Month: April 2024

When it comes to baby clothing, parents are always looking for the best. Whether it’s organic cotton clothes for newborns, cute accessories for girls and boys or special occasion outfits, there are plenty of brands that offer luxe items to meet every need. These brands use environmentally-friendly fabrics, provide photogenic outfits, and feature a wide variety of colors, prints, and designs. They’re also designed with the smallest skin in mind, so they’re gentle on the most sensitive of babies. The basic items you’ll need for your newborn’s wardrobe include bodysuits, onesies, dresses, shirts and pants, sleepers, rompers, footie pajamas, blankets, hats and socks. You’ll also want to keep a few sets of diapering essentials, like changing pad covers and crib sheets, on hand. This allows you to wash and swap out clothing frequently, ensuring that your little one is always wearing clean clothes. Babies grow fast, so it’s important to have a wide selection of mix-and-match clothing options. It’s also a good idea to have a few basics on hand to accommodate warmer and colder weather, as well as seasonal changes. For a daytime outfit, consider a dress or skirt that provides twirl-worthy elegance and comfort. These items work well for a casual playdate or family outing, and there are options featuring playful ruffles, adorable prints, and breathable fabrics that will help the littlest members of your family stay cool. To create a comfortable, womb-like feeling for your baby, try swaddle blankets. These are lightweight, but they’ll feel warm enough to help the baby stay comfortable throughout the night. And, they’re easy to wash and dry, making them the perfect addition to your baby’s wardrobe. A pair of bibs is a must for keeping the first few weeks and months organized, especially during those frequent diaper changes. Look for bibs with a snap-crotch, which will make it easier to get the outfit on and off, and soft fabrics that are gentle on your baby’s skin. You’ll need a few pairs of shoes for your baby, including some trainers that can be worn with a romper or onesie. If your baby is a girl, you’ll want to pick up some ballet shoes or sandals, while boys will need sneakers. If you’re buying for a gender-neutral baby, try some pieces from Mori. This eco-friendly brand uses a blend of bamboo, modal sourced from Beech trees and organic cotton for their garments, which is super soft and sustainable. They use a low-impact dyeing process and ensure the safety of their workers. And, if you’re shopping for a baby boy or girl, check out the colorful, patterned options from Colored Organics. This brand also partners with charitable organizations, which means that your purchase helps kids in need. You’ll also want to have a few hats on hand, which can be easily rotated out to avoid overheating. And, don’t forget to stock up on some socks, which will keep baby’s feet cozy and free of blisters during those first few months.

Burial gowns are specially designed clothing that funeral directors can dress the body of a deceased person in. They are usually made from soft and satin-like fabrics to resemble smart night gowns, pyjamas or dressing gowns and can be designed for men, women or as unisex garments. They can also be embroidered with religious motifs or images for those with particular beliefs and include pockets, so that small personal items such as photographs or a favourite book can be placed inside the casket with the deceased. Traditionally, people were buried in their Sunday best, but as embalming became more widely available, it allowed families to select their loved ones’ preferred clothes for the funeral and burial service. Some people may have specific requests for the type of clothing they would like to be buried in, but the majority will want to be buried in clothes they were comfortable in and that reflect their personality or lifestyle. The burial gown was first mass-produced in the United States after the Civil War as a part of the funeral industry which arose with the introduction of embalming as an acceptable practice. The garment featured in this photograph is one of these dresses, which were offered for sale by A.A. Schmidt & Sons Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, around 1900. Standard baby clothes are often too big for the smallest of babies who die at birth or in infancy, so burial garments are sometimes gifted to parents through charitable schemes run by hospitals and funeral homes. Some families choose to purchase their own, and there are a variety of patterns for sewing small burial garments on the internet, including some that tie at the back. A woman from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, called Nicole Smith was moved by the idea of putting donated wedding dresses to good use when her daughter died after a long illness. She created a website and recruited two experienced seamstresses to help with the project. They modified an existing dress pattern and asked friends to donate wedding dresses. In addition to gowns, the team has also created wraps for newborns, which are designed to resemble baby blankets and can be used to wrap a sleeping infant or place in the manger. The group recently had a donation of acrylic from Plaskolite, which made it much easier to cut uniform patterns of the gowns and wraps so they fit perfectly when sewn. It is important to remember that if the deceased is being cremated, the clothing worn cannot be the same as the clothing to be buried in as some items cannot go into the crematorium due to safety or environmental reasons. This means that clothes with metal or rubber must be removed, and glasses will not be able to be kept on. It is also possible that the ashes will be scattered, so it might be a good idea to think ahead and have an alternate outfit ready.

