Month: April 2023

Babies grow very quickly, so it’s best to buy clothing in a size that is likely to fit your child through many growth spurts. You’ll want to consider the type of fabric you choose, too: fabrics like cotton can shrink when worn by babies. That’s why you should stick with easy-care options, which are a lot less hassle to wash and dry than clothes made from more delicate materials. The best baby clothing is soft and comfortable, but it also looks great. Often, brands create cute designs that are a fun mix of colors and prints. And they often offer a variety of sizes to fit babies of all shapes and sizes. Look for items with snaps and zippers in the front and back, so they are easier to put on and take off and less likely to catch on things when your little one moves. Clothes that feature crotch zippers are also handy for diaper changes and can prevent the need to pull on the entire outfit every time. Try on your new clothes before you buy them to make sure they fit right. It’s hard to know whether a piece will fit or not until you put it on, so you should do this in person to find out what the garment will actually look like on your baby. Keep an eye out for clothes that are breathable and made from natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, since it’s important for your baby to breathe well while wearing them. It’s also important that the fabrics are washable and won’t cause allergic reactions when your child grows out of them. A newborn will often have a small umbilical cord stump for the first 10 or 20 days, so it’s important to get hats and other coverings that won’t rub or irritate it. Some brands sell baby hats that are designed specifically for this purpose. Another helpful item is scratch mitts, which protect your little one’s skin from scratches and abrasions from everyday objects. Scratches can be painful and uncomfortable for your baby, so it’s smart to invest in some scratch mitts as soon as you can. Some baby brands even donate a portion of their profits to charitable organizations, so you can feel good about what you’re buying. For example, Goumi boots won a spot on ABC’s Shark Tank because they don’t fall off and are made with a special material blend that is 70% viscose from bamboo and 30% organic cotton. The same goes for Freshly Picked moccasins, which are made from a soft fabric blend and offer a secure footbed that’s gentle on your baby’s feet. They’re available in preemie and infant sizes and come in a variety of styles and colors, including soft earth tones and metallics. Some other essentials to include in your baby’s closet are newborn washcloths and bibs, which are designed to be used to clean your baby’s face and body after meals. They’re also helpful for keeping your baby’s head and body warm while sleeping, as they help to reduce the likelihood of cold air settling in.

Burial gowns are an important part of the funeral process. They should reflect the deceased person’s style and preferences while also offering dignity to the mourners. However, selecting these clothes can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you choose the right burial clothing for your loved one. Preparing for Death: A Guide to Burial Outfits Choosing a burial outfit is often the final detail to consider when planning a funeral or memorial service. For many people, it will be their own personal choice, although some cultural or religious traditions may provide guidance. Most traditional burials require that the deceased wear formal funeral gowns or suits, with long sleeves and high necklines. These types of funeral dresses are available for both men and women. If you are not sure what type of funeral dress to wear, ask the funeral home director or a friend who has experience in funeral dressing for their advice. They will be able to recommend the best option for your loved one. You can also use a dress your loved one has already owned or buy a burial dress in person. Make sure that the dress is of good quality and is appropriate for a funeral. If the dress is not of a suitable size, it can be cut or altered to fit your loved one’s body. When a person dies, they are often surrounded by friends and family who want to help them during this difficult time. They might not have the time to shop for burial garments, so you can ask them if they would be able to do this for you. Angel Gowns for Infants A Michigan nonprofit repurposes wedding dresses to create burial gowns for babies who die too soon. The Founder of Angels Above Baby Gowns, Dawn Lafferty, has sewed more than 300 of these precious outfits for bereaved parents since 2014 when she began the program. She said her work is particularly important for mothers whose infants are too small to come home from the hospital. She says her goal is to give those families “a little bit of hope and peace,” in a time when it is most needed. In addition to the angel gowns, she also makes tiny knitted caps and diapers. She has also sewed “Angel Pockets” for newborns who are too small for these outfits. Angels Above Baby Gowns is a nonprofit that helps bereaved parents. They accept donations of wedding gowns and prom dresses to be transformed into infant burial gowns. They also make bracelets using beads taken from these gowns. Choosing Funeral Gowns and a Coffin In most cases, the deceased person will be buried in a casket or coffin. You can place personal items such as mementos or photographs with the body in a coffin or on a stand next to it. Some people choose to be buried in a special piece of jewelry that was important to them or was a symbol of their faith. This can be especially important if your loved one was very religious or had special beliefs that they want to be able to carry with them in their afterlife.

