Month: December 2023

The arrival of a new baby is one of the most exciting times of life, but also an overwhelming time for many. Aside from the constant influx of gifts, you’ll be bombarded with advice – often unsolicited – from everyone from your parents to your coworkers and the person sitting next to you at your OBGYN office. This is especially true for the topic of baby clothing: There are so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which fabrics, styles, and sizes are best. With so many different opinions floating around, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and forget that the most important factor is how comfortable the baby will be. Baby clothes need to be soft, breathable, and durable enough for repeated washing and wear. This requires a high quality fabric, such as organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown and processed without the use of dangerous chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. It is the safest choice for newborn babies and infants, who are more susceptible to harmful additives than adults. In addition to being gentle on your baby’s delicate skin, organic cotton also helps the environment. Organic farming practices promote soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation, which reduces carbon footprints and protects natural ecosystems. The textiles are also softer and more durable than synthetic fabric, and they won’t pill or shrink. This means they’ll last longer, allowing you to pass down baby clothing to younger siblings or friends, reducing waste and contributing to sustainability. When shopping for baby clothes, always read the label to make sure that it meets the safety standards for your child’s age and gender. Look for labels that indicate whether the fabric is flame retardant or non-flammable, and make sure there are no small parts that could be choking hazards. If possible, shop in person so that you can eyeball the outfit and determine if it will fit your baby well. Don’t be afraid to size up – babies grow quickly, and you want them to have room to grow into their clothes. Baby clothing is a great way to help your little one feel secure, and it’s an excellent investment for their future health. The more comfortable your child is, the better their chances of a healthy childhood and a bright future. With a little planning and careful selection, you can ensure that your baby will be happy and comfortable in their own personal wardrobe.

Many people think that funeral outfits are sombre and dull, but the truth is, there is a great deal of choice in what one can wear to a loved one’s memorial service. If the deceased left instructions on their final attire, then it’s easy to choose an outfit that reflects their wishes. Otherwise, it can be a difficult decision. Often, the deceased’s religious beliefs will help guide the choice of burial clothing. A classic black dress is a popular choice, as it exudes elegance and solemnity. It also coordinates well with most caskets and coffins. Other popular choices include blouses or tunics paired with jeans or pants, and sweaters or dresses worn over a blouse or shroud. For infants, there are also a variety of options to choose from, such as crocheted or knitted white dresses with little detail, or baby bereavement gowns. Several organizations make these gowns in sizes that range from two to eight pounds, as well as garments for the tiniest preemies weighing less than one pound. There are also a number of artisan designers who create funeral outfits to suit various tastes, from floral and lace gowns to embroidered ones with false shirt fronts to resemble day or evening wear. Others are made of natural fibers, such as calico or bamboo, which can be a good choice for green or woodland burial sites. While choosing the right clothes for a loved one’s burial is a personal and emotional task, it is also an opportunity to reflect on his or her life. Many people enjoy displaying an outfit that reflects their loved one’s personality, interests, or favorite things. For instance, an avid gardener may have a special floral apron to go with the flowers and plants he or she will be buried with. If the deceased has a specific cultural background, incorporating traditional apparel into their burial outfit can be a lovely way to pay tribute. For example, a kilt or kurta can be a beautiful choice for someone who has a strong connection to his or her Scottish, Kurdish, or Iranian heritage. If the person was an elderly woman who had a clear idea of what she wanted to be buried in, it can be a comfort for family members to have her outfit ready. Some women choose to be buried in pajamas and slippers, while others prefer a satin quilted nightgown or even a negligee. One woman who planned her own funeral was buried in a pink silk dress, along with matching hat and jewelry. The resulting look complemented the mahogany casket that held her body.

