Month: October 2023

The arrival of a new baby brings many joys and excitement. However, it’s also a lot of work! From diapering and feeding to laundry, it’s important to be prepared for the task at hand. In order to avoid over or under stocking the closet, it’s helpful to have an idea of how much clothing your newborn will need. This will help you plan purchases and guide friends and family who are gifting new baby clothes to you. One way to estimate how much baby clothing you will need is by going by size and weight recommendations. However, keep in mind that babies grow quickly, so you may find that your infant can wear a larger or smaller size than what is recommended. That’s okay! You can always store the older clothes and use them later, or give them to a friend. Baby clothes are usually made of cotton, which is breathable and gentle on delicate baby skin. You should choose organic cotton whenever possible, as conventional cotton uses pesticides and other chemical-based products that could be harmful to an infant’s fragile skin. Organic cotton is grown without these chemicals, and it is better for the environment as well. In addition to a wardrobe of cotton onesie and tee sets, you’ll want some soft and snuggly sweaters to add to your collection. These will keep baby warm in the winter and provide an extra layer of warmth over a shirt and pants, especially since newborns can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults or children. You’ll also need some pairs of cozy leggings to keep your baby comfortable and warm. These are perfect for wearing under a dress or skirt, and they have the added benefit of making it easier to change a diaper (and get those little toes out!). A pair of mittens or gloves will come in handy during the winter, and a sun hat is essential for outdoor activities. You’ll also want to have a couple of special outfits for newborns, like ones that say “Hello world!” or are designed to mark their first days in this world. Babies are growing fast, so it’s easy to lose track of their changing sizes. To prevent this from happening, it’s helpful to organize all of the baby clothing you own by size. This makes it easy to see what fits your newborn right now, and it will be a snap to find a matching set when they are ready for the next size up. This also helps you manage the number of clothes your newborn has and keeps you from acquiring too many duplicates, which can be wasteful. Another great tip is to buy a few clothing items in a slightly larger size than you think you’ll need, so you’ll have them on hand for any future growth spurts. Plus, this will allow you to pass on a few items when your baby outgrows them, which reduces clutter and waste!

When it comes to burying your loved ones, every detail matters. From the casket to the flowers to the burial outfit, families want their loved ones to be dressed in clothing that honors their memory and reflects their personality. A popular option is to dress your loved one in a traditional funeral gown. While this may not be a choice that is right for everyone, the gowns are typically simple and exude elegance and solemnity. For a more personal touch, many families choose to dress their loved ones in clothes that they used to wear while they were alive. For example, a woman’s favorite wedding dress could be worn at her funeral. However, choosing the proper outfit for your loved one can be a daunting task. A number of factors must be taken into consideration, including the deceased’s religion and the method of burial. Some religions have specific guidelines regarding the clothing worn by the dead. It’s important to consult with religious leaders or other knowledgeable individuals within your community about these guidelines. Whether your loved ones are being buried in a full or half couch casket, the body will be shown to mourners during the viewing. Often times, this will be the last chance for those closest to the deceased to say their goodbyes. As such, the body must be presented in its best light. While some people prefer to use their own clothes, a more convenient and cost-effective option is to opt for a premade funeral dress. The funeral home will provide you with a selection of funeral garments to choose from, which can be worn by both men and women. The garments are typically designed with high necklines and long sleeves, which help conceal any body blemishes. They are also made from easily adjustable fabrics that can be adjusted to accommodate any changes in size due to rigor mortis or weight loss after death. Additionally, the garments are typically made of biodegradable fabrics that will deteriorate naturally and nourish the soil. This is an important aspect of the garments, as it helps reduce the environmental impact of the burial process. This is particularly true for green and natural burials, where the burial grounds or cemeteries have strict guidelines requiring the use of biodegradable fabrics and clothing. A common choice for a funeral dress is the classic black dress. This type of outfit exudes simplicity and elegance and can be adorned with beads, sequins and pearls for added elegance. Alternatively, some people choose to keep it simple and opt for a plain white dress. For infants, there are also options for a baby funeral dress. Some charities and companies create handmade baby funeral garments, which are suitable for children from birth to age three. The burial outfit that is chosen will depend on the deceased’s cultural background, religion and personality. While the decision can be difficult, it is ultimately a way to honor your loved one and pay tribute to their memory.

