Year: 2024

When planning for a child funeral, parents should carefully consider what their children will need to cope with the event. A good place to start is by explaining the logistics of the services, including what they can expect to happen before, during and after. This will help them decide whether they wish to attend or not. If the decision is to attend, be prepared for your children to feel frightened by what they see and hear at the funeral. Remember that what children imagine is often far scarier than the actual experience. Make sure they are offered clear and honest information, encourage questions, and repeatedly reassure them that their sibling can no longer feel cold or pain and is not scared. Also, make sure they are told that touching their sibling is ok, though the choice will always be theirs to make (and not forced). Where Will the Funeral Events Take Place? Some families choose to hold a memorial service at the funeral home, but other locations can be meaningful for a child. For example, a backyard barbecue or your child’s favorite park, playground, restaurant or other special location can be a wonderful way to celebrate their life. You could also have a celebration at your home with food and music, and invite friends and family to sign a message board or matted picture frame. If your child chooses to view their sibling’s body at a visitation or ceremony, it is important to explain what they will be seeing. If they will be viewing a closed casket, you can help them understand that their sibling is laying inside fully dressed and with their arms folded and eyes closed. If they will be cremated, you can explain that their sibling’s ashes are kept in an urn on a memorial table or displayed somewhere else in the room, and that people might also display pictures, flowers, letters, or other items that were special to them. During the service, you should let your child know that it’s okay to cry, but that it’s equally important to laugh and smile. This can help them express their feelings and will help them better understand that others will be doing the same. If your child becomes overly emotional during the service, consider having them leave for a while (with close adult supervision). When your child is ready to return to the ceremony, it’s important to remind them of proper funeral etiquette. Explain that other guests will be mourning and may not appreciate loud talking, whining or laughter. This will help them feel more confident about returning and allow them to focus on the memories they will be making. It’s not uncommon for children to regret not attending a funeral later in life. If your child does, talk to them about the reasons why they may regret it and how you can help them cope with this feeling. This is a very difficult conversation to have, but one that is worth having.

A newborn needs clothes, especially if you’re planning on going out and about. Stock up on onesies, rompers and sleepers (also known as footie pajamas), which will keep baby comfortable in warm or cold weather. You’ll also want to have dresses, shirts and pants for daytime wear. If you live in a cold climate, consider adding a parka, which is an extra-warm jacket with a hood to protect against rain and wind. Look for soft fabrics that will feel good against baby’s skin, and pay attention to the fiber content of clothing labels — cotton is a classic material. You’ll also find baby clothing made with knit fabrics, which are particularly comfortable because of their stretchy, extra-stretchy nature. You should be able to find these items at most big-box stores. Choose easy-to-change clothes to make diaper changes easier and less stressful. You’ll also want clothes with buttons that are small and won’t easily scratch a baby. Onesie, bubble or romper pants and shirts are good choices, as they snap open at the crotch for easy dressing and undressing. Body suits with either long or short sleeves are good for summer and winter. Newborns can get very chilly, so having plenty of socks is important for them to wear with their PJ’s. Socks will help prevent rashes and irritation caused by friction against baby’s feet. Babies lose heat through their heads, so it’s essential to have a variety of hats. Soft skull caps, or actual hats for warmer weather, are ideal to help keep their heads toasty. Similarly, thin mittens keep hands warm and protect them from itching. For cold weather, a few pairs of romper pants and shirts will be useful. They can be worn under a snowsuit, or with a parka if you’re heading outside in extremely cold temperatures. Baby’s feet are often very sensitive, so having a few pair of booties to slip on over the bottoms of their PJ’s will be helpful in keeping them warm. Lastly, add a soft sweater or cardigan to wear over a onesie and tee for an extra layer. You can also add leg warmers to the mix, which you can slide over their PJ’s or pants. But be careful not to overbundle your baby, as they can quickly become hot and fussy if they are too warm. Signs that they are too warm include flushed cheeks, sweaty backs or fussiness. You’ll also need a few pairs of soft shoes to slip on over their footie pajamas for walking around the house or playing in the yard. For outdoor play, a pair of sturdy rubber boots is also great for protecting their feet from puddles or mud.

