Month: October 2023

From diaper blowouts to spit up to never-ending growth spurts, your infant will need plenty of fresh outfits to keep her comfortable and happy. From classic styles to cute prints to gender-neutral options, we’ve rounded up some of the best baby clothing brands for your new addition. Baby clothing comes in all colors, patterns and sizes, but it’s a good idea to prioritize function over fashion when making purchases for your newborn. You’ll want to look for onesies, sleepers and other garments that make changing your little one easy, especially during nighttime changes. That means a lot of snaps and zippers that are quiet and fasten easily. Also, consider the fabric and materials. You’ll want fabrics that are soft against your newborn’s skin and machine washable. For dressing your little one, stock up on a range of clothes, including dresses, t-shirts and pants or rompers. Babies often need layers when it’s cold, so add a fleece vest to the mix or a winter puffer coat. But don’t overdo it with the outerwear, as babies can overheat even in warm climates. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time at the beach or pool this summer, look for an organic cotton swimsuit that’s quick-drying and breathable. A sun hat is a must-have as well to keep your baby’s head protected from the harsh sunlight. Another great option is a rash guard from a swimwear brand like Splash About that’s designed to cover more of the baby’s body. It can be worn as a layer over your child’s top and bottom, and it comes in a variety of bright colors, stripes and prints that can suit either a boy or girl. The Los Angeles-based company Tabeeze (pronounced TAB-ease) creates fuss-free outfits for infants and toddlers. Its rompers, bodysuits and snappy tees are 100% GOTS certified organic and free from nickel, phthalates and flame retardants. Plus, the labels on its garments are screen printed and flat, so they won’t irritate your little one’s skin. Size up When buying for your baby, it’s always a good idea to purchase clothing that’s just a bit big. This way, your little one can grow into it, and you won’t feel tempted to buy an item that’s too small. Also, repeated washes can shrink clothing so be sure to check the label for care instructions. Lastly, as we mentioned above, it can be a bit tricky to get the right size garments for your baby because of the wide range of body shapes and sizes among newborns and infants. But, if you’re smart about your shopping and choose brands that offer true to size pieces, you shouldn’t have any issues with fit.

Choosing the right outfit for a loved one’s final journey is a personal choice, and many people choose to dress their deceased family members in clothes they’d wear in life. However, traditional dresses and suits may not be the most appropriate attire for a loved one who is buried, as these clothing items are not designed for the post-mortem body. Instead, some funeral directors are now offering burial gowns to help families find a more comfortable outfit for their departed loved ones. Burial gowns are made of soft, satin-like fabrics and are designed for the ease of dressing a deceased person in post-mortem care. They’re available in a variety of colors and sizes, and some even feature religious motifs to reflect the funeral ceremony or final disposition of a particular religion. For instance, a Catholic outfit would be tailored to reflect the type of clothes worn for Sunday Mass, while a Muslim burial garment resembles shrouds or kimonos. If you’re planning to dress a deceased friend or family member in a burial gown, it’s important to make sure the outfit includes undergarments. This is because, if the deceased individual was wearing undergarments in life, those same undergarments should be worn when they’re buried to give them a more dignified look. Luckily, many funeral homes have stockings of undergarments to provide to their customers who wish to have them for their loved one’s viewing or open casket funeral service. In addition to undergarments, it’s also important to remember that any jewelry your loved one wore during their lifetime should not be worn at their funeral or buried with them. This is because any metal pieces, such as wedding and engagement rings, will be destroyed by the cremation process and cannot be recovered afterwards. However, some loved ones may choose to keep these sentimental items and want them with them when they’re buried. In this case, it’s a good idea to talk to your funeral director about placing these objects on display rather than burying them with the deceased. Choosing the right burial attire can be difficult for many mourners. However, with careful consideration of the deceased’s personal style, religion, and method of final disposition, you can find a stylish burial outfit that will convey a sense of peace to those in attendance. For example, a black dress can exude sobriety and elegance when paired with closed-toe shoes and minimal jewelry. Similarly, a floral-patterned dress in a soft pastel shade can symbolize serenity and tranquility. In some religions, the deceased are buried in the type of non-formal clothing they’d usually wear in daily life, which is a reflection of their value of equality. In other cases, such as with the Theravada branch of Buddhism, the deceased are dressed in white, which is said to represent virtue. It’s also a good idea to check with your church or spiritual leader about their specific dress and hairstyle rules before making your final outfit selection.