After the big day, many brides find themselves with a beautiful wedding dress hanging in their closet collecting dust. Instead of letting your gown take up space, donate it to give a second life to a woman in need. There are a number of meaningful charities that accept gown donations and provide them to new brides for an affordable price. First, research the organization you’re thinking about donating your gown to. Ensure that the charity’s values, mission, and reputation align with yours. Then, determine what kind of impact you want your donation to have in the community. Some organizations specifically support women with cancer, military wives, or those facing other hardships. Others simply want to make sure every bride who wants a beautiful dress can afford one. Once you’ve chosen the organization that best suits your needs, contact them directly for specific guidelines about the dress. For example, you may need to have the gown professionally cleaned before donating it. This prevents stains from ruining the dress and helps reduce the risk of mold in storage. It’s also a good idea to label the box with helpful information about the gown so that you don’t confuse it with other clothing donations or mishandle the dress in transit. Thrift stores and resale shops often accept wedding dresses as donations. They may resell the dresses at a discounted price, giving brides with tight budgets an opportunity to buy a dream gown. If the dresses are in great condition, they can even be repurposed as costumes for stage productions or other events. Many organizations also accept bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, prom dresses, or other formal attire. This allows brides to have a complete outfit and avoid having to spend a lot of money on each member of their bridal party. Some thrift or resale shops are specifically dedicated to this purpose and have their own websites, which make it easy for brides to shop and find the perfect dress. Finally, some bridal or wedding expos host sales where brides can purchase used gowns at a discount. Some of these events are held during the year, while others happen on an occasional basis. Look up local expos in your area and reach out to organizers to see if they accept wedding gown donations. Another option is to contact an organization that repurposes wedding gowns to create infant burial gowns for families who have lost a baby. These are called Angel Gowns and can be provided to families at hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, or directly to them by the organization. Finally, some breast cancer charities offer free wedding gowns to newly diagnosed brides as a way of celebrating their special day with hope and love. This is a wonderful way to help fight the disease that has affected so many brides, and it is something that every woman should know about. For more information, check out Brides Against Breast Cancer and Dress for the Cure.

NICU Helping Hands is working to make sure that those babies get a beautiful, one of a kind, angel gown to wear during their short time on this earth. There are more than 626,000 babies born through still birth or miscarriage each year, and the gowns are meant to give those families love, compassion and dignity in their time of loss. The organization’s founder, Linda Soholt, has seen firsthand how the loss of a baby impacts a family. She lost her own son at 18 weeks gestation, and she walked away with a deep understanding of what these families are going through. Soholt founded NICU Helping Hands to bring hope and comfort to these families. She and her team of volunteer seamstresses take donated wedding dresses and transform them into a soft, beautiful angel dress for little ones that won’t get to go home with their parents. The gowns are given to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes and directly to grieving parents free of charge. In the Capital Region, hospitals that receive these gowns include St. Peter’s Hospital, Bellevue Woman’s Center in Amsterdam, Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, Albany Medical Center and Glens Falls Hospital. In addition to the gowns, NICU Helping Hands also makes burial blankets and angel wraps that are used for these babies. They are made of white muslin fabric and have a small, embroidered cross on the front. Every year, there are more than 626,000 infants who are born through stillbirth or miscarriage in the United States. The gowns are meant to give those families love, comfort and dignity in their time of loss. The program has been in operation since April 2014 and received 501(c) (3) nonprofit incorporation in September 2014. Last year, Soholt began reaching out to people to find more dresses to turn into angel gowns for the tiny babies that might pass on. She said she was surprised to find how many people were willing to donate their dress. She even received a dress from an older man who wanted to donate it for his late wife; she had a stillborn baby many years ago. Currently, there are more than 60 dresses waiting to be turned into a special angel dress. A single wedding dress can yield up to 12 delicate angel dresses for girls and boys of all sizes. These delicate angel dresses, which look like silk christening gowns for dolls, are then donated to hospital NICU units throughout the country. PVHMC is proud to be the NICU Hospital of the Month for July 2023 and is grateful for the contribution from the Angel Gowns program. For more information about the program and how you can help, please visit their website. Every $30 donated can provide a golden keepsake angel, an angel gown, a memory blanket and a direct delivery into the hands and heart of a grieving family. Your generosity will give them hope in their time of loss.

