Month: June 2024

Whether you’re shopping for your own new-born or buying a gift, the right baby clothes are essential to help them grow and feel comfortable. Choosing natural fabrics that are breathable and free from pesticides, chemicals and flame retardants is a great start. Organic cotton is becoming increasingly popular as parents seek eco-friendly options. It is also softer and more comfortable for newborns’ sensitive skin. Additionally, it supports fair wages and a safer working environment for farm laborers who produce it. Aside from comfort, practicality is the most important factor to consider when choosing baby clothing. You’ll need outfits that are easy to put on and take off between diaper changes, feedings, burping, bathing and naptimes. Look for clothes with snaps and zippers that are simple to use and avoid those with buttons, which can be difficult for young babies to grasp. Bodysuits are the backbone of any baby wardrobe. These are one-piece outfits that snap between the legs and come in a variety of styles, including sleeveless and long-sleeved variants. They’re perfect for layering or pairing with pants, skirts and shorts. And because of their snap-crotch design, they’re ideal for quick and easy diapering. Rompers are another staple of a newborn’s wardrobe. These are similar to bodysuits, but they extend to cover the legs and have feet, making them perfect for playing or napping. They are usually made of a lightweight fabric like cotton and can have sleeveless or long-sleeved designs. They can be paired with shorts, skirts and pants for warmer weather or dresses when the temperature drops. For the colder seasons, you’ll want to stock up on cozy outfits that provide ample insulation without overheating your little one. One-piece sleepers and tees are great for daytime wear, while rompers or bubbles are perfect for nighttime. On chillier days, a light jacket or zip-up down snowsuit is a must. And of course, you’ll need plenty of blankets to keep them warm and bundled up! Aside from the seasonal clothes, you’ll need a variety of everyday outfits that your baby will enjoy wearing. Onesies with cute prints, bright colors and unique designs will add fun to their wardrobe. You may also want to pick up some hats and socks that can protect them from the sun or prevent cold feet. A few pairs of sneakers are also a good idea for outdoor activities. Finally, you’ll want to have a few extra sets of clothes on hand in case of spills and accidents.

When a loved one passes away, it’s common for family members to want to bury them in something that represents them and their life. Traditionally, people would dress their deceased in a dress or suit for the service, but nowadays families can choose from all sorts of outfits. We’ve heard of people dressing their loved ones in Harley-Davidson jackets and classic cars, but what about a dress they always wore at weddings or a sweater they couldn’t leave home without? It was in the aftermath of her son’s stillbirth that Hazel Jones started sewing clothes to be buried with babies. She uses her workshop, which used to be part of her living room, to cut down formal gowns and other items that she would otherwise donate. She found that there were services to provide burial clothes for babies, but not many outfits small enough to fit the tiniest preemies. Jones says that she has made hundreds of outfits so far and is working on even more. In addition to gowns, she has sewed tiny knitted caps, diapers and “Angel Pockets” for the tiniest preemies. She has also been able to use her sewing skills to help families of people who have died as the result of natural causes, as well as for refugees from war-torn countries. When she began helping refugee families, they often didn’t have a dress for their sons and daughters because they were born so early. So Wright started using dresses from her own collection that were blue or beige and adding ribbons to make outfits for boys. While it is fine to bury a loved one with certain accessories, it’s important to remember that these are items they will never wear again and it’s best not to add anything too heavy because it can put strain on the body as it decomposes. The funeral director will be able to advise on what is and is not suitable to bury with the casket. In addition, it’s good to consider any religious or cultural guidelines the person would have wanted adhered to at their burial. Some religions, like Catholicism, have strict guidelines about what can be worn, and some cultures prefer lighter colors for funeral clothing. A shroud can be used for both natural and green burials. It’s made from linen, which is a sustainable fiber and biodegradable. It’s also a light material that allows for a more detailed look at the body. There are other natural and green burial outfits available on the market, and most funeral homes will have a selection of these to choose from as well. Some funeral homes will offer a funeral gown that is similar to a pyjama, and this can be very comforting for the deceased’s loved ones. It will be important to talk with your funeral director about what you’d like for your loved one before they die. Ultimately, it’s up to the family to decide what will bring peace and comfort during this time.

If your wedding dress has remained wrapped in a box since the day you wed, it may be time to give it a second life. From helping a bride in need to transforming your gown into a cherished family heirloom, there are many ways to donate your gown. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this meaningful act, how to prepare your dress for donation, and more! Several charities specialize in taking worn wedding dresses and turning them into beautiful keepsakes for other brides. Some are based in the United States, while others have national or international reach. These charity organizations help a wide variety of people and couples, from women experiencing financial hardship to those who have lost loved ones to the pandemic. They often have a short process for vetting dresses and do not require you to have them professionally cleaned prior to donation. Depending on the charity, they may also accept bridal accessories like veils and tiaras, as well. Brides Against Breast Cancer: Donated gowns are resold at affordable prices to raise funds for various women-focused causes, including early cancer detection programs. The organization is one of the oldest programs to focus on wedding gowns, and it has one of the shortest deadlines for gown donations, at three years or less after your big day. Dresses for the Bride: These bridal showrooms in Portland, Oregon; Tacoma and Seattle, Washington; and Sacramento, California sell donated dresses to support local and national women’s-based charitable organizations. They also take prom and formal gowns, bridal accessories, and other clothing. The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program: This nonprofit organization in Texas takes donated gowns and turns them into infant burial or “angel gowns,” bonnets, and other keepsake items that are given to families who have lost a baby during pregnancy or at birth. The organization currently has a waitlist, but is seeking monetary donations to fund the cost of shipping these custom gowns to families. A Goodwill Store: These retail outlets accept wedding dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, and other gowns for resale at discounted prices. A percentage of the proceeds is used to support local and national charitable causes, such as preventing homelessness and supporting sex trafficking victims. For a more personal touch, consider having your dress made into a ring pillow, garter, or other wedding accessory. Or, have it transformed into a baptism or christening gown for a young female relative. There are also plenty of creative ways to repurpose your gown, from a sash to a reworked cocktail dress. Just be sure to check the donation guidelines for specific requirements. For example, some bridal boutiques and other organizations will not accept dresses that have been cut or altered in any way. Other charities will not accept dresses that are more than five years old. Whether you decide to keep your dress or repurpose it, your generosity can help someone else’s big day be all that they imagined, and may even provide them with a tax deduction, according to Martha Stewart Weddings.