While some brides decide to keep their wedding dress as a keepsake or pass it on to their child, many more are choosing to donate it. They do so for a variety of reasons, including a lack of storage space, a desire to declutter their home and reduce their carbon footprint. According to Zola, wedding dresses can be donated to thrift stores, charity shops and more. They can also be repurposed as christening gowns or made into wedding anniversary gifts. While preserving your dress is a great option for some, the majority of wedding gowns end up in landfills because they aren’t worn again, which contributes to harmful pollution. Instead, brides can give their special gown a new life by donating it to a bridal store or charity, and they’ll get a tax deduction in the process. Many of the charities and shops that accept wedding dress donations resell them to raise funds for a number of women-focused causes, such as cancer research, helping military families and aiding abuse survivors. In addition, some provide a special service, such as the Brides Against Breast Cancer organization, which sells wedding dresses and uses the proceeds to support families affected by breast cancer. Other charitable organizations repurpose donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns, bonnets and other keepsakes for families who have lost an infant. One example is the Texas-based NICU Helping Hands, which accepts wedding gowns to create “angel gowns” for parents who lose their baby. The nonprofit is currently on a waitlist to receive gowns, but it does accept monetary donations for funeral costs. The Brides for a Cause bridal store in California resells wedding gowns to raise funds for several women’s-focused charities, including supporting military families and aiding abuse survivors. The company has multiple locations and accepts both new and used dresses. If you’re looking to give your wedding gown a second life, it’s important to ensure the dress is in good condition. Most charities and thrift shops require the dresses to be less than five years old, and they may charge a fee for cleaning services. Before donating, check the dress’s label for care instructions and contact the organization to learn their specific guidelines and drop-off or mail-in information. Some places have COVID-19 restrictions in place, and others require you to book an appointment or drop off your dress during the week. It’s also a good idea to talk to a professional cleaner about the process to avoid any potential stains or tears. The philanthropic and environmental benefits of donating a wedding dress make it a smart choice for any newlywed.

Every year in the United States, about 626,000 infants die at birth or shortly after. Many of those babies are stillborn or die during miscarriage, and the families are often left with nothing to bury them with. But a group of volunteers in Minnesota is making a difference by sewing one-of-a-kind angel gowns for these babies, and giving them to their parents free of charge. The gowns are made from donated wedding dresses, prom dresses and other dress wear. The seamstresses often add embellishments like beads, pearls, embroidery and lace. They also make matching hats and bow ties. The outfits are then donated to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes for grieving parents. The volunteer who makes the gowns often never meets the family, but hopes her work can help comfort them. Patty Hauer, 69, is the driving force behind Angel Dresses. She recruited a team of volunteers to meet monthly in the basement of All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin, Minn. They transform wedding and prom dresses into the final outfits for infants who are born stillborn or die soon after. The angel outfits come with a knitted hat and blanket, a heart or cross and a Bible verse, and are given to the families free of charge. Hauer was inspired to start the group after reading a story about a woman who lost her daughter, Sarah. “She told her husband she wished there was something that would have been done for her,” Hauer said. “That’s what started this whole thing.” A month after the column ran, Mangiaracina received 56 dresses and turned them into 1,600 angel gowns, which she has since shipped to hospitals across the nation. She has gotten letters from people as far away as Alaska and California who have read the column and wanted to donate their dresses. In addition to the gowns, the volunteers of Touching Little Lives sew angel wraps and sleep sacks for infants who pass away at any stage of pregnancy. They also make aprons, diaper bags and blankets for boys and girls. Once the garments are completed, representatives from local hospitals pick them up. Bauer, a retired high school math teacher from Ohio, has volunteered with the organization for about three years. Her sewing experience helps her to create the intricate designs of the gowns, which she photographs before and after to send to donors. She also designs patterns for sleep sacks and overalls, and uses scraps of wedding dresses to make matching accessories. The organization has distributed about 25 angel gowns a month, Bauer says. Her work has touched families all over central Ohio, including at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The organization works with more than 50 hospitals throughout the state, and Hauer has received requests for gowns from places as far away as Oregon. But even with the demand, she hasn’t had to turn anyone away.