Donating your wedding dress is an easy and meaningful way to pass along your dress, ensuring it will be used in a way that benefits another bride or family. It can also save you money, time and space! Before you donate your wedding dress, make sure it’s still in good condition and a good fit. Many organizations will not accept donated dresses that are damaged or have significant stains. 1. Donate to a charity that helps women in need Many charities and thrift shops that accept your donation will pass it on to a woman who can use it as she prepares for her big day. This is a great way to ensure the recipient of your gift will be able to wear it for her special occasion, and it can help support a woman who has a hard time affording a new dress. 2. Repurpose your wedding gown to help grieving families The Emma and Evan Foundation has 180 seamstresses from across the country who convert wedding dresses into infant burial gowns, known as Angel Gowns, that can be offered to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes for free. They also have a program where they provide bonnets, and other keepsake items to families who have lost their child to illness. 3. Repurpose your wedding dress to help breast cancer patients A great place to donate your dress is to Brides Against Breast Cancer, which uses the proceeds from their sale of donated dresses to fund early detection programs for women with cancer. These funds are essential in educating and empowering women to be proactive about their health. 4. Repurpose your wedding dress to help military and first responder couples The charity Brides Across America provides free dresses for military and first responder brides in year-round giveaway events. This organization accepts wedding dresses that are no longer than four years old and in good condition. They will also take veils, tiaras and other accessories. 5. Repurpose your wedding dress to help fire fighters The NICU Helping Hands charity is another great place to donate your wedding dress, as they convert it into baby dresses that are available for grieving families who have recently lost their child. The charity has about 180 seamstresses who painstakingly work to convert your gown into a beautiful, life-lasting tribute to your little one. 6. Repurpose your wedding dress to help a woman in need The White Dress by the Shore is another great option for donating your wedding dress. Their goal is to give a second life to wedding dresses that are too large, too short or not fitting properly. The shop will resell your gown and donate the proceeds to charity, helping women in need and giving them a second chance at happiness. 7. Repurpose your wedding dress to help veterans The United States is home to many veterans and their families. The United States Veterans Affairs (VA) takes donations of wedding dresses, prom and formal gowns and other clothing to assist veterans in preparing for their special day.

Angel gowns, also known as burial dresses or infant bereavement outfits, are specially made garments for babies who die. They can give parents a small bit of comfort and peace while they grieve for their child. They can also help make the end of a pregnancy easier, especially for families who have to terminate an unplanned pregnancy due to severe fetal abnormality or poor health. In many cases, these losses happen suddenly and without warning. There is a lot of loss when a baby dies, but the pain can be compounded by not having a way to remember their tiny body or celebrate their life, Neal says. Fortunately, she and other organizations nationwide have started making and distributing these special gowns to bereaved families who are facing infant loss. She said she stumbled across the idea for angel gowns through Facebook one day and soon realized that her sewing skills could help other people who are in similar situations. In fact, she now has an extensive list of volunteer seamstresses who sew the gowns for her and other groups that provide them to hospitals around the country. These groups all rely on donations of wedding dresses for their work and a great deal of volunteer time to get the dresses sewed up. There are many different ways to donate your wedding dress, including through a bridal shop that makes and sells these gowns or by making an online donation to the organization that works with the seamstress in the developing country where they are being sent. Some of these seamstresses, like Edith, who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Shirley Travelstead, who lives in West Liberty, Kentucky, spend hours on their sewing machines each week. They sew the gowns with phrases such as “heaven’s angel” and sometimes add a little pillow or hat to the outfit. In some cases, the gowns are even adorned with bells. Inspired by the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, some of these seamstresses have started stitching gold or silver bells onto their gowns. Terry Bauer, who used to teach home economics at Pickerington Schools in central Ohio, decided to take on the task of sewing these gowns after she retired. She has since likely sewn more than 1,000 of them for a number of local and national organizations. Her work has expanded to include an international program where her gowns are shipped to Guatemala, where the women who make them earn money and learn new sewing skills. Donations to the international program cover shipping costs, storage facilities and materials for the seamstresses. The program’s coordinator, Katrina Durst, said Bauer is one of the first people she contacts when she needs a shipment. She contacted the Reynoldsburg resident after she heard about her work and asked if she could donate some gowns to her organization. While some of these gowns are made for micro-preemies, others are designed to fit babies who have been born full-term. They’re primarily distributed to hospitals and nonprofit organizations in the state of Ohio, but Durst has seen them shipped to other areas as well.