If you’ve recently gotten married and have your gown sitting in the back of your closet, consider donating it. There are plenty of charities that would love to give your dress a new home, and doing so can help people in need. Many brides choose to keep their wedding dresses as keepsakes or to pass them on to the next generation, but if you don’t want your gown to go to waste, you can make a difference by donating it. The first step is to determine what kind of organization you would like to support with your donation. You can find organizations that resell the dresses and use the profits to benefit different causes, such as Brides Against Breast Cancer, or they can provide the gowns directly to those in need, like Becoming A Cupcake, which helps Ugandan women who have survived sex trafficking and forced marriages. Choosing the right organization is important because it will determine what kind of impact your donation will have. One of the most popular options for donating your gown is to take it to a local thrift store that accepts clothing donations. These organizations will often sell your gown at a discounted rate to people who are struggling financially, such as those in need of employment, housing or medical treatment. The money raised by the sale of your dress will be used for a variety of charitable programs, such as job training and job placement services for those in need, or to purchase furniture and other necessities for families in need. Another option for donating your dress is to reach out to local bridal or wedding expos and inquire about their gown donation policies. You can also check for buy/sell/trade groups on social media or online forums and reach out to people in your community who may be interested in buying or donating a wedding dress. Some organizations require that your gown be professionally cleaned before donating, so check with each one for their specific guidelines. If you don’t have time to wait for your gown to sell, you can also donate it to an “Angel Gown” organization that repurposes the dress into burial garments for newborn babies or parents who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. One such organization, Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, is located in Albany, NY. Other organizations are national, and you can find a list of them at Gowns for Good. Once you’ve selected the charity you would like to work with, contact them and ask about their specific dress donation guidelines. They will be able to tell you if they need the gown dry cleaned, their donation schedule and other information. They will be able to give you the best advice about how to prepare and deliver your wedding dress for donation.

A lot of brides save their wedding dresses for special occasions and hand them down to their daughters. But some selfless brides are donating their gowns to help others, particularly babies who lose their lives before they leave the hospital. These gowns are called angel gowns, and a volunteer project turns them into beautiful burial garments for newborns. It’s a part of the NICU Helping Hands organization, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas. The group collects the dresses across the country and turns them into the special garments for families who suffer through a NICU tragedy. The group’s founder, Lisa Grubbs, says the gowns are a symbol of hope for these parents who were expecting a healthy baby. She also says they are a way to honor the life of the baby who never got to go home with their parents. “There is something hopeful about a wedding dress and that full circle,” she tells KHOU. The brides who donate their dresses are asked to provide a $100 monetary donation to help cover the cost of making the angel gowns. Women who don’t have their own wedding gown to donate can sponsor a dress for someone else. Each gown can make about 10 little angel gowns. The dresses are delivered directly to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes, and they’re offered free of charge for grieving parents. Tom and Deanna Williamson lost their son, Eli, at 20 weeks gestation back in 2015. They say they were so grateful that Levine Children’s Hospital gave them an angel gown for him. Across the country, there are volunteer groups that turn old wedding gowns into angel burial gowns for newborns who die before leaving the hospital. One such group is Sunshine State Angel Gowns, which has a warehouse filled with hundreds of dresses. Its volunteers wash and cut up each gown and then turn it into a burial garment that is offered to hospitals, funeral homes and directly to grieving parents, free of charge. Another such group is Angel Gown Sewers, a volunteer organization based in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Its seamstresses work to turn donated dresses into angel gowns and wraps for babies who lose their lives due to miscarriage, stillbirth or any other reason. The organization was founded in April 2014 and received its 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporation in September of that year. Its mission is to ensure that every family who experiences an infant loss has a one-of-a-kind angel gown for their child. The group’s seamstresses are also available to assist families who have experienced a loss by providing support, guidance and comfort. The group relies on donations from the community, including brides, grooms and their loved ones, as well as local bridal shops and individuals. It’s important to have the dress professionally cleaned before donating it, but otherwise there are no other requirements. The organization accepts donations of any size and will ship them anywhere in the world. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.

