Year: 2024

When shopping for newborn baby clothing, it’s important to consider the fabric. Not all materials are created equal: Some can be too itchy for infant skin and others don’t provide the necessary warmth. The best choice for baby clothes is cotton, which is breathable and soft and provides a comfortable layer that will help keep your little one cozy. The best baby brands offer a variety of fabrics, styles and sizes for all seasons. During the warmer months, opt for rompers that feature snaps or zippers to make it easy to change diapers and clothes. These outfits also come in a wide range of designs, from simple ruffles to floral prints that work for both girls and boys. For chilly weather, pick up a cute winter coat or a blanket-style sleeping bag (known as a “bundting sack”). You may also want to pick up some booties and sun hats to protect your baby from the elements. For special occasions, a cute dress is ideal. Look for a sweet little number with details like faux suspenders, bow ties and frills that mimic the look of a formal gown. Miniclasix offers options that are perfect for weddings, christenings and birthday parties, as well as everyday attire. Muslin is an excellent material for swaddles and sleepwear. It’s lightweight, soft and breathable, making it a good choice for summer outfits. However, it doesn’t provide as much insulation as other materials, so you may need to add more layers during the colder months. If you’re shopping for a luxury christening or newborn gift, Elegant Baby offers an array of tasteful outfits made with high-quality fabrics. The collection includes a selection of knit sweaters and cardigans, as well as dresses and pants. Some items are even designed with matching siblings’ outfits. A new baby needs a lot of clothes, but you don’t have to go overboard. A few key pieces should be enough for the first few months. Look for bodysuits that offer the one-and-done convenience of a matching outfit and have lap shoulders to prevent pulling up on the head. Newborn footie pajamas are another must-have that provide the comfort of a bodysuit with built-in feet. Some baby clothing is more gender-specific than others, but the majority of infants are not yet able to distinguish their own sexes. For that reason, it’s perfectly fine to buy gender neutral clothing. Whether you choose stretchy lace headbands adorned with flowers for girls or rugged denim headbands for boys, gender-neutral outfits are easy to find in stores and online.

Burial gowns are garments designed to be worn for the final dress of an individual. The choice of burial clothing is often a personal and sensitive one, and can be influenced by a number of factors including the individual’s cultural background, religious beliefs, and style preferences. In many cultures, the wearing of traditional cultural attire is a meaningful way to pay tribute to an individual’s heritage and honor their legacy. While there is no formal rule on what to wear at a funeral, it is common to choose clothes that are familiar to the deceased. Whether the attire is a well-fitting suit or a comfortable blouse and skirt or dress pants, choosing items that reflect the deceased’s personality and beliefs can help to comfort family and friends in the days following their loss. Most often, a simple and respectful white ensemble is chosen. The color white symbolizes purity and peace, and can help to comfort loved ones in their grief. For a more casual approach, soft pastel shades can also convey serenity and tranquility. In general, it is important to avoid too much patterned or brightly colored clothing, as this may be too overwhelming for loved ones. If the individual was young or had a premature death, special-designed burial gowns are available. These delicate gowns, reminiscent of smart night gowns or pyjamas, can be tailored for men and women, and are usually available in unisex options. They can be adorned with religious motifs for Catholic funerals, as well as other designs. The clothing choices made by the deceased’s parents can be especially difficult, as they will have no other opportunity to provide their baby with a proper garment for their final moments. For this reason, many families choose to make their own infant burial gowns for their little angels. This task can be incredibly daunting, but many resources are available to guide them through the process. Beverly Duckett of Whittle Springs, Tennessee, is one such resource. From her second-floor sewing room, Duckett creates exquisite gowns for tiny babies who never come home from the hospital. She also makes gowns for children who have died in the womb, and for infants who were never born. Choosing burial clothing can be a delicate and intimate experience. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to assist with this sensitive task. While the decision-making process can be challenging, it is also an opportunity to honor your loved one’s memory and celebrate their life. The seven prudent tips below can help you navigate the delicate process of selecting attire for your departed loved ones.

