Year: 2023

Baby clothing is often delicate and soft, but it also needs to be durable. Babies are prone to spills and stains, so you’ll need clothes that can withstand multiple washes and wears without losing their shape or color. Cotton and bamboo are good choices for durable fabrics, as they’re both strong and absorbent. In addition, breathable natural materials are essential for babies, as their thin skin can easily absorb the chemicals and allergens used in synthetic materials. Babies are surprisingly active, so you’ll want plenty of clothing options to keep them comfortable while playing and exploring their surroundings. For example, 2-in-1 dresses (which have a dress top half and a romper bottom half) are popular choices for young babies because they can move around freely while keeping warm. Young babies may also enjoy wearing hoodies or snowsuits to protect them from the cold. In addition, it’s a good idea to have a few pairs of long pants and shorts for the warmer months, as well as a few sets of zip-up or button-up footie pajamas for lounging around at home. While you’re shopping for baby clothes, remember to check the fabric labels to ensure that the garments meet safety standards and do not contain any small parts that could be choking hazards or use any dangerous chemicals. You’ll also want to look for clothing that is made with a soft, stretchy material, so it’s comfortable and allows your child to move freely. One of the best types of baby clothes to purchase is organic cotton. Organic cotton is free of pesticides and herbicides, which are harmful to children. Conventional cotton is sprayed with many different toxic chemicals during its processing, and these toxins can easily be absorbed by the infant’s sensitive skin. Organic cotton is also a sustainable crop, which means it can be grown without the use of harsh chemicals. Another great type of baby clothing is merino wool. Merino wool is a durable, naturally breathable fiber that’s also hypoallergenic and antibacterial. It’s also odor-resistant, which is helpful for new parents who don’t have much time to wash their child’s clothes. In addition, merino wool is very soft and stretchy, making it comfortable for infants to wear. In terms of color and design, it’s important to choose clothing that is bright and cheerful so your child can stay happy while wearing it. Brightly colored outfits are easy to spot, which is especially important when your little one is trying to explore their surroundings. In addition, it’s a great idea to purchase a few colorful accessories that will match your child’s personality, such as shoes that light up or reflective apparel. As you can see, there are a wide variety of baby clothes available to keep your infant comfortable and happy. With careful shopping, you can find high-quality, comfortable baby clothes that will stand up to repeated washings and wear while still looking good. By using this guide to help you shop, you can make the best choices for your infant’s wardrobe.

When a loved one passes away, the family must make a number of arrangements to properly memorialize them. This includes deciding what to dress them in for their final viewing and funeral service. This attire is often based on their cultural background, personal style, and religious beliefs. For some, it is also a way to express their unique personality and character. The outfit they wear in death can leave a lasting impression on those who come to pay their respects and may even influence their final resting place or cemetery selection. In general, burial clothing tends to lean towards a more formal approach. Men often choose suits and ties while women are commonly dressed in gowns or dresses. However, this is a broad generalization and there are many options for people to consider. For example, some families prefer to dress their loved ones in casual clothes or items that represented their hobbies and interests. Others may choose to bury their loved ones in the uniforms they wore in the military or as members of certain organizations. While you may be tempted to shop for special outfits that are meant for the funeral, it is best to start by considering your loved one’s closet. Many times, a deceased person will already have an outfit in mind that they want to be buried in or would have worn if they were alive. This can be a comforting and sentimental option that will allow them to remain in familiar attire in their last days. If you are unable to find a suitable outfit for your loved one, you can still make a statement by creating a unique handmade burial garment. There are several companies and charities that will provide you with a pattern and instructions for making your own dress or gown. This will give you the freedom to create a gown that truly reflects your loved one’s personality and style in life. In some cases, a deceased person will have specific clothing requirements based on their religion. If this is the case, it is a good idea to consult with a religious leader or someone who has knowledge of your faith’s customs regarding funeral attire. For example, some traditions require that a deceased person be buried in white which symbolizes purity and virtue. Aside from choosing an outfit that you feel represents your loved one’s personality, it is important to remember that the clothing must be comfortable and dignified. For this reason, a dress is usually preferred over pants or shorts. Additionally, the fabric should be made of natural materials to prevent stains or discoloration from body fluids. It is also important to keep in mind that rigor mortis will cause the body to shrink and change shape which can cause some clothing items to fit poorly or be difficult to move around in. It is also recommended to avoid using elastic waistbands, nylon threads, synthetic linings or plastic zippers on your loved one’s clothing. These types of fabrics will likely be abrasive against the skin and could cause discomfort for your loved one in the long run.