Funerals are always a difficult time for children and adults, but there are some ways to help your child feel more involved. They may not know what to say or feel, but involving them in planning and attending the funeral can ease their anxiety and help them to process their grief. Explaining the Funeral The first step is to explain what will happen at the funeral service. Talk to your child about who will be there, where the funeral will take place and what the service will be like. It’s important to make sure your child understands what is going to happen and how it will affect them before they are allowed to attend. Using concrete terms is the best way to help your child understand what is happening, so you can avoid words such as “dead” or “gone.” You can tell them that the body has stopped working and that it will be cold, dry and not move or feel anything. This is an essential message for your child to grasp, as it will help them to be calm and able to cope with the loss of a loved one. You can tell your child that a person’s body is being buried or cremated. They may ask questions about how it’s done, so you can tell them that the body is put really hot in a special machine, and that it will become ashes, which are then put into a jar or box called an urn. You can explain that a person’s ashes will be taken to a special place, such as their home or school, and sprinkled there. Include Your Child Involving your child in the planning and preparation of a child’s funeral can help them to feel more connected to their sibling who has died and to understand that death is a part of life. It can also help them to process their grief and feel like their feelings “matter.” Let Your Child Choose Their Own Outfit Before your child goes to the funeral, talk with them about what they want to wear. This might involve something that they have drawn or made, a favourite toy, a piece of clothing, or anything else that will mean something to them. It could even be their favourite food. Be aware that toddlers are not likely to understand complex emotions and thoughts, so you might need to explain things more slowly. Toddlers are not yet able to verbalize feelings of sadness, so you might need to rely on a picture or other visual clues. Including Your Child in the Burial or Cremation of Their Sibling Assist your child with selecting their sibling’s casket or burial container. Getting them to choose the colors, designs, and embellishments for their casket or urn can be a comforting and emotional experience for them. Remember to let your child touch the body of their sibling, but never force them to. They may feel uncomfortable with this, but they will be able to handle it in time.

Baby clothing is important because babies need to be comfortable and safe when they are small, and it’s a great way to get them dressed up in a cute outfit. The key is to choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off, as well as washable. Choosing gender-neutral newborn clothes is becoming more popular, and some parents are opting to go for the unisex look. Some stores, including COS and H&M, offer gender-neutral infant clothes exclusively. The Gap has also launched its Neutral Shop, which is stocked with gender-neutral newborn clothes that will grow with your child. Newborn baby clothing is available in a variety of styles and colors, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your little one. But it’s worth putting some thought into what you’re purchasing, especially if you’re considering buying secondhand or consignment clothing. Consider your baby’s safety: Avoid items that have small buttons, bows or ties, because they can be choking hazards for your baby. Likewise, avoid items that are designed to wrap around your baby’s arms or legs. Instead, pick out garments that are sleeveless or have full leg and back openings to make it easier for your baby to remove their pyjamas when they need to sleep. You should also pick fire-safe sleepwear to keep your baby safe, but you need to be sure to read the label to make sure it’s flame-retardant. Some fabrics aren’t, so be careful not to use them in a fire or place them in the dryer without the proper instructions. When shopping for baby clothes, it’s important to remember that sizes vary from brand to brand and manufacturer to manufacturer. So don’t rely solely on the size on the label; always compare to other items you already have in your closet. Babies grow out of their clothing quickly, so it’s best to buy only what you need in each size. This will help you save money and ensure that you’re not wasting any time trying to figure out what size to purchase. The standard newborn sizing is 0-3 months, so you’ll need to stock up on items in that size. Many brands make newborn clothing that fits into the 3-6 month size as well. Regardless of the size, you’ll want to buy clothes that are made of soft, durable materials like cotton. During the winter, you’ll need to have at least one coat or snowsuit to keep your baby warm and comfortable. During the warmer weather, rompers and 2-in-1 dresses are popular choices for young babies. If your baby is particularly active, invest in a good pair of shoes. These can be a lifesaver for little ones when they’re learning to walk, and they can really pull an outfit together. A hat will keep your baby’s head warm when they’re outside in the sun. Some hats are adjustable, so you can change the brim as your baby grows. Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take down: Snaps or other easy openings at the crotch can make changing diapers faster, so you’ll save yourself some time. Loose sleeves pull on and off easily, too.