When the wedding is over, the guests have left, and you’ve returned from your honeymoon, the last thing you want to do is hang your perfect dress in your closet collecting dust. Luckily, there are many fun and meaningful ways to give your gown a second life. You can donate it to be made into stillborn babies’ burial gowns, pass it down to a family member, or have it remade into another heirloom. One great option is to donate your dress to a charity that helps brides who cannot afford to buy their dream dresses. Most local charities have wedding dress donation programs, and some even offer a professional cleaning for the gowns to help ensure they’re in good condition. In New York, there are several charities that will take your gown, including Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, which is an hour’s drive from Albany. The organization is a volunteer group of sewers who make burial gowns for families who have lost their children to be worn at their funerals. Donated wedding dresses are also used to make burial accessories, such as bonnets and blankets. Another option is to donate your dress to a thrift store that specializes in bridal or prom attire. The proceeds from the store go to a local cause, and some are even sold at a lower price than you might find in an actual bridal shop. Many stores also resell donated items like flower girl and ring pillow bags to make room in the boutique for more modern designs. Depending on the charity, you may need to contact them in advance and ask if your dress meets their criteria. Some may have specific rules about size or fabric type, and some will require that your dress be professionally cleaned before donating. If you do need to clean your dress before donating, it’s recommended that you use a reputable company like The Empty Box Company or have it professionally dry cleaned. While some people choose to save their gowns as keepsakes, others participate in the popular “destroy the dress” tradition by getting their photos taken swimming and playing in the mud in their wedding gowns. The truth is, most brides will never wear their dresses again and they’re just taking up space in their closets. It’s much better to give them away so that they can bring happiness and joy to someone else. Not only does donating your dress provide a new home for your gown, but it’s also good for the environment. Clothing that’s thrown away ends up in landfills, where it releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air. Keeping your old dress out of the trash helps reduce that impact, and it gives you more room in your closet for other items that you may need or want. While donating your gown can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t donate anything to any charity during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, some fabrics and items can develop mold if they’re not properly stored. This includes any items that were worn on your wedding day, such as the dress, veil, or shoes.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. For families coping with the unimaginable loss of an infant, special garments known as angel gowns can offer a small bit of comfort during their time of grief. A nonprofit organization named Hillary’s Cherished Gowns has been sewing these special gowns for families in the Akron area since 2018. The group is made up of local seamstresses who donate their time to this mission, and one such volunteer, Allison Harris, an audiologist at Riley Children’s Hospital, feels a personal connection to the group’s mission. Her own daughter, Leah, passed away at 9 months of age. Last year, she began volunteering at Riley and saw the impact the gowns have on families going through a difficult situation they never asked for or expected. “It’s very emotional to help them dress their baby and make memories that are going to last a lifetime,” she says. “When they come to the hospital and see their baby dressed in a beautiful gown, it’s something they can keep for their whole lives.” Little Angel Gowns, started in Indiana, partners with hospitals to provide these angel gowns to grieving families, who are often left with nothing but empty arms after losing their infant. It is a project that resonated with Dawn Crippen and Krystle Black, who started the Southwest Michigan chapter of Little Angel Gowns in Kalamazoo. The mothers say they’ve seen a positive impact from their work, and that it has helped them find purpose in the tragedy of losing their sons and daughters. The women use donated wedding dresses to sew the special gowns. They’re also involved with educating the public and bringing awareness to the silence that surrounds infertility, miscarriage, early neonatal and still birth loss. They speak wherever they can to bring comfort and hope to these families. Despite their many accomplishments, the women say they’re always looking for ways to improve their operation. One thing they’re hoping to do in the future is to get more women involved in their mission. “It’s so important to have more people involved in the cause,” says Mangiaracina. “We can grow more quickly with the help of more volunteers.” In the meantime, the ladies continue to make their gowns out of donated wedding dresses and other formal wear. They’ve already received more than a dozen donations, and the women are busy working on them to be ready for delivery. In the past, the women have also been able to make gowns for other hospitals in their area through a partnership with the Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. They’re currently working on a partnership with Dignity Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center Long Beach, California. The NICU at that hospital extends their deepest gratitude to the women of Little Angel Gowns, who have touched the hearts and lives of many of its tiniest patients. “As a family-centered facility, we understand that the loss of an infant is an extremely challenging experience,” the hospital’s website states.

Involving children in a funeral can help to bring a sense of finality and help to ease the grief process. However, it is important to consider how they may feel and to ensure that the timing is right for them. It is not helpful to force them to go or to assume that they wouldn’t want to attend – it is much more beneficial to give them the option and to prepare them ahead of time. It is a good idea to talk through what will happen at a child funeral with your children, especially younger children. This helps them to understand the situation and can also answer any questions they may have. It is important to remind them that people will be grieving, and they should not shout or laugh as this can be upsetting for those around them. It is also a good idea to explain proper funeral etiquette, as it can be confusing for young children. If you plan to bury your child or have them cremated it is a good idea to visit the crematorium or cemetery with your children beforehand so they know what to expect. Depending on your children’s age, you can show them the body or urn and talk about how the service will take place, where they will sit and who they might see there. For older children you can involve them in the planning and arranging of the ceremony by asking for their ideas, preferences and wishes – this could be as simple as helping choose music or flowers for the service. Children will appreciate being involved in the ceremony and this can also be a good way to help them come to terms with the death of their sibling. If your children are attending a funeral and you will not be there with them it is often helpful to have someone who knows them well, such as a family friend, sit with them if they start to get restless or overwhelmed. It is also a good idea to have something they can play with or distract themselves with such as a favourite toy, book or quiet game. Whether your child is being buried or cremated it is often appropriate to have them in the ceremony with you, and this can be comforting for both you and the children. It can be helpful to have a cold mattress or cot (called a cuddle cot) for the child to lay on in case they start to feel uncomfortable. If you are having a burial or funeral for an infant or small child there is often a discount price available for their services from a funeral director and many crematoria, cemeteries and churches will not charge at all for burials of babies and children. If you are having a cremation you can buy an urn designed specifically for children which may be more suitable for their smaller frame. Many of these urns also have themes that are familiar to children such as angels, hearts or animals.

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.