Many girls dream of a fairy tale wedding and the perfect dress to match. While some brides choose to keep their gown wrapped up in the closet forever, others decide to donate it and give it a second life with someone else. The reasons for donating vary from lack of storage space to wanting a tax deduction or simply wanting to help others in need. Before donating your dress, make sure that it is clean and in good condition. Then, contact the charity and check their guidelines. Some organizations require specific requirements such as the age of the dress, size, style or color. Some also accept bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses and bridal accessories. Before donating, it is important to research the organization and see if their values and mission align with your own. A popular option for donating a wedding gown is the Brides Project in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This charity resells donated dresses, with the proceeds benefiting free programming for families affected by cancer. The Brides Project only accepts dresses that are five years old or younger. Another option is to donate your dress to a local theater group. These groups perform plays that often include a wedding scene. By donating the gown, you can help the next playwright create the perfect look without having to buy a new one. In addition, some wedding and bridal expos organize events where brides can purchase discounted or donated dresses. Check out the event’s website and social media to find out if they accept gown donations or exchanges. You can also reach out to the organizers directly and ask about their donation policies. If you want to make a larger impact, consider donating your gown to an organization that provides weddings for military and first responder women for free through their Operation Wedding Gown events. The organization outfits over 26,000 brides every year. You can find a list of locations and contact information on their website. NICU Helping Hands, an international nonprofit that offers emotional and practical support to families of premature infants, accepts donated wedding dresses. These gowns are then transformed into angel gowns, which are offered to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes for babies who pass away during their time in the NICU. Finally, if you’re looking to declutter your closet and give your dress a second life, look for local thrift stores or bridal shops that offer gowns for sale. These shops will likely have a section specifically dedicated to gowns that were previously worn by other brides. These dresses are usually priced less than $500, making them a great option for brides on a budget. You can also try reaching out to local buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook and online forums. Many of these groups have wedding gown sections where members can post photos and details about their gowns for sale or donation.

When Tess Soholt stumbled upon an old wedding dress at a thrift store, it wasn’t the usual purchase she would make. But the 71-year-old Minnesota grandmother saw something more: “a symbol of joy for a life that never began.” Soholt is one of many volunteer seamstresses around the country who sew tiny handmade gowns, called angel gowns, to bring dignity to infants who die during pregnancy or at birth. The gowns, which are made from donated dresses, help families remember their lost loved ones. The gowns are distributed free of charge to hospitals and families. And for Soholt and other seamstresses, the work is a labor of love, often with profound personal significance. “If I can help a family in their time of grief and loss, then that is what I want to do,” she says. Soholt, a retired labor and delivery nurse, was inspired to start her own angel gown program after reading about one in a Huffington Post article. It touched a chord with her, as she had lost a baby in the NICU after her first delivery. She also recalled her own mother’s grief over her stillborn daughter. “As a mother, you just feel so broken and empty,” she said. “The loss of a child is always so hard, and it’s even harder when you don’t get to celebrate the little milestones like their birthday or their first Christmas.” Soholt started her own nonprofit, Angel Gowns of South Bay, and enlisted others in her church to help. Now, more than 20 seamstresses from San Pedro to Redondo Beach are helping her fill the request for gowns. The organization donates the outfits to hospitals in the area and across the country, including Dignity Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center Long Beach in California, where a state-of-the-art 53-bed level 3 NICU cares for babies from Pomona Valley and beyond. Often, a gown can be the first and last outfit an infant wears before they are cremated or buried. That makes the outfits all the more meaningful for families, said NICU Helping Hands Founder and Executive Director Lisa Grubbs. “When families receive these gowns, it’s really an honor to be a part of their journey,” she said. For seamstresses, making the garments is also therapeutic. “Many of these women have had a personal experience with loss,” Grubbs said. “For some, this is the first time they’ve ever sat down to do this kind of sewing. It’s very healing.” Each outfit takes about a week to complete. And though the gowns are meant for newborns, they also serve as a keepsake for older siblings and adults who have experienced a similar loss. “It’s important for them to have that reminder, especially if the loss is recent,” Grubbs said. So far, the organization has donated more than 1,600 angel gowns. And that number is growing. A man in Puyallup recently contacted the group after seeing the column. His wife had died, and he wanted to donate her wedding dress so that it could be turned into an angel gown for another family.