When someone close to you passes away, it is important for your children to attend the funeral if they want to. This is a natural, healthy way to say goodbye and gives a sense of finality that can help them process their grief. Unfortunately, many parents assume that their children will not want to go and so don’t plan for it. This can be devastating for the family and leave children feeling confused and isolated. Children are naturally curious and will likely ask questions about the funeral ceremony. It is best to answer these questions calmly and honestly as early as possible so the child has time to absorb and understand what is happening. Keeping the lines of communication open is also helpful as this will allow you to address any misunderstandings that may arise. If your child decides to attend the funeral, have them draw a picture of their loved one or write a letter and put it in the casket or urn with the deceased. They can also write a message to be read at the service or placed in a card that is given to the grieving family. This will give the child something to focus on and can help them connect with their sibling in a way that feels right to them. During the funeral service, it is important for children to see people expressing a range of emotions so they know that it’s ok to feel sad. It is also a good idea to bring some activities for the kids like coloring books and crayons so they can relax and have something to do. If the funeral is going to be held at a cemetery, consider bringing some small balloons for the kids to release in memory of their loved one. Once the funeral is over, make sure you check in with your child to see if they have any questions or need to talk about their experience. Be honest and open with them and if you feel they are struggling to cope, encourage them to seek professional support. Ultimately, it is up to each parent to determine whether their children should attend the funeral. Choosing not to go is certainly an option, but it’s important for parents to be aware that children who do not go will often regret this later in life and may struggle with guilt or shame as they grow up. If your child does decide to attend the funeral, be prepared to support them throughout the day and night, as well as after the service. Offer to record the service for them and be there to answer any questions they may have. Be sure to stay nourished and hydrated during the event and take breaks as needed. This will help you to keep up with your energy levels so you can be there for your child. Be sure to also check in with your spouse/partner, co-parent, friends and other siblings.

As the excitement for a new baby builds, many soon-to-be parents find themselves scouring the internet and stores to stock up on outfits. But before you go overboard, consider that babies are small and grow fast, so they only wear each clothing size for a few months (or even weeks!). Durable fabrics and well-made garments are key, but don’t be afraid to splurge on a cute design that speaks to your child’s style. A good place to start is with the basics: rompers and jumpsuits, which are ideal for sleepwear and everyday wear because of their full pants coverage. Many come in a variety of options, including hoodies and sleeve lengths, plus mitten or footed styles that make for easy dressing. Pehr makes a variety of these styles with little details like kimono ties and ruffles that add some extra flair. This brand also uses organic cotton and has a soft, serene color palette. Another brand to check out is Birdie Bean, which offers brighter prints and fun fabrics that are perfect for a girl or boy. Their fabric is thicker than most and has a nice feel to it. It’s also sustainable, third-party tested for quality and safety, and available through smaller retailers. Depending on the season, you’ll want to stock up on warm and cold weather essentials. Light cotton and muslin blankets are the best way to keep baby warm without overheating, while light outerwear is essential for outings. Look for jackets and winter puffer jackets that are warm, but breathable. A warm hat is also a must for both boys and girls, and can protect the umbilical cord stump for the first 10-20 days or so (it will eventually fall off). If you’re looking for a special occasion piece to dress your baby in, try out the adorable collections from Dior or Ralph Lauren. These designer brands usually sell preppy men’s polo shirts, but their baby pieces take on a similar classic look and would be great for a homecoming outfit or newborn photos. When it comes to shoes, try a pair of Goumi booties for infants that were featured on Shark Tank. These soft sole shoes snap on to the feet and are made from a fabric blend that includes 70-percent viscose from bamboo and 30-percent organic cotton. The company also sets aside 10-percent of profits for human trafficking initiatives and donates mitts to preemie babies in the NICU. For a summertime wardrobe addition, try the beach-ready sundresses from Touched By Nature. This company carries this piece in both boys and girls, plus other adorable dresses for young women. They’re made from a mix of cotton and lycra, which helps them stretch with your growing little one, and are organic and third-party tested for quality and safety. If you’re shopping on a budget, be sure to register at a store that has a baby section and shop in person whenever possible. This will allow you to try on garments and get a feel for what fits, preventing any unnecessary or unwanted purchases from entering your baby’s closet and dresser drawers.