In the aftermath of a loved one’s death, families may struggle with the choice of their final outfit. Clothing plays a significant role in the way people are remembered and how they are depicted. For some families, dressing a deceased loved one in clothes that capture their style and personality is important to them. Fortunately, there are many options for what kind of clothing to dress your loved one in, including burial gowns. A burial gown is a special garment that helps preserve and protect the body as it is laid to rest. It is designed to be easy for a funeral director to dress the deceased with dignity, and it is often made of soft, satin-like materials that can be easily adjusted. Burial gowns are available in a variety of styles and colors, and they can also be embellished with religious or cultural motifs. For example, some are shaped to look like smart night gowns or pyjamas, while others feature a design that resembles the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals. Other kinds of funeral clothing include a casket dress or a shroud, which is traditionally used by certain Christian sects. These are typically made of white cotton or linen and can be embroidered or adorned with crosses. They are also usually suitable for green funerals and natural burial grounds, since they are biodegradable. If you are unsure what kind of clothing to choose for your loved one, ask their family members about what they liked to wear and if there is anything that stands out. You can also consult with a funeral director to make sure that the clothing you choose will be appropriate for their religion and final disposition method. Many families choose to dress their deceased loved ones in a suit or dress that they would have worn in life. For women, this means choosing a gown or a suit with a feminine neckline and long sleeves. Men, meanwhile, should consider a fitted suit or a business-style suit in a somber color. If you want to honor your loved one’s hobbies, you can also accessorize their outfit with pieces of jewelry that were sentimental to them in life. Choosing the right shoes to accompany your deceased relative is an important decision, and some people find that wearing their favorite pair is comforting. The type of footwear should be chosen carefully, as they will be worn throughout the entire funeral and any visitation services. If the deceased was diabetic or suffered from another condition that caused them to lose a lot of weight, it is a good idea to buy a pair of burial shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Many charities and nonprofit organizations have created burial clothing for infants, particularly micro-premature babies that are born before reaching full gestational age. Some have crocheted or knitted white dresses that resemble Baptismal and Christening attire. Some of these gowns can be embroidered or laced and may have flower or butterfly motifs. There are also a number of sewing patterns that can be found online for crafting these delicate gowns.

Many brides dream of having the perfect storybook wedding. Whether it was held in their parents’ backyard or their local church, they want their special day to be exactly as they envisioned it, including a beautiful dress that matches their dreams. If you don’t plan on wearing your dress again, there are many charities that would be happy to take it off of your hands. Donating your dress is a great way to help someone else and clear out space in your closet. According to Martha Stewart, the average wedding dress is worn only once. Some brides may choose to keep their dresses wrapped at home indefinitely, but a growing number of people are opting to donate their gowns. There are a variety of reasons for this, from the desire for a tax deduction to wanting to give their gowns new life. Regardless of the reason, most charities accept donated wedding gowns and they are happy to give them another chance to be a part of a bride’s big day. The key to donating your gown is to do some research before you make the decision to give it away. You can find a list of charities that accept wedding dresses on the website for the National Bridal Association, which also has tips on how to prepare your dress for donation. One of the most popular dress donations is to a charity called Operation Wedding Gown, which outfits military and first responder brides. This charity has passed on over 28,000 wedding gowns since it started in 2008. Stulgis says that if you’re considering donating your dress, be sure to clean it in advance. This will allow you to avoid stains or mold, which could be difficult for some charities to deal with during the pandemic. You can also donate your dress to a local thrift store, which will use the proceeds from its sale to support various causes, like job programs, housing, and veterans. However, it’s important to do some research before you decide where to drop off your dress, as not all thrift stores accept wedding dresses and they have specific guidelines on what they do and don’t take. Other charitable organizations that accept wedding dresses include Brides Across America, Wish Upon A Wedding, and Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring. Those organizations provide bridal gowns at reduced prices to cash-strapped brides and couples with terminal illnesses. You can also turn your dress into something else entirely, like a flower girl dress for your next child’s wedding or an heirloom piece for your family. There are even businesses that will frame your wedding dress for you so you can have a permanent reminder of the special day.

