to understand why the people around them are crying and upset. This can cause them to feel confused and uncomfortable, and it may be hard for them to express their own emotions at this stage of the grieving process. Talking about the Funeral You can start talking to your child about death, as soon as you feel it is appropriate for them to do so. It is important to remember that a child’s grief is a normal part of their growth, and it will take them time to come to terms with the loss. As they get older, it is also important to talk about the person who has died, and how their life will change now that they are no longer there. You may want to discuss the funeral plan and ask them if they are comfortable with it, or even if they can have a role in planning it.

The right clothing is key for your baby to have a comfortable and healthy start in life. It helps protect the skin, keep the body warm and cool, and help regulate body temperature. The right clothes also reduce the risk of allergies, rashes, and skin irritations. Choosing organic baby clothing made of cotton, bamboo, and other natural fibers is a great way to protect your child’s health. Cotton is a soft, natural fabric that’s gentle on your baby’s tender skin and provides all-over comfort. It’s also hypoallergenic and absorbent, so it wicks away moisture to keep your little one feeling dry and cool. It’s also durable, so it will stand up to constant wear and tear. That’s a big plus for babies who love to explore and play outdoors. Besides being extremely soft and incredibly smooth, bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and will not cause your baby’s skin to break out or irritate it. You’ll be happy to hear that you can find a range of baby clothes in this type of fiber, including long-sleeved tops, sweaters, and pajamas. Choose pieces with snaps or buttons that make diaper changes quick and easy. It’s a good idea to avoid items with bows, ties, or decorative rhinestones, as these can be dangerous choking hazards. Stay away from embroidered dresses and pleated pants, as these can irritate your baby’s skin. And don’t buy sleeveless or legless rompers and bloomers, either–they may snag and get caught on things. Consider purchasing baby clothes in sizes that will last through multiple outfits. This way, you can rotate out clothing as soon as it becomes too small for your little one. Shop online for a wide variety of baby clothes at Macy’s. Their selection of newborn, infant, and toddler girl’s clothing is sure to have something for everyone. Stock up on all of the basics for your little one, then go ahead and add a few special items for their first birthdays and other milestones. Buying in advance can help you avoid overspending, and it will make your life a lot easier when you’re ready to transition them into toddler clothing. When shopping, look for clothes that are made with a blend of 100% organic cotton and other organic materials. This is a more environmentally friendly option than non-organic clothing because it uses less energy and water to produce, which helps save the planet. Check the label to ensure that it’s certified by the GOTS standard, which requires that all clothing made of organic cotton be free from harmful chemicals. This standard prohibits the use of pesticides and herbicides on the cotton plant. GOTS-certified fabrics are safe for your baby and the environment. They are also more durable than regular cotton. They also offer protection from cold weather, because they are breathable and keep your child’s body warm and dry in all conditions. While you’re in the market for new clothes for your little one, make sure you buy only quality pieces that are meant to be worn year-round. It’s also a good idea to avoid a few of the more expensive styles, such as lace or ruffles, which may be irritating to your baby’s delicate skin.

The clothing a deceased person wears before being buried is important, both for the comfort of family and friends who mourn their loss and to help memorialize them. Choosing the right funeral clothes is a personal choice and it’s up to you to decide what best fits your loved one’s personality and style. Traditionally, funerals are conducted in formal and conservative clothes. This is because the funeral service is considered a time for remembering the deceased’s life and their accomplishments. However, as times have changed, there is no longer a specific dress code for burials. While most people are buried in suits and dresses, there are some cases where it is appropriate to choose other types of burial clothes. These include women who want to be buried in their wedding gown, or people who want to be buried with their favorite hats. Some religions also have specific dress standards for their members, so it’s worth checking with your religious leader to find out if they have any rules about what is or isn’t acceptable in a funeral outfit. When a loved one passes away, the funeral director will usually provide the deceased with a selection of burial clothes and funeral gowns that they can wear during the funeral and during their graveside service. These pieces of clothing will be placed in the coffin with the body. These pieces of clothing are called shrouds and can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, wool, and linen. They are a vital part of the burial ritual for many people, both ancient and modern, and they serve the purpose of containing the corpse, covering it from the elements, and keeping the ashes and hair from falling onto other people. Early shrouds were simply sheets of fabric, which were folded and swaddled around the body to contain it, but they were subsequently replaced with more elaborate and expensive forms of funeral attire, mainly for the wealthy. These tended to be made from silk or satin, with lace or pin-tucks added, depending on the gender of the deceased. Victorian shrouds were essentially long, white, one-piece nightgowns, with the back opening and sleeves extended to cover the torso, while the head was covered in a shawl or cap. These cloaks were designed to resemble the shrouds worn in the Middle Ages, which often included an outer layer of linen and a cotton petticoat. For the last few centuries, the shroud has primarily been used in Western cultures for burial purposes. These funeral gowns are made of a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, wool, and other natural fibers that decompose quickly in the ground. During the past decade or so, the green burial movement has led to a surge in interest in biodegradable burial gowns. Some of these are available for purchase and are made from cotton, hemp or other natural fibres that don’t contain any artificial materials. Some burial gowns are designed with a large open area at the back, which can be draped over the torso or folded in a casket for viewing by friends and family during the funeral services. These pieces of clothing can be embroidered, sewn or otherwise adorned with flowers and other decorations.