As people plan funerals for loved ones who have died, they often struggle to decide what clothes they want the body dressed in. While many people choose to dress their deceased family members in clothing that was worn in life, other families opt for more formal attire to honor the person’s cultural background or religious beliefs. Regardless of how you choose to dress your deceased loved one, it is important that you keep their personality in mind and opt for clothing that fits their style. The type of clothing you choose will also depend on the deceased’s age. Younger people tend to be buried in more casual clothes, such as a pair of jeans or a suit. Elderly people are usually dressed in a garment that is similar to the kind of attire they would wear on a daily basis. For example, if your elderly loved one was wearing a nightgown at home when they died, this would be an appropriate burial outfit. For infants, you can choose to dress them in their regular baby clothing or opt for a specially-designed burial gown. A funeral home may be able to provide you with these gowns, which are typically designed to resemble smart night gowns or pyjamas. They may also have drawstrings across the back, which helps to adjust them to the size of the infant. You can also find companies that specialize in making burial gowns for babies, including those who were stillborn or were born prematurely. If your loved one is to be cremated after their viewing or open-coffin funeral, you can place some of their belongings with them – but any items that are made of soft metal, such as their wedding ring or other precious jewelry, will not be able to be recovered once they are burned in the cremation process. You can also ask your funeral director to store these items for you if you wish. For those who are planning a green burial, you can also use a shroud for your deceased loved ones. These are designed from environmentally friendly materials such as natural fibers that are grown, dyed, woven, and sewn in ways that are sustainable. Some are designed with false shirt fronts and other embellishments to make them look more like modern day wear, while others are more traditional and resemble funeral robes. You can find these at many funeral homes, or you can contact a funeral services provider who offers eco-friendly options for your green burial service. This can be a more cost-effective choice for those who are planning to save on the costs of a full-body casket funeral. Some people also use calico cloth from household silks or linen tablecloths to create their own custom burial shrouds. If you are making your own shroud for a green burial, consider using recycled fabric rather than new cloth to minimize the impact on the environment. You may even be able to find a cloth made from natural materials at your local thrift store.