A child funeral is a memorial service that honors your baby and brings family and friends together. It can take many forms, and can be as elaborate or simple as you wish. Many families choose to have a religious or spiritual element. This can be led by a religious leader, a celebrant, or even a friend or family member. Other families choose to have a secular service, with no religious element. You can also include a reading, songs and music, flowers, a memory table or display, and even a video slideshow. You can even ask family and friends to write messages to your baby or sign a message board or matted picture frame. If your children are attending, it is important to talk with them before the ceremony and to prepare them for what they will experience. Children of all ages will react differently to this event, and it is important that they are fully prepared to understand the situation. For younger children, a child funeral may be their first experience with death and mortality. It is a time to explain that everyone is born into this life and that it is finite. They can also discuss their beliefs about what happens after death. For older children, it can be a time to come to terms with their own mortality as well. It is important to listen to your children, as they will tell you what they need and want. If they express a desire to not attend the funeral, respect that decision. It is better that they do not attend the funeral and regret it later than to go, only to have them wish they had not. If they do decide to attend, it is helpful to bring a support person to help them manage the setting and take them out for breaks. It is also helpful to have snacks, drinks, and comfort objects on hand for them. A lot of parents like to have a small casket or urn at the funeral and want their other children to be able to view it during the service. It is important to have a discussion with them and help them understand that their sibling is not present in the casket. If a closed casket is the chosen option, it can be explained in detail that their sibling is laying there dressed and with their arms folded and their eyes closed. They can be reassured that their sibling cannot feel cold, pain or fear. Often, older siblings want to be involved in the process by carrying the coffin into the funeral service or by helping to bury their sibling. They can be a wonderful source of support for their grieving parents and can help them navigate this difficult situation. Siblings may want to write a letter or story to their brother or sister, or they might want to engrave a small plaque on the side of the coffin or urn.

Newborn babies need to be kept cozy and comfy. Dressing them in soft, stretchy outfits that are easy to put on and take off is important. You will also want to add a few outerwear items (like coats and bunting sacks) to your baby’s wardrobe for colder weather. Newborns spit up a lot, so you will be changing them multiple times throughout the day. To make diapering and bathing easier, consider dressing your newborn in a onesie with long sleeves that snap or button across the chest. This allows for quick, easy diaper changes without having to pull a shirt over their head or mess up their nappy. Invest in a few outfits that are a little fancier than your basic onesies for special occasions. For example, a dress and cap for an upcoming family portrait or a kimono onesie for your hospital stay are great options. For a more casual look, try a pair of pants and a onesie from a brand like Rylee + Cru. The company’s clothes are ethically sourced, with minimalistic designs and a neutral color palette. You can easily mix and match their pieces, and your newborn will be wearing stylish clothing from an eco-friendly brand from the start. If your little one has a favorite animal, try an outfit from Monica + Andy. This company offers a wide variety of prints that are cute and made from organic cotton. Their clothing is easy to wash, soft to the touch and will grow with your child, offering a range of sizes from newborn to 5T. Another great option is a Target-owned brand called Cat and Jack, which has plenty of styles to choose from and a wide range of prices. Another great brand for infants is Hanna Andersson. Although it is a bit more pricey, its super-soft fabrics and fun patterns will make you and your baby love the clothing. It’s worth it to invest in some of these pieces, and you can always shop their sale section to get them at a reduced price. You should always have a few blankets on hand for baby to sleep in. You can use a muslin blanket, which is soft and breathable, or a flannel baby blanket for added warmth. It’s also a good idea to get a set of fleece footie pajamas for nighttime. You can layer them with a swaddle and/or a dress, or simply dress your baby in their footed sleepers for a cozy, comfortable night of rest. Once you’re ready to put together your newborn’s wardrobe, keep in mind that many parents end up with more clothes than they need. So, don’t be afraid to accept hand-me-downs from friends and family or donate your own baby clothing once your infant outgrows it. If you do find that you have more clothes than you need, store them in a bin or box so they are easy to access when needed. Also, don’t forget to rotate out old items as soon as they are no longer in good condition, so that you have fresh garments for your newborn at all times.