For families who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a child before, during or shortly after birth, tiny handmade gowns called angel gowns offer dignity and beauty. They are worn by a newborn in his or her last moments and used for photos, memorial services or when family and friends come to say goodbye. Whether it’s from an accident or natural causes, the death of a baby is a heartbreaking event for all involved. For many families, the loss of a baby is even harder to cope with because there’s no way to fix what happened or make it right. For decades, labor and delivery nurse Tess Soholt has tried to help these families in need by providing them with something beautiful. But last year, the tragedy struck close to home when her son and daughter-in-law lost their infant at just 18 weeks gestation. That’s when she began to rethink her retirement and started Andrew’s Angel Gowns, named after the little boy who never got to meet them. Soholt now aims to provide hundreds of these special gowns every year to grieving parents across the country. Each dress starts out as a wedding dress, which she and dozens of volunteers turn into something more meaningful. The gowns are then donated to hospitals and bereavement groups that give them to families whose babies have died before, during or shortly after birth. Each kit includes a beautiful white silk angel gown, a pink or blue blanket, two soft hats and a memorial trinket. It’s a small but profoundly meaningful initiative that can change a difficult time for a family. Gayle Fleury runs a similar program in San Pedro, California. Her team of seamstresses sews colorful gowns for hospice patients and their children. They also stitch face coverings, such as bonnets and hats, for babies in intensive care units at Providence Trinity Care Hospice. She and her volunteers also sewed about 6,500 face coverings for patients during the pandemic. Fleury says she’s amazed by the generosity of the community. “People will just come in and tell us they want to donate a gown or a kit, or they want to get involved,” she says. “It’s just a whole lot of love and caring for these families.” NICU Helping Hands, founded by pediatrician Kelsey Chesney, has already turned 40 dresses into angel gowns for bereaved families. It’s a small part of the work the group does, which is to bring comfort and support to families who are going through the most terrible kind of pain. Each gown costs $30 to make, and each wedding dress yields about 12 to 20 of them. Some of the dresses are donated by older women who had a baby stillborn years ago, and others come from thrift stores or the attics of people who have passed away. Some of the seamstresses will stitch phrases like “heaven’s angel” and other personal messages into the garments, and one seamstress has been sewing bells onto each dress lately. It’s a nod to the ending of the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, in which Jimmy Stewart’s character, Clarence, rings a bell to receive his wings.

Children who have experienced the death of a sibling can be deeply affected. They often feel responsible for the death and have a difficult time accepting it. Having to make funeral arrangements and attending the services can be especially distressing for these children and their parents. It is important to prepare and explain as much as possible what will take place at the visitation, funeral and burial service. It also helps to allow children to express their feelings in a safe environment. Children who are prepared for the visitation and funeral generally find it easier to cope with these events. Younger children need a lot of help and support when a loved one dies. They may not be able to remember the specifics of the deceased or understand what will happen at the visitation and funeral services. A child funeral is a chance to honor the life of the deceased and pay your respects as a family. While a child funeral can be painful and sad, it can be a healing experience for a family. There are a number of things that you can do to ensure that your child has a positive experience at the visitation and funeral. It is important to let the children know that their sibling will be at the visitation and funeral and what the body will look like. It is helpful to reassure them that the body will be cold and stiff, but that their sibling does not feel pain anymore. If the body will be cremated, it is important to explain what that means and that the ashes will be placed in an urn. If your child does not want to attend the visitation or funeral, it is important to respect their decision. However, it is also good to talk about their concerns and fears and to remind them that they can always change their mind. It is helpful to arrange for a friend or adult to be present so that they can take the child out of the ceremony if they become too upset. Give your child a job to do during the funeral ceremony. This could be as simple as bringing flowers or helping to hand out the order of service. They can also be asked to write a letter or poem for their sibling, read a story or play a song on the piano or guitar. If they are old enough, they can even say a few words during the service. It is important to remember that children at all ages will be affected differently by the death of their sibling. Some will cry a lot, others will not and some will behave in ways that are unexpected. It is important to have a designated person who can communicate with other adults if necessary and to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children. This will also allow the parents to attend the service without worrying about their children.