When a child passes away, parents have to make many decisions that can be very hard for everyone involved. One of the most significant is organising the funeral ceremony. This can be a powerful and healing experience, allowing the family to find closure and begin the journey into adulthood. However, deciding whether or not to bring a child to the ceremony can be a difficult decision for families. Children are often more resilient than we realise, and may well be better able to cope with the situation than adults would expect. Regardless of age, it is important to prepare a child for the experience ahead of time. This can be done by explaining in simple terms what will happen and allowing them to ask questions. It is also helpful to let them know that people grieve differently and that it’s OK to cry. It’s a good idea to explain that they may see adults and other children crying during the service. It is also important to discuss proper funeral etiquette, which may include avoiding loud talking and laughing, as well as not looking at or touching the casket. Some families choose to bury their child with a special teddy or toy that they will keep forever, and others write a letter or poem for them. These can be read during the ceremony or placed in the coffin or urn. It is also possible to include flowers, music and candles in the service. It is often a comfort for siblings to be present for the ceremony, and it can be an opportunity for them to say goodbye to their brother or sister. If a child chooses not to attend the ceremony, it is important to give them a choice and to be honest with them. If you are unsure whether or not your child will handle the experience, consider offering them an alternative, such as a trip to a fun park. If you are bringing your child to the ceremony, it is a good idea to assign someone who will take them out of the service should they become overwhelmed. This person could be a family member, friend or even a babysitter. Make sure that they have a way to contact you in case of an emergency, and that they are familiar with the funeral venue. Depending on the circumstances, it is sometimes appropriate to have your child at the ceremony. This is especially true if they have a healthy relationship with their sibling, or if the ceremony will be led by an experienced celebrant or officiator who is familiar with infants and children. In this situation, it is also a good idea to notify guests of the child’s presence so that they can offer their support accordingly. You might also wish to include a statement on the invitation about the need for quiet and respectful behavior from the children in attendance. This will help to minimize the amount of tense and uncomfortable moments at the ceremony.

Baby clothing is one of the most important purchases new parents make. The clothes they choose will impact not only their child’s comfort, but also the environment and those who work in the industry. Cotton is the gold standard for baby clothing, with many parents choosing cotton onesies and tees over other fabrics because they are so soft and durable. Cotton is also hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t irritate a sensitive infant’s skin – something that every new parent should keep in mind. Cotton is also moisture-wicking, so it can help keep a baby dry and comfortable when sweating occurs. When buying baby clothing, look for options that are easy to put on and take off. This will come in handy during those many diaper changes that are inevitable! You should also consider the fit of a piece of clothing, with many experts suggesting that you purchase clothes that are a little bigger than your baby’s current size. This will allow for a comfortable grow and can save you money in the long run as your baby grows into the clothes. Considering the wide range of fabrics available, you’ll want to pay attention to the fabric type and style when shopping for baby clothes. Some of the most common fabric types include: Body clothes are an essential part of any baby’s wardrobe. They’re great for keeping a newborn warm and are the foundation of any outfit. Some of the most popular body clothes include kimono bodysuits, onesies, sleep sacks, footie pajamas, and gowns. It’s best to stick with organic cotton when shopping for these items because they are breathable and gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin. Outerwear clothes are another key element of a baby’s wardrobe. They can be worn when the weather gets cold or windy and keep your baby cozy and warm. Some of the most popular outerwear clothing pieces include: Jackets: a small coat that protects against rain or snow. Hoodies: a sweater with a hood that covers the head and can be worn over other clothing. Ponchos: a large, unstructured piece of outerwear that can be slipped over the head. Snowsuits: an insulated, waterproof winter coat designed to protect against cold weather. Clothes that keep your baby warm and comfortable in any season will ensure that your baby is a happy baby. You’ll want to stock up on rompers, tees and hats in warmer months and coats and mittens during colder months. In addition to being a sustainable option for babies, organic cotton is a good choice because it supports the environment and the people who work in the industry. When choosing organic cotton, it’s important to look for brands that not only source their materials sustainably but also provide fair wages and working conditions for farm laborers. This is especially important because exposure to agricultural chemicals can be extremely harmful to a baby’s health.