After a wedding, many brides keep their dresses as a keepsake or pass them down to the next generation. However, for some newlyweds, the dress becomes an extra burden in the closet and can even end up in storage, taking up valuable space. Donating a gown can give it a second life and help another bride feel confident on her big day. If you’re planning on donating your dress, check the organization’s guidelines and specific restrictions. Many charities have specific requirements that include age, dress condition, and style. You should also have your gown professionally cleaned and fix any minor stains or loose buttons. Many places that accept wedding gowns for re-sale will give proceeds to a particular cause, such as a faith-based organization called Adorned in Grace. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness and prevention of human trafficking, as well as provide assistance to survivors. The Bridal Garden, a non-profit Manhattan bridal shop, is another option for New York City brides who are interested in donating their gowns. Its dresses are sold at reduced prices for women with low incomes. The charity uses its profits to support the education of disadvantaged youths in New York City. Other organizations use donations to help women in need, such as the Shared Dream Dresses Facebook group, which Stulgis started in 2014. The group has thousands of members who post pictures of their wedding dresses and their sizes on the page so that other brides can find them. If a bride wants the dress, she can comment on the photo and make arrangements to purchase it from the donor. Alternatively, you can donate your dress to a local thrift store. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army often have a dedicated section for brides to browse and purchase pre-owned wedding gowns. These shops are not only a great way to get rid of old bridal pieces you no longer want, but they can also help other brides afford to wear their dream dresses without spending a fortune. Another option for a wedding dress donation is the charity The Brides Project. It sells donated gowns and other bridal accessories to raise money for family programming for people impacted by cancer. You can drop off your donation at one of the organization’s locations or mail it to their headquarters. A final wedding dress donation option is the Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, an organization based about an hour north of New York City. This volunteer-run group transforms wedding dresses into infant burial gowns known as Angel Gowns, which are given to hospitals, birthing centers, and funeral homes to help grieving families say goodbye to their little one. Lastly, you can also give your dress an earthy ending and take part in the popular “destroy the dress” trend that has brides playing in the mud or swimming in their gowns. Photographs of these photos are then posted to social media, with the captions explaining that the dress is being donated to a charity or is being destroyed to promote environmental awareness.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WTVD) – When a couple loses their baby early in pregnancy or during birth, the hospital often provides them with a special garment to help honor that life. These garments are called angel gowns, and they’re made out of wedding dresses. Now, an organization in Charlotte is working to make sure every family can receive an angel gown. Hundreds of thousands of women experience the unimaginable loss of their baby during or shortly after birth each year. Many of them are left with nothing to bury their child in. One woman is determined to change that. Known as “Grandma Angel,” she turned the first floor of her home into a sewing workshop and now makes tiny angel gowns for infants who never leave the hospital. The dresses are made from donated bridal and prom dresses that have been washed, cut and stitched to create a bereavement outfit for the babies who die during birth or shortly after. The gowns come with a knitted hat and blanket, a keepsake charm with a heart or cross, and a Bible verse. They’re given free to families who would otherwise not have something to bury their little ones in. “I’m very passionate about this,” said Gretchen Hauer, 69. She and her army of volunteers meet monthly at All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin to sew the angel gowns. A woman who experienced her own tragedy in life is making sure that every baby’s funeral will have a beautiful dress to wear. She and a group of seamstresses are turning wedding dresses into angel gowns for infants who never leave hospitals after their death or miscarriage. This small but powerful initiative is called Angel Gowns of South Bay. The non-profit, founded in February 2018, is a beacon of hope for grieving families who have lost their children during or shortly after birth. It’s a community project that’s growing in popularity nationwide. As many as 1 in 4 women will experience an infant loss, whether due to a miscarriage, stillbirth or complications of pregnancy. This adolescent loss can leave a devastating mark on parents, and can be especially difficult to cope with when the surviving siblings must grow up without the brother or sister they had planned on having. After losing a baby at 18 weeks gestation, a former labor and delivery nurse named Tess Soholt decided her new chapter in retirement would begin by giving back to families with her own special brand of love. Soholt started a project called Andrew’s Angel Gowns, which is named after her grandson who died before he was born. Her back closet is now filled with beautiful gowns, and she sends packages of them to hospitals around the country. Each gown has its own story to tell. It’s a reminder that every life matters, even the shortest of lives. The dresses are being sent to NICUs, birthing centers and funeral homes, and are offered to grieving families completely free of charge.

A child funeral can be a very emotional and difficult experience for everyone. Parents must decide for themselves if it is appropriate to bring children to the ceremony and what arrangements they would like to make. Children are often a source of comfort and support during the grieving process and can provide much-needed lightheartedness to adults. However, if your child doesn’t want to attend the funeral it is important not to force them and to listen to their needs and concerns. If you decide to bring your child, prepare them in advance. Explain to them what is going to happen and, depending on their age, help them understand what the visitation and service will be like. Be sure to explain what they will see (casket or urn, religious rituals etc) and, if your child is being cremated, be sure to tell them what will happen to the ashes. It is important to also talk about the time that will pass between each event so they don’t get too upset if they have to leave the visitation or service early. It is also helpful to let children know that it is OK to cry, that people will be sad and that there are different ways of dealing with sadness, including laughing. During the day leading up to and following the funeral you should encourage conversations about happy memories and things your child enjoyed. Try to avoid excessive focus on sadness as this can be very hard for children to bear. At the service itself, consider allowing your child to select their own flowers or other decorations and letting them place them on their casket or urn. This can be a very powerful way for them to feel involved and connected to their sibling. It may also be a good idea to have your child, or a designated friend, write a message that will be placed in the casket or urn. This will be a special keepsake for the family to cherish forever. You could also ask someone to read a story book, children’s grief booklet, lullaby or poem at the funeral or memorial service. This can be especially comforting for very young children. Some families choose to have a balloon release either outside the service or at the graveside. It can be a great way to honor your child and is very soothing for small children. You could also create a kids room or other area where kids can go to play, colour and make cards for their sibling. Providing them with some of their favourite activities and snacks can help them to cope and be more comfortable. You could also arrange for someone to take care of them if they start to become disruptive or uncomfortable. Having a safe escape route is also an important consideration, so that you or a trusted friend can quietly remove them from the proceedings if necessary. We can produce a funeral program for your child which will detail the order of events.