Donating wedding dresses is a great way to give something new life and make a difference. There are many organizations and charities that will accept your dress and pass it along to a bride who needs it. A wedding dress can be a costly investment, and for many, it is a one-time expense that they may not need again. This is why many people choose to donate their wedding dress. The charity Cherished Gowns, based in Kent, UK, gives a second life to donated dresses through their preloved bridal boutique. These dresses are sold to other brides-to-be at a fraction of the cost, and the profits go towards the running of their business. Another organisation that will take your wedding dress donation is Brides Against Breast Cancer, which resells used wedding gowns and the proceeds go towards breast cancer research. This organization also provides early breast cancer detection and awareness programs. Besides offering a good tax deduction, donating a wedding dress is a great way to make a difference in the community and clear out closet space. Some charities will even give you a tax receipt as long as your dress is in good condition. For example, if your dress is less than five years old, it can be donated to Brides Across America, who provide free wedding dresses to military members and first responders who are planning their big day. You can drop off your donation at the BAA office in your area, or fill out their online form and they will send you a shipping address. If your dress is not in perfect condition, there are a few things you can do to get it ready to be donated. The first thing you need to do is make sure it is in good condition and clean. A good way to do this is to bring it to a wedding dress cleaner, who will be able to assess the condition of your gown and recommend whether or not it can be donated. Alternatively, you can also contact the charity of your choice and ask them to recommend a professional to clean your dress. Lastly, if your dress is in good condition and has been cleaned by a professional, it can be taken to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. They are household names when it comes to charitable donations, so you can trust that they will treat your dress properly and use it to help a cause. These organizations are all wonderful ways to give your wedding dress a second life and make a difference in the community. But before you decide to donate your wedding dress, make sure to check the charity’s requirements for a successful donation. The Angel Gown Program: This organization is unique amongst the charities on this list. It is dedicated to creating burial gowns for babies who have tragically passed away. Its volunteers sew the gowns from donated wedding dresses, ensuring that they are of high quality and are a true representation of their baby.

Angel gowns, burial gowns and wraps are tiny custom-made outfits made for families who experience a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss shortly after birth. They are typically stitched together from donated wedding dresses and distributed to hospitals and bereavement networks around the country. The idea behind an angel gown or outfit has a special place in the hearts of volunteers, who see these dresses as more than just a way to remember a child. They are a means of healing and raising awareness about the grief and suffering experienced by parents who have lost babies. Across the nation, groups have formed to make these burial gowns. Some of these groups exist within hospitals and others are community-based. A woman in Baltimore County is donating her time to make a difference in the lives of parents who have suffered the loss of a baby. Inside her Kingsville living room, Anita Schatz is sewing burial gowns for the 24,000 stillborn babies who are born every year in the U.S. She said she started making these gowns as a way to honor her daughter who was born at 26 weeks and died in the womb. The idea stuck with her and she began sewing gowns for other mothers who were dealing with the same situation. When she heard about Angel Gown Sewers in Pennsauken, she decided to jump on board and start working with local seamstresses to make these gowns. Lee’s group, which has more than 44 volunteer seamstresses who have made 450 gowns so far, delivers them to local hospitals. In the past few months, volunteers have been sewing these gowns in a variety of styles and sizes for babies who are too small or fragile for gowns. They also make afghans, hats and small cloth diapers that are provided to bereaved families in the hospital. NICU Helping Hands, The Littlest Angel Gowns and Angel Gowns of Central Ohio are some of the groups that make these gowns. They all have a waiting list and ask for donations to cover the cost of making these gowns. Another group is Sunshine State Angel Gowns, which provides gowns and other bereavement items to families who have lost a child in the United States. Their mission is to “provide bereavement gowns, blankets, keepsake angels and a sliver of hope to hurting families in their time of need.” Tom and Deanna Williamson were given an angel gown when they lost their son Eli at 20 weeks. The couple now tries to pay it forward and donates the gowns they receive to Levine Children’s Hospital, where they were given theirs. The couple says the gown helped them through the difficult time they went through, and it gave them a sense of comfort during their time in the hospital. It is a program that has been made possible by volunteers who are able to give their time and talent in making the gowns and other items needed for bereaved families during their time at the hospital.

Funerals are often a painful experience for everyone, but they can also be particularly difficult for children. Especially for infants and stillborn babies, they may not understand what is going on, which can make them feel uncomfortable or fearful. The decision to attend a child funeral is different for every family, so it is important to give your child a choice and make sure they are well informed of what is involved. If possible, explain in age-appropriate language what will happen at the service and then encourage them to ask questions and voice their concerns. Help them make plans for what they might like to do, such as lighting a candle or making a card for their baby brother or sister. This will help them feel more included in the funeral and can lead to memories that last a lifetime. Choose a theme that will help the child connect with their loved one and can be incorporated throughout the service. It might be a favorite color, a picture or even a song. Show them the location and times of all the activities that will be happening during the funeral (visitation, ceremony and burial). Be sure to include them in the planning process so they are able to be a part of all aspects of the service. Be there to support your child if they want to leave the service early or need a break. A favourite toy or a cuddle can soothe them and a small snack will be useful should they become hungry. Provide a comfortable space for kids to sit and play during the service. Bring crayons and art supplies for them to draw, play or write a card. During the service, you may want to have balloons inflated at the entrance or released during the ceremony. These can be distributed by a friend or a member of the family and are a good way to mark the occasion of the service. You can also ask for a ‘committal’ at the end of the funeral where you are able to have your child’s coffin hidden from view or removed before it is taken to the cemetery. You might also have your child’s ashes scattered in the garden of rest or collected to be scatterd elsewhere at another time. Your role as a parent is critical during this time of loss and grief, so be there for your child. Talk to them about their feelings and show them that it is ok to cry or laugh, or to not feel any emotions at all. Use your own experiences to help them learn how to cope with their own emotions, even if they are very young. They may not have had much experience with death or the grief that accompanies it, so it is important to be available as a role model for them so they can learn how to deal with their own feelings. Have someone from the funeral home or hospice present to be a ‘buddy’ for the child so they can feel included and not left alone. They can be there to answer any questions or offer some structured activities if they get bored.