Burial gowns are a special type of clothing used during funerals. They can help you present your loved one in a way that captures their spirit and looks just as they did when they were alive. They are also a way to pay tribute to your loved one’s personality and interests while helping to ease their transition into the next life. For example, some people bury their child in school uniforms to commemorate their youth. There are many different options for burial gowns, including purpose-built products and ones that your family or friends might already have in their closets. The latter may be a more practical option if your loved one no longer fits their current wardrobe or is losing weight. These products are usually designed to be worn while lying down, and come in a variety of styles and colors. Some even have drawstrings and long slits for easy dressing. Choosing burial clothes for someone you love is an emotional and difficult task. You may not know what to look for or how to select the right items, so it can be helpful to consult with a professional or ask a close friend or family member to assist you. The first thing to consider is the person’s appearance and their lifestyle while they were living. Do they have any favorite colors or styles? Do they have any special possessions or pieces of jewelry that are important to them? If you can remember what your loved one looked like during their lifetime, it will be easier to choose funeral clothes that reflect their beauty and sense of style. This could include a particular color, or an outfit that reminds them of their favorite hobby, place of employment, or other special qualities about them. It’s also a good idea to base the selection of burial clothes on their religious beliefs. For instance, if your loved one is Jewish or Muslim, they might be buried in a shroud. The shroud is a special outfit that includes a head covering, shirt, pants, and coat. In Buddhism, the deceased is dressed in white because it symbolizes purity and virtue. Theravada Buddhists often dress their dead in white to reflect their belief in rebirth and resurrection. They may have left notes specifying what they want to be buried in, or a family member can grant their final wishes. If you are unsure about your loved one’s preferences, it is best to talk with their church or clergy members. You can also ask a funeral home or mortician to provide burial clothing if you do not have the necessary items in your home. These are typically made from soft and lightweight materials that will be gentle on the body. They can also be purchased in a variety of colors and fabrics to match your loved one’s personal preferences.

Donating your wedding dress can be a wonderful way to help someone else have the dream wedding of their dreams. Not only will you be helping a bride find the perfect gown to wear on her special day, but you can also earn a tax deduction when you donate your dress. The best place to donate your dress is at a charitable organization that accepts dresses and gives them to brides who need them most. There are many different organizations that will accept your dress, so it’s important to do some research before you make a donation to ensure the organization is right for you and will put your dress to good use. NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program Available nationwide, the NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program provides burial gowns to parents who have lost their babies due to miscarriage or stillbirth. These organizations accept donated gowns and then use seamstresses to create new, beautiful, and delicately embroidered gowns that the families can take home after their child has passed away. Cherished Gowns This UK-based charity makes funeral gowns for babies who have passed away, either stillborn or within a few weeks of birth. It works with grieving families and helps them get through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Adorned in Grace With stores in Portland, Tacoma, and Mesa, Oregon, Adorned in Grace sells new and gently used wedding and formal gowns. The company uses the sales proceeds to fund sex trafficking awareness initiatives and provides professional counseling for sex trafficking survivors. Several of their boutiques in the Pacific Northwest are accepting donations from brides, as well. This is a great way to help sex trafficking victims and bring awareness to local communities. St Ann’s Hospice The St Ann’s Hospice in Stockport, England, hosts a bridal department that accepts both new and gently-used wedding attire. The store carries a wide selection of wedding attire to help those coping with terminal illness create a memorable wedding day. Gift of a Wedding The Gift of a Wedding is a nonprofit that helps those facing life-limiting illness create the wedding of their dreams. Founded by Patricia, this organization offers a variety of resources to help those in need. They have a variety of ways to donate your dress, including an online application process and free pick up from your home. Once your item is accepted, they will ship it to a hospital in the United States or Europe where it can be delivered to the woman who needs it most. You can also donate your dress to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Brides Project accepts donations from both commercial and individual wedding boutiques. This program generates about 30% of the Cancer Support Community’s funding, according to Bonnie Dockham, the organization’s executive director. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lot of people struggling to afford their dream weddings, which is why donating your wedding dress can be so important. This is especially true for those who are unable to pay for their dress at all. A tax deduction is one of the best reasons to donate your dress, but there are many other benefits as well.