If you’re a recent bride who has a wedding dress that just doesn’t fit anymore, rather than trying to sell it (which may take months and require a lot of time and energy), consider donating the dress. There are plenty of charities and organizations that would love to give your old gown a new home, while helping others at the same time. Some of these charities will give the dress to another bride, while others repurpose the dresses for other uses. Some have been around for a while, and others are relatively new. Some are based in the US, while others are international. Here are some of the top options for donating your old wedding dress: Brides Against Breast CancerThis nonprofit bridal organization has been accepting donated wedding dresses since 1997. Their goal is to support women impacted by breast cancer, provide early detection programs, and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. They are currently taking donations through their website. The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program This charity repurposes donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns, known as “angel gowns,” and bonnets that are given to families of babies who died in the NICU or at birth. The charity has seamstresses throughout the country who volunteer their time and talent to create these beautiful dresses for grieving families. Dresses can be donated to this organization at its locations, via mail, or by appointment at its warehouse in California. The dresses are donated to the charity to use at its discretion, but typically for events like fundraisers and awareness campaigns. A second option for donating your wedding dress is to give it to a local theater group for use in plays that include a wedding scene. These groups don’t have the budget to buy a brand new wedding dress, so they depend on donors for these costumes. The Salvation Army is a household name when it comes to charitable donations, and they also accept wedding dress donations. They resell the dresses at their thrift stores and use the proceeds to support various charitable initiatives. You can drop off your donation at a Salvation Army location or schedule a free pickup service. When you donate your wedding dress, make sure it’s clean and wrinkle-free. One small tear or stain can ruin the entire look of a white gown, so check carefully before you wrap it up and send it to its new home. For additional protection, pack the dress in an acid-free box or a garment bag to keep it looking good on its journey.

When a baby passes away during or shortly after birth, the grieving family needs something to dress the child in. The outfit can be a dress, a shirt and pants or a blanket. It can include a keepsake charm, a heart or cross and a Bible verse. Then the little one can rest in peace. Across the country, volunteer seamstresses are transforming donated wedding dresses into these outfits for infants who never get to go home. The volunteers are part of an international organization called Angel Gowns. They meet in places like the basement of All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin, Minn., or the home of Edith Hauer, 69. Her group has been working on angel gowns for three years now. Each gown is sewn with love. The group has more than 100 volunteers who work around the country and the world. Each dress makes about 10 burial outfits. The women use beads, ribbons, lace and other embellishments. They sometimes stitch phrases like “heaven’s angel” or add tiny pillows or hats. Hauer and her crew also sew gold bells onto the garments. It’s a reference to the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, where Jimmy Stewart’s character rings a bell when he gets his wings. The group recently donated a box of the gowns to hospitals, including NICUs. NICU Helping Hands oversees the distribution of the gowns. The volunteers hope to give each family a moment of beauty as they say goodbye to their baby. Several women who work on the project have lost children or young family members. The volunteers say it’s a way for them to honor their loved ones and give back to families going through this terrible loss. In addition to gowns, the group also makes outfits for babies who die at other times in life, such as after an accident or during a medical procedure. The organization distributes the outfits free to families who might otherwise not have anything to bury their babies in. The gowns come with a knitted hat and blanket, a keepsake charm and heart or cross and a Bible verse. As a former labor and delivery nurse, Lee Marsters understands how difficult it can be for a family to lose their baby. That’s why she started an Angel Gown of South Bay sewing group in 2016. She says she’s gathered 44 seamstresses who take wedding dresses and prom dresses and turn them into what are called angel gowns for newborns who pass away during or soon after birth. Each outfit is sewn with so much love to honor a little life that was taken far too soon. Marsters hopes that every family who receives a gown will feel the comfort of knowing their baby was dressed with so much care and compassion. To learn more about the group or donate your wedding dress, visit Angel Gowns of South Bay on Facebook. You can even follow your dress’s journey to a developing country (Guatemala is the current destination), and virtually meet your seamstress through social media.

A child funeral is a ceremony held to honour the life of your child who has died. It can take many forms. It may be a full service with your child present, or it could be a memorial ceremony where your child does not attend. It can also be a graveside or other location ceremony where you simply plant flowers and light candles in memory of your child. Many parents worry that their children will be upset by attending a funeral but this is not always the case. If a child is well prepared and understands what to expect from a funeral, most find it a comforting experience. If your child will be attending a funeral, it is a good idea to give them a job at the ceremony so they feel included and important. They can help collect photos for a slideshow, assist with passing out funeral programs or they can offer to read a short tribute at the ceremony. This will make them feel special and will help them deal with the emotions they will be feeling. It is a good idea to have someone who your children trust, such as a favorite aunt or uncle, sit with them during the ceremony to support and care for them. This way if the service becomes too emotional for your child to handle they will have someone they can leave with until they are ready to rejoin the rest of the ceremony. Explain to your child that their sibling’s body may look different than when they were alive and note any marks or scars that might be visible. If your child chooses to touch their sibling’s arm or hair, this is a personal choice and should be left up to them. Consider asking other family members, friends or neighbours to come along and hold up signs with messages for your child. This can be a very moving experience for everyone involved and it can help to ease the burden on you as a parent. If you are unable to afford the costs of your child’s funeral, there are charities that can help. One such charity is Final Farewell, a nonprofit organisation that provides emergency funeral funds for families with children who have passed away. If your child decides not to attend a funeral, it is not unusual for them to later regret this. They may still ask questions about their sibling and a funeral can help to answer those questions. It is a difficult decision to make but it is up to each family and how they want to honour their life. If you need further advice on arranging a child funeral, Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish have useful information.