When a person passes away, it can be difficult to decide what kind of clothing they will be dressed in for their funeral or cremation service. While some people make this decision in advance, others are not as fortunate to have the opportunity to set out their wishes for their end-of-life style. The good news is that you can dress your loved one in whatever you feel best represents them and their personality, even if they were unable to express their preferences in advance. Some of the most popular outfit choices for the deceased include classic black dresses and robes, as well as pastel-colored ensembles that represent peace and serenity. Then, you can choose from a wide variety of accessories to add finishing touches. Depending on your loved one’s religion, you may also need to consider the appropriate color of their clothes and what attire is most suitable for their final resting place. For example, some religious faiths require that the body be wrapped in a cloth shroud for burial. Other faiths have specific dress requirements, so you should consult with the church or religious leaders to find out what those are. In some cases, you may need to buy a new outfit if your loved one’s existing clothing does not fit properly anymore due to weight changes that happen after death. Funeral gowns are a type of apparel that is specially designed for the dead, often with high necklines and long sleeves that are easily adjustable. They are typically made of soft materials and can come in either men’s or women’s styles. They can be matched with different hats and accessories to create a look that reflects your loved one’s character and personality. If your loved one was a fashion lover, you can choose from an assortment of elegant gowns with lace, pearls and beads for an elegantly simple look that exudes elegance and solemnity. You can also opt for a classic white dress that symbolizes purity and innocence, or a pastel-colored ensemble in shades of pink, blue and lavender for a serene and peaceful finish. Then, you can complete the look with closed-toe shoes and understated jewelry. Many companies have a wide range of options available for dressing the dead, including gowns that feature the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals and other motifs that are appropriate for other faiths. You can also find clothes with a vintage feel for a more timeless appeal or outfits that are inspired by nature, such as flowing floral designs and earthy colors. You can also dress your deceased loved one in a special outfit that represents their hobbies or jobs. For example, a dedicated sports fan can be buried in their favorite team’s uniform or an artist can be dressed in a painting or drawing they loved. If your loved one was a gardener, you can even have them buried wearing gardening gloves and a trowel. Choosing the right clothes for your loved one is an important part of planning their funeral, but you may need to make some adjustments when it comes to green burials. If you want your loved one to be buried in the most environmentally-friendly manner possible, then it is recommended that you use repurposed fabrics instead of purchasing a new outfit. If you’re unsure what to do, you can always ask the funeral directors for guidelines on what is considered acceptable.

There are many reasons a bride may choose to donate her wedding dress, whether she doesn’t want it anymore or needs the space. For one, it allows the dress to go on a new life instead of rotting in a closet or being destroyed. Also, it saves the bride a lot of time and energy that goes into trying to sell the dress or having it preserved. It can be a very rewarding experience. Some brides may prefer to preserve their dress for their daughters to wear as a special keepsake or even pass down to their granddaughters in the future, but that process can be expensive. The cost of cleaning, pressing, and storing the dress adds up. Alternatively, they can donate it to a charity. If you’re a bride who has a dress that you no longer need or love, there are plenty of places in the United States to donate it for a good cause. Many of these charities have a specific focus, such as breast cancer or military brides, and others are more general. Some of these groups offer pick-up services, while others are based online and will mail or deliver the dress to the intended recipient. Many local charities accept both bridal dresses and bridesmaid dresses for donation, but some have more specific requirements such as size or condition. Those who are looking to donate their wedding dress should contact the organization prior to sending or dropping it off, as many will require that the dress be dry cleaned and in good shape before accepting it for donations. In New York, a great local option is the Emma and Evan Foundation. The organization repurposes wedding gown donations into infant burial gowns or “angel gowns,” bonnets, and other keepsake items for parents who’ve lost their babies. The nonprofit is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations of both gowns and money to pay for materials such as fabric, lace, and buttons. Another charity that accepts both wedding and bridesmaid dresses is the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Brides Against Breast Cancer program, which aims to help women in need fight the disease by supplying them with free bridal gowns to use for their weddings. The group offers an online form to help those who need a wedding gown but can’t afford to purchase one. The organization has a similar program called Shared Dream Dresses that outfits military and first responder brides for their weddings. The charity is currently fundraising to try to secure a location where they can store the donated dresses. Another option is to donate the dress to your local Salvation Army or other similar charity store, but these organizations typically have more strict guidelines for accepting wedding dresses. The dress must be dry cleaned and in good condition, and the charity may have a specific drop-off point or pickup service available. Lastly, there are bridal consignment shops in most areas that will take your wedding dress for a fee and sell it on to someone else. However, the commission rates can be high and most shops do not accept wedding dresses older than a few years old.