If a loved one has died, the funeral director will often ask you to provide the clothes they’re going to wear in their casket or coffin. This can be an incredibly hard thing to do, particularly for infants or young children who have passed away, as they’re often dressed in small, special outfits. These outfits can be a comfort to families, especially when they’re mourning their loss, and it is important that the clothes are of high quality. In the past, families were able to use their own clothing for the occasion, however, this isn’t always possible now. Most of the time, a garment will need to be specially made for the burial or cremation process. These outfits will need to be made in natural fibres, and will need to be free of elastic waistbands, nylon threads, synthetic linings, buttons and plastic zips. These outfits are often made by charities who specialise in the manufacture of bereavement gowns, and can be bought from a range of online catalogs. Many of these gowns are similar to Christening or Baptismal dresses, and they come in a variety of sizes and colours. These types of gowns are often very expensive, and they can be difficult for some families to afford. For this reason, some charities also make their own clothing for funerals and crematoriums, which is usually much more affordable. These gowns are often very simple, and they may be made from either linen or cotton. It’s possible to sew your own gowns for a baby funeral, and there are a number of patterns available to help with this. There are many different size options, so it’s important to choose the right pattern for your needs. For small babies, a plain, white, short gown with long sleeves will probably be the best option. This type of dress can be used for a memorial service, or as the baby’s final outfit, and it can be kept by their parents as a keepsake. Some people also like to knit their own outfits for a funeral, which can be a very moving and personal activity. There are various knitting patterns available online, including some that are designed specifically for infants, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style and size requirements. When deciding what to wear at a funeral, it’s important to consider your loved one’s style in life. Did they prefer casual clothes, or did they enjoy dressing up? You should also think about the style of the funeral itself – for example, if your loved one wants an open casket funeral, you might want to consider whether their clothes will be suitable. For more information about making a bereavement gown, or for other resources about funerals and grieving, please see the following links. We’d also love to hear from you if you have any questions about this article, or if you’d like to share your own sewing project with us! Please contact us via email for more information.