A child funeral is an event that no one wants to have but is something that can happen to anyone. Having the right supports and guidance can make it a less stressful experience for everyone involved. Children will have many questions and need reassurance that everything will be taken care of. It is important that the questions are answered calmly and honestly. This will help put them at ease and allow them to focus on the service rather than worry about what might happen. Explain the logistics of the service to your child, including where they will be sitting and what will happen during the service. Be sure to include any special requirements like wearing dressier clothes or if a section of seats is reserved for immediate family members. You should also explain why they might need to be quiet and sit still for long stretches of time. If your child is old enough to understand, ask them if they would like to participate in the service in some way. This could be a reading, singing a song or delivering a tribute speech. If they choose to do this, ask the person in charge of the ceremony if they can accommodate them and if there is a microphone available. You may wish to talk to your children about their sibling who has died and what the funeral will be like. It can be helpful for children to have a physical reminder of their loved one and if they feel comfortable, they can touch their sibling’s arm or hair. However, if the body feels cold or looks different, it is a good idea to tell your children that their sibling has died and they cannot come back to life. Depending on your child’s age, it can be helpful to have a trusted friend or relative keep watch over them during the service. This can be especially helpful if you need to leave them temporarily (to view the casket or make a speech for example). It is also a good idea to bring some sort of book, favourite toy or quiet game for your child to use in case they get restless or overwhelmed during the ceremony. You can also ask a friend to stay after the funeral to spend some one-on-one time with your child. Remember that your child is a person first and grieving is just as natural for them as it is for you. They will show their grief in their own way and it is important to allow them to do this, even if it means taking them outside for a while or giving them permission to play. It can be a good idea to take them to the funeral home and other locations in advance to familiarize them with what will happen. For further guidance, see our article about How to Comfort a Grieving Child.

A new baby comes with a lot of responsibility, and making sure your little one is comfy and well-dressed is top of the list. When it comes to the clothing, soft fabrics are key for comfort and durability. Here are some of the best options: Cotton: This all-natural fiber is hypoallergenic and easy to clean, so it’s ideal for babies with sensitive skin. It’s also breathable, so it helps your baby stay cool without getting too sweaty. Cotton’s strength makes it a great choice for spills and messes, since it doesn’t tear as easily as some other materials. Wool: Another natural fabric, wool is a warm option that’s breathable and can help regulate your baby’s temperature. It’s also eco-friendly and biodegradable, meaning it will break down quickly and naturally once it’s no longer used. Muslin: A lightweight cotton fabric that’s often used for swaddles and summer clothes, muslin is soft and breathable, ensuring your baby stays comfortable. However, it’s not as durable as some other materials, and it can be prone to holes and rips if it isn’t washed properly. Fleece: A warm, cozy material that’s often used for winterwear and outerwear, fleece is both breathable and durable. It also helps to keep your baby warm while preventing them from overheating, which can lead to fussiness and sleep problems. Organic: Made with no synthetic dyes or chemicals, organic cotton is a good choice for infants with sensitive skin. It’s also softer than conventional cotton and less likely to cause irritation. Babies grow fast, so it’s important to buy enough clothes in each size. You’ll want to stock up on onesies and footie pajamas for the daytime, and some cute outfits for when you’re out and about. It’s a good idea to have some bibs, socks, and hats on hand too. Garment Care: Make sure you read the garment care instructions on all of your baby’s clothes, as some require more delicate washing methods than others. For example, cotton and polyester can usually be added to a standard wash cycle, while other materials may need to be washed by hand or on a gentle setting. In general, try to avoid anything with zippers and buttons on the back of the garment. They might be difficult to reach and hard for your baby to open, so they could get trapped or pulled out accidentally during playtime. Also, look for clothes that have elastic waists or Velcro, as these are easier to adjust during diaper changes. These features will save you time and frustration, as they’ll allow you to change your baby quickly and easily. After all, no one wants to spend more time than necessary changing a fussy or hungry baby!