A baby’s wardrobe can seem a little overwhelming. While it’s tempting to buy every adorable thing in sight, it’s important to prioritize comfort and practicality first. Look for fabrics that are soft and breathable, free from harmful chemicals, and designed with helpful features like snap buttons. Some brands also offer coordinating pieces that make dressing your little one easier, especially for those times when a quick diaper change is necessary. A good place to start is with a basic outfit set. Look for onesies and bodysuits made from GOTS-certified organic cotton or cotton and bamboo blends. Many of these outfits have gender neutral colors or graphics to suit either a boy or girl. They also have snaps on the front, which makes it easy for you to access your baby for diaper changes. In terms of sizing, it’s often best to opt for size 3-6 months. That’s because babies grow quickly. Also, remember that the size on the label is typically the max fit for the piece, so it may be best to order a bit bigger to ensure your baby can wear it for longer. When it comes to accessories, consider picking up a few pairs of mittens and socks that you can swap out for the season or occasion. These can help protect your baby’s delicate skin and keep their hands warm while they explore their new surroundings. Also, try investing in a soft and stretchy baby hat that will help shield their head from the sun when it’s out. As for the rest of your baby’s clothing, you’ll want a few sets to dress them in for going out, and a few onesies, rompers or bubbles for sleeping at home. For colder climates, stock up on fleece footie pajamas as well. You’ll likely be changing your baby several times a night, so it’s smart to have plenty of clothes on hand for this. Aside from focusing on soft and breathable fabrics, it’s always a good idea to look for clothes that are made with hypoallergenic materials that can help reduce your baby’s risk of allergic reactions. If you’re looking for the ultimate in hypoallergenic and eco-friendly baby apparel, check out the Touched by Nature line from Hudson Childrenswear. This line includes gift sets that include a hat, mittens, socks and bodysuit made from organic cotton for under $55. Finally, when it comes to shoes, look for a pair of soft and sturdy moccasins like those offered by Freshly Picked. Not only are these cute, but they also feature two snaps that allow them to expand as your baby grows. Plus, the brand has a strong commitment to giving back with its 10 percent of profits set aside for human trafficking initiatives and donations to preemies in the NICU. When it’s time for a special occasion, look no further than the uber-cozy and chic offerings from House of Margaux. This label’s whimsical and imaginative prints (think rustic plants, bunnies and sea shanty) will put a smile on any parent’s face. Plus, the brand’s GOTS-certified fabrics and safety certifications are sure to impress.

When a loved one dies, many families want to dress them in an outfit they would typically wear if they were still alive. The clothing chosen can be based on the individual’s lifestyle, religious beliefs or personal style. Some of the options for attire include a suit, a shirt and tie or dresses, skirts and blouses. Others choose to dress their deceased family member in a military uniform or an outfit from a favorite sports team. A funeral home can provide a simple burial gown that is designed to make it straightforward for the funeral director to dress the deceased person with dignity. These garments resemble smart night gowns or pyjamas and can be made for men and women in both traditional and unisex styles. Burial robes that feature religious motifs, such as crosses or the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals are also available. The clothing worn for a funeral should be comfortable and fitting, as the stiffening of the body after death, known as rigor mortis, can make it difficult to move and fit clothes on the body. A kilt or national dress may be appropriate for someone with a strong cultural heritage or who wishes to honor their culture at their funeral. Many charities and companies specialize in making funeral clothes, including special outfits for infants, children and the elderly. Some of these are made from materials that are naturally biodegradable. This is important for green and natural funerals and burial grounds, where the garments need to be able to break down quickly in the ground or water. For those who are buried in a casket, it’s common to place a few personal effects in the box with the body. These might include a book, a piece of jewelry or the deceased’s wedding ring. It’s a good idea to keep in mind, however, that if a loved one is to be cremated, these items will need to be removed, as the soft metal cannot be recovered after the cremation process. It’s also important to keep in mind that the clothing you choose for a loved one may be needed for more than just their funeral service. Some people who have been in hospice care or hospitals for a prolonged period may need to be dressed in their own clothes for burial as well as for the visitation and service. If you are unable to find an outfit that meets your needs, it is often possible for a family member to sew their own burial clothes. Those with sewing skills can purchase sewing patterns and kits for making a delicate funeral gown or bonnet for babies, or they can sew their own simple garment. A variety of fabric choices is available for this purpose, including silks, velvets and wool. For those who are not able to sew, there are companies that will make an outfit for a small fee. A quick online search will reveal the many options for this type of funeral apparel.