When you get married, the wedding dress that you wore on your big day has sentimental value long after your wedding. But if you never intend to wear it again, what are you to do with it? Instead of keeping it in a closet to collect dust, consider giving your gown a new life. There are many meaningful charities that accept preowned bridal dresses and give them a second chance at being worn on someone else’s special day. The first thing to do before donating is to have the dress professionally cleaned. This prevents the fabric from getting damaged. It’s also a good idea to label the box with helpful information such as the dress size, the name of the designer, and the year it was made. This helps the charity volunteers find your dress more quickly and reduces the risk of it getting mixed up with other donations. Next, research the various charities that accept wedding dresses before choosing the one to donate it to. Some of these include: Brides Across America: This organization provides free wedding dresses to military brides and first responders who can’t afford the cost of a wedding. The nonprofit has been operating since 2012 and has given away over 2,000 dresses to those who need it most. Adorned in Grace: This organization sells used wedding dresses in Washington and Oregon and uses the proceeds to support women-focused causes such as preventing sex trafficking. Forever Angels of Virginia: This charity repurposes donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns or “angel gowns” for babies who die in the NICU. Alternatively, you could donate your wedding dress to a local thrift store. There are plenty of these establishments in every town that are willing to take your unwanted wedding gown. Some of these organizations may offer a tax deduction for the donation. Aside from being environmentally friendly, another reason to donate your wedding dress is that it takes up valuable space in your closet. Many brides only wear their wedding dresses once, but they’re tucked away in a closet or storage container afterward. If you donate the dress, you can make room for a few more pairs of shoes or some other items that would be beneficial to others.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and times of heartbreaking sorrow. For parents who experience the unimaginable loss of a baby before, during or shortly after birth, angel gowns can offer comfort and peace. These tiny garments, often made from repurposed wedding dresses, are gifted to families through hospital bereavement programs and directly to grieving parents. They are also cherished keepsakes, preserving precious memories that last a lifetime. The work of the seamstresses is a labor of love. They volunteer their time and skill to transform the lace, satin and silk of donated wedding gowns into the little dresses that are presented to grieving families. For many, it is a way to honor their own losses and to help those whose experiences are very different from theirs. For instance, Edith splurged on a new sewing machine and now stitches phrases like “heaven’s angel” onto the gowns. Shirley adds antique buttons she’s collected from her mother’s collection and often sews hats and tiny pillows to each outfit, inspired by the movie It’s A Wonderful Life (at the end of the film Jimmy Stewart’s character rings a bell signifying that Clarence the angel has received his wings). Every year in the United States alone, over 626,000 babies are born through stillbirth or miscarriage. It is the goal of our organization to provide a beautiful one-of-a-kind, angel gown to every child who doesn’t get to go home with his or her parents. In our community, two women who have a very personal connection to the work of angel gowns are Dawn Crippen and her daughter Krystle Black. They started the Little Angel Gowns SW MI Chapter of this national nonprofit last year after they were moved by an article in The Kalamazoo Gazette. The organization works in partnership with hospitals and birthing centers to provide the dresses to families free of charge. They are used for final photos or to dress a baby for burial. The mother-daughter duo make the garments in their home and spend each morning after they drop their children off at school before sewing into the night. Our NICU team is proud to work with Dignity Health – St Mary Medical Center, which is committed to providing compassionate care and a healing environment to its patients. We are honored to receive their gifts of love and comfort, including these beautiful angel gowns. If you would like to donate your own wedding dress to be transformed into an angel gown, please contact us here! You will be able to follow your dress’ journey to a developing country (Guatemala is currently the country dresses are going to), meet your seamstress via social media and learn about her family. You can choose to have your dresses sent to a developing country or have them returned to you to be donated in the States. We hope that you will consider donating your dress to our organization!

A child funeral can be a painful, difficult and upsetting time for everyone. However, if children are prepared for what is to happen they can usually cope and often find the ceremony comforting. Children need to know that it is ok to ask questions and have feelings of sadness, anger or fear. The main aim of a child funeral is to honour the life of a loved one in a way that is meaningful and special to the family. This is often achieved through a small memorial service at the graveside, crematorium or another suitable location. This can include readings, prayers or a short video of photos or music. Alternatively, it could be a simple ceremony in the home with the deceased’s ashes being buried or a candle-lighting at home or in a public place. It is important to take the time to explain what will happen at a funeral and to answer any questions that your child may have. This can be done in advance of the funeral or on the day, and it is a good idea to bring a picture book to help them understand what will happen and why. It is also a good idea to let your child visit the venue before the funeral, if possible. This can give them more freedom to react and allows them to explore the room, ask questions and prepare for the ceremony. If your child will be seeing their sibling in a casket, it is important to reassure them that their sibling will not be in pain or cold and can not see them. It is also a good idea to talk about the appearance of their sibling, how they look and if there will be any changes in their body, so that they are not surprised or shocked when they see their body at the funeral. You can also help them by explaining that at a funeral people come to pay their respects to the person who has died. Many children will want to touch or kiss their sibling in the casket, but this is not something that needs to be forced on them. They should be able to choose whether or not to do this and it is a good idea to have someone available who can distract them if they become restless. Children can sometimes be overwhelmed at a funeral and it is important to make sure they have a drink, food or snack to keep them hydrated, comfortable and well-fed. It is also a good idea to have an extra adult with them who can support them, particularly if they are finding the experience distressing. Having a friend or relative to stay with your child during the service can be a very helpful way of keeping them calm and engaged. If your child is too young to attend a funeral it can be very helpful to record the service so that they can watch it later, with close adult supervision of course. This can be a very moving and healing experience for them and they can then share memories of their brother or sister with other family members.