A final viewing of a loved one leaves a lasting impression, and the outfit that they are dressed in is an important part of that memory. Although some people choose to wear their favorite pair of jeans or a T-shirt, it is much more common for families to dress their loved ones in formal attire. Suits and dresses are traditional options for men and women, but many people also opt to dress their deceased family members in clothing that reflects their personality, interests, or culture. Many companies offer a variety of clothing options for people who want to dress their deceased loved ones in their favorite outfit. These outfits range from traditional funeral robes to burial shrouds. The selection of clothes for a deceased person can be made easier by following their wishes, if they left instructions in their will or told family members what they wanted to wear. Traditionally, it was the responsibility of a spouse or close family member to provide the deceased with an outfit for their funeral. These days, that is not always the case, but it is still a good idea to consider what would be most appropriate for your loved one. For example, if they were a fashionista and had a flair for style, dressing them in something that reflects their taste may be appropriate. For a man, a suit is typically the most popular choice of clothing for a funeral. This type of outfit can be paired with a necktie or bowtie and a button-down shirt for an added touch of personalization. For a woman, a simple black dress is often the most fitting choice. This type of outfit exudes elegance and solemnity. If you are looking for a more unique outfit, consider a kimono or kilt. This type of attire can be a beautiful way to honor a deceased person’s cultural background and heritage. Other options include a sarong, kurta, or national dress that is worn for religious purposes. When deciding on what outfit to choose for your loved one, make sure to keep in mind their preferences and how they lived their life. If you know what their tastes were when they were alive, it will be easier to pick out an outfit that will honor them in their passing. Aside from buying ready-made burial gowns and aprons, you can also sew your own for a more personalized option. There are a number of sewing patterns for burial gowns and angel wraps that can be found online. In addition, there are a few charities that specialize in making custom gowns for premature babies and other children who have passed away. These garments can be extremely comforting to the family who is struggling with the loss of a child. They are an excellent alternative to the hospital blankets that many parents receive or find in a donation bin at their local hospital.