After your wedding day, it can be difficult to decide what to do with your dress. If you don’t plan on wearing it again, it could end up hanging in a closet collecting dust until you get married again, or it can be donated to a charity that can put the dress to good use. Besides being a great way to give back, it’s also an eco-friendly option as it helps reduce waste caused by new textile production, according to Zola. Many charities that accept donations of wedding dresses are not only helpful to brides who can’t afford their dream gown, but they also help advance a cause. For example, Brides Against Breast Cancer will sell your dress to new brides for a reasonable price and use the profits to fund early breast cancer detection programs. Another charity, Angel Gowns, transforms donated wedding dresses into beautiful infant burial gowns for families who have lost their little ones too soon. This organization has been around since 1997 and will accept any brand of dress as long as it is in excellent condition and recently cleaned. Other organizations that accept used wedding dresses include St Vincent de Paul and Oxfam bridal charity outlets in Dublin and Bangor. In addition, Adorned in Grace is a non-profit that raises awareness and provides support for victims of human trafficking, and they accept dresses countrywide. If you’re unsure where to donate your dress, do some research to find an organization that’s close to home. That will make it easy for you to drop off the dress, and you can be sure it’s going to a reputable place. It’s also a good idea to have the dress dry cleaned before you send it off. This will ensure it’s free of stains and snags that may be hard to remove once the dress is at its destination. Once you’ve selected an organization, it’s important to be clear and honest with them throughout the process of donating your gown. Keep records of all correspondence, agreements and receipts. This will not only ensure a smooth transaction, but it will also come in handy should there be any questions or issues down the line. Another option for your old wedding dress is to repurpose it into something else, such as a pillow or Christmas tree skirt. There are several stores that will alter your dress into a keepsake for you, or you can do it yourself by dying the dress a different color. Wedding dresses are incredibly delicate, so it’s important to take care of them as much as you can. One wrong move could rip the lace or tear off a bead. Before you send your dress to a charity, have it professionally cleaned and packaged so that it arrives in pristine condition. If your dress came with a garment bag, use it, or you can buy acid-free boxes to keep it safe in transit.

ND Angel Gowns transforms donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns and keepsakes for babies born far too soon. These beautiful garments are delivered to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes and directly to families free of charge. Every year about 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage and more than 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. The grief of losing a child can be devastating. But for some parents, there is a moment of joy and beauty as they dress their tiny angel for the last time. This is the hope behind a program that is helping many families across the country. The story of a widower and her daughter, who lost their infant, inspired the creation of this remarkable organization. Angel Gowns of South Bay was started by Gayle Fleury. The organization consists of a group of women who sew these special garments for children who have passed away before, during or shortly after birth. Fleury was so moved by the response of families who have received these gowns that she began to recruit local seamstresses to help with this labor of love. In January of 2019, Spokane area resident Edith Reuter gathered up a vintage ivory satin wedding gown from her closet, one that had been hanging in her bedroom since her own special day 24 years ago. She cut the satin and stripped the delicate lace to create an exquisitely crafted outfit for newborn babies who are sadly taken before, during or shortly after birth. Reuter is now part of a large team that has been creating Angel Gown kits, which include a baby blanket, two hats and a memorial trinket, to donate to hospitals across the region. “It’s so important to give these little angels something beautiful to remember them by, and to let the family have a chance to hold them, look at them, and have that last memory with them before they are sent home,” she says. “It’s so sad, but this gives them a memory of their baby and it’s just so special.” Reuter, who has been sewing since she was 12 years old, was motivated to start her own chapter of Angel Gowns after reading about the program in a newspaper column. The article prompted an outpouring of support for the project from women like Lynn Gaber, a Mayo Clinic nurse in cardiovascular surgery. Gaber has made more than 80 of these tiny, beautifully embroidered dresses and gifted them to families who have lost their infants. This is a heartwarming story that reminds us that even in times of despair, the human spirit can soar. For more information or to contribute to the cause, visit the website for Angel Gowns. We’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your favorite ways to honor the memory of a loved one? Please share your stories with us in the comments below.