Angel gowns are a special way to comfort bereaved parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or a premature birth. These special outfits are made from donated wedding dresses or formal gowns and are given to bereaved families. There are over 626,000 babies born each year through miscarriage, stillbirth or other causes and 1 in 4 of those will not be able to go home with their parents. These precious babies deserve to know that they are loved and have a memory to hold close. In her Kingsville living room, Anita Schatz sews burial gowns out of donated wedding dresses and other dress wear to provide those who have lost a child a place to wrap up their child in. She says one donated wedding dress typically can make about 30 infant gowns that she ships to hospitals around the country. She is always in need of material, ribbons, thread, gallon zip-lock bags and more. She keeps a plastic baby model by her side to help remind her why she’s making these gowns for the bereaved. When she was a nurse, Judi Gibson often saw babies who had died during pregnancy and delivery. When she learned that Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis had an Angel Gown program, she wanted to get involved. To help, she enlisted the support of local seamstresses, many of whom are retirees. Shirley Travelstead, Edith Bryson and other women in the area all contribute their time to sew the funeral gowns for the families who are grieving from a loss of a newborn. Fleury also enlists Maria’s Closet founder Ronna Luna to donate her beautiful wedding dresses. She then delivers them to her home in San Pedro where she and her volunteers add their finishing touches. She knows how much it means to these mothers and their families when she gives them a personalized gown with their baby’s name and a special message on it. It is a gift that will give them something to treasure forever. The Angel Gown Program was started by a dedicated group of people who want to offer their support and compassion during a difficult time in a grieving family’s life. It has since grown into an international program based in Guatemala. Several nationwide ministries accept donated wedding dresses and repurpose them into various angel gowns to give to bereaved families who have lost a baby through pregnancy or other causes. These organizations are listed below, with contact information and links to their websites. Kennedy’s Angel Gowns is a not-for-profit organization that accepts donated wedding gowns and formal attire to make infant burial gowns for the families who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth or other circumstances. The gowns are then distributed to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes for free. These gowns are a very personal gift from the donor to the bereaved family, ensuring that they have something to wrap up their beloved baby in. These gowns are also a wonderful reminder of the beauty in life and help to bring some peace during an otherwise difficult time for them and their loved ones.

A child funeral is a special event that can bring comfort to a grieving family. This is a time to remember the life of a child and celebrate their uniqueness. It can be difficult to plan a funeral for a child, but it is an important part of the process of healing after the death of a child. There are many things that should be taken into consideration, including the type of service that will be held, how the funeral will be conducted, and how it will be recorded. The type of service that will be held can be a very personal one, and you may decide to have a more traditional ceremony or to plan a more intimate service. Some families choose to have a very simple service that involves a few prayers and a reading of poems. You can also create a special memory book to commemorate your child’s life. This will help your child to hold on to some of the memories that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Children can ask a lot of questions when they are grieving and it is normal to have some confusion. It is best to answer their questions in a way that is clear and easy for them to understand. You might find it helpful to refer them to someone you know that they can trust, like a clergy member or a professional in grief. What to Wear A funeral is a very special event for families, but it can be difficult to know what to wear. Newborns and infants are especially delicate and should be dressed in clothing that is comfortable, but doesn’t distract from the occasion. Toddlers and preschoolers can usually wear anything they want as long as it isn’t flashy or distracting. It’s better to stick with neutral or solid colors so that they don’t draw attention away from the funeral. It is also a good idea to have a sitter or a family member that can watch your child for the duration of the service in case they get restless and need to be taken out of the service. It is also a good idea to take along their favourite toys so that they can play during the service. Explain the service to your child When you have a chance, explain the funeral to your child and tell them what will happen in it. It is very important to explain that people will be gathering together to say goodbye and they will see people crying, laughing, and offering support to each other. They will also see the casket that will be placed in a cemetery. Talk to your child about their own culture and beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. This will help them to know that their loved one is going to a place where they will be happy and safe. You might also need to reassure your child that they will no longer feel pain in their body and that they will be with the person who died in heaven. This will help them to deal with their own emotions and feelings.