Wedding dresses are a work of art that take a seamstress countless hours to create. So when it’s time to let go of your dress, you want to give it a loving home rather than having it sit in storage or get thrown out. Thankfully, there are plenty of places you can donate your wedding gown to. Here are a few options to consider: Most Goodwill locations accept wedding gowns and other bridal accessories. Some Goodwill stores even hold yearly bridal events where donated dresses are displayed and sold. But it’s best to contact your local Goodwill in advance to see what their donation policies are, since each location may have a different policy. The Salvation Army is a household name when it comes to charitable donations, but some people don’t know that the organization also accepts donated wedding dresses and other bridal accessories. The charity sells the dresses in its thrift stores to raise funds for its various charitable programs. Donated dresses are typically displayed at its annual bridal events, but the dress can also be purchased directly online. Brides Against Breast Cancer is another nonprofit that accepts donated wedding dresses. The organization’s goal is to help women fight the disease by promoting early detection and prevention through its education and awareness programs. Donated dresses are used to fund these programs, so every dollar counts when you donate your wedding dress to this organization. A more traditional donation option is to give your dress to The White Dress Project, which has been in business since 2008. Donated dresses are resold by the nonprofit at Operation Wedding Gown events for military and first responder brides, and the proceeds go toward the organization’s mission. This organization is a great choice for those who want to make an impact in their community and country. If you’re interested in donating your dress to The White Dress Project, the organization asks that you fill out an online form and provide information about the gown, such as size and condition. The nonprofit will then provide you with a tax receipt. Another option for donating your wedding dress is Adorned in Grace, which works to support sex trafficking victims and bring awareness to communities. The organization has a number of stores where newlyweds can purchase new and gently-used wedding dresses, bridal accessories, and formalwear. The sales proceeds help to provide professional counseling for survivors, education on sex trafficking, and more. Before donating your dress, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the organization’s guidelines. Some charities have restrictions about the age, style, and size of gowns they can accept. And others require that your gown be professionally cleaned before donating it. You can also find companies that will frame your wedding dress, turning it into a beautiful memento of your big day. This is a great option for those who don’t feel comfortable giving their wedding dress away or who want to keep it as a keepsake.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. For parents who lose a newborn, angel gowns provide a little bit of comfort in this unimaginable time. These garments, made out of wedding dresses, are hand sewn by volunteer seamstresses across the country and sent to NICUs to give families a final goodbye to their tiny baby. For many of the seamstresses behind these gowns, their work is deeply personal. They’ve experienced the loss of a child themselves or have friends who have, and they feel that making these gowns gives them an opportunity to do something meaningful in their loved one’s memory. They also have a special connection to the hospitals they send their creations to, like the NICU at University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock. The gowns are made from wedding and special occasion dresses that would otherwise be thrown away or forgotten in closets around the country. A group of women in Western New York, for example, use these donated dresses to make angel gowns that are sent to NICUs in the area and across the nation. “My purpose is to bring a sliver of hope to these families,” says volunteer Angel Ray, who founded the nonprofit Angel Gowns of WNY. She remembers the emptiness of losing her own son, who was stillborn at 18 weeks gestation. She also remembers the gift of a simple angel gown she received from an Iowa hospital to wrap her tiny Andrew in after his death. “I felt it was a beautiful way to honor him and his brief life,” she recalls. “It was just so beautiful and something I will carry with me forever.” A few months after her own son’s passing, Ray saw a post on Facebook about an organization in Texas that makes angel gowns for babies who die before they can go home from the hospital. She knew right away that was what she had to do. “No family should have to look through the lost and found tub for clothing for their little one,” she says. “And this provides them with a dress they can keep.” Angel Gowns of WNY is always looking for additional seamstresses to help make these gowns, and monetary donations are welcome as well. A $100 donation allows donors to follow their dresses’ journey to a developing country (Guatemala is currently the destination), virtually meet their seamstress and learn more about their story. In the end, what’s most important is that these women and others like them are able to turn their own grief into something good for others. “It is profoundly moving to witness these precious family members experience tears of joy as they select a gown for their baby,” says Dignity Health – St. Marys Medical Center Long Beach NICU pediatrician Dawne Goncalves, who works closely with the Sunshine State Angel Gowns group in Florida. “This gift of a bereavement gown is an incredible gift of healing and love.” (Source: University of Arkansas Medical Center)

The loss of a child can be especially difficult for many families. It can be difficult to know what to do or say in the face of such a terrible tragedy. It is important to remember that a child funeral can be done in a way that allows children to participate in the memorial service and process their grief. It can also be a way to honor the deceased and make them a part of your family’s legacy. Discuss with your child what will happen at the funeral before the service. Explain in an age appropriate way that there will be singing, people might talk about them, there may be a casket or urn and religious rituals. You should also tell them that people might cry at the service and that is ok. You should also ask your child if they want to go or if they would prefer not to. Do not force your child to attend a funeral if they do not want to. When the day of the funeral arrives, plan activities that will be fun for your child and give them the opportunity to say goodbye. For example, pass a microphone and invite friends and family members to share their favorite memories of the deceased; or have a slideshow of photos or video that they can watch together. You can also set up stations where guests can write messages on a message board or matted picture frame, sign a balloon, paste a photo on a lantern and watch it float away into the sky or bake cupcakes with their loved one’s favorite frosting recipe. During the ceremony, be prepared to remove your child if they become overwhelmed and cannot cope with the situation. This might be because they are having a hard time processing the event or if they are making too much noise. It is helpful to have a support person designated for this purpose so that they can take the child from the setting and return them when they are ready to continue with the service. If the funeral is at a cemetery, have fun activities for the child to do while there. For example, if there is an open casket, have your child tell their story to other people who are visiting the body. You can also ask guests to sprinkle glitter or scatter flower petals on the grave. Some parents also choose to have their children escorted to the grave by fire trucks or police cars, which they find comforting. In addition, prepare your child in advance for what they might see at the graveside. They might have to walk a long distance, and it is possible they might be surrounded by other grieving adults. You should also help them understand what happens after death and what your beliefs are about this. You should also talk about any rumors they might have heard so that they are better equipped to handle them.