A new baby requires a lot of clothing. It’s important to have a variety of fabrics and styles, but more than anything else, it’s vital that your infant is comfortable in the clothes you put on them. Rough seams and fabrics that are too tight or scratchy can cause irritation to your newborn’s sensitive skin. Also, you’ll likely need to wash your little one a lot (babies are notorious for dribbles and milk spills) so look for fabric that will sustain frequent washing without becoming discoloured or losing its shape. A soft and stretchy knit fabric is ideal for babies, as it can stretch with your baby’s growth and provides a flexible fit. Look for these features when shopping for shirts and dresses, pajamas, swimsuits, sleeper gowns and bodysuits. You can also find a wide range of options from brands that use organic and sustainable materials. Organic cotton is grown without any harmful chemicals, which means it’s healthier for your little one and better for the environment. Claude & Co, for example, offers gender neutral and eco-friendly clothing in an array of earthy tones and prints. In addition to choosing soft and breathable fabrics, you’ll want to make sure your baby’s clothes meet safety standards and aren’t made with small parts that could pose a choking hazard or toxic chemicals. You can check for these properties by checking the garment label or the website of the brand you’re considering. While you’re shopping for baby clothing, don’t be afraid to size up. It’s common for little ones to grow faster than you might expect, and it’s always better to have an extra-large garment that you can roll up their sleeves or pants on and let them grow into. Once your newborn is home, you’ll need plenty of outfits for day and night, and you may even want to invest in a few outerwear items such as a raincoat or zip-up down snowsuit. And, of course, you’ll need a few blankets to keep your baby warm and cosy. One of our favourite brands for baby clothing is Kissy Kissy, which uses the comfiest Peruvian pima cotton to craft its layette sets and sleeper gowns. The result is a line of clothing that feels like a gentle hug against your little one’s skin. The collection includes neutral-coloured bodysuits with lap shoulders, footie pajamas with easy snap fasteners from top to toe and sleeper gowns featuring peek-a-paw cuffs to prevent self-scratching.

Burial gowns are a special kind of garment that is worn for a loved one who has died. They are designed to look like normal clothing, and they help to preserve the person’s body while keeping them comfortable. They are typically made of a light, soft material and come in a variety of colors. The deceased may have specified in their will or funeral arrangements how they want to be dressed, but if not, a funeral director can usually recommend an outfit that would honor the individual. There are a few things to consider when choosing burial clothes for a loved one who has passed away, including their religious beliefs and the method of their final disposition. Some religions have specific dress and hairstyle requirements that must be followed, so it is important to check with religious leaders to make sure that the clothing you choose will comply. Some people prefer to dress their deceased loved ones in clothes that they wore when they were alive. If the person had a special suit or dress that they liked to wear, this is an excellent option. However, it is also common to dress the deceased in their nightgown or other comfortable clothing. The choice of clothing for the deceased can also be influenced by their age and lifestyle. For example, younger people tend to dress more casually than older adults, so a suit or dress might be inappropriate for them. In these cases, a casual dress or shirt and trousers might be a better choice. It’s a good idea to keep the person’s personal style and personality in mind when selecting their burial clothing, as this will make them feel more at peace with their last moments. For example, a man who preferred to wear dark suits and a hat during his life might wish to be buried in one of his own outfits. Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for burial attire is that many items are sized differently than normal clothing. This is because of the fact that the body will shrink after death, and the fabric of most garments will be tighter than it was when the person was alive. Also, rigor mortis will cause the legs and arms to stiffen up, so some adjustments may need to be made when purchasing clothing for the deceased. Several organizations and charities have created burial clothes to help families who are dealing with the loss of an infant. These include baby bereavement gowns that are crocheted or knitted white dresses that resemble Baptismal or Christening attire. These gowns are available for both boys and girls, and they are made in a wide range of sizes. They can be adorned with embroidery or lace and are often embellished with flowers. There are even bereavement gowns for micro-premature babies, who are born before reaching full gestational age. Another type of funeral gown is a shroud, which is traditionally used by Orthodox Christians and other Christian sects. These are typically made of white cotton or linen, and they can be embroidered with symbols of faith or adorned with crosses. Some companies manufacture funeral robes and shrouds that are made of different materials, including bamboo, hemp, and silk. These are generally suitable for green funerals and natural burial grounds, as they are biodegradable.