Year: 2024

Getting ready to welcome a new baby into your life is one of the most exciting times you will ever experience. It is also a time to make smart shopping choices for your little bundle of joy, from the clothes they wear to the items they use every day. The right baby clothing is comfortable, durable, and easy to launder, ensuring that you will never be without the essentials. A good start to a newborn’s wardrobe is simple cotton bodysuits, which are inexpensive and easy to launder. They’re also the ideal base layer for a baby, as they keep a child’s back and tummy covered so they don’t become chilled while you change diapers or wipe them down. For extra warmth, opt for long-sleeve kimono tops and wraps with snaps. For infants who spend most of their time in the crib or stroller, sleep suits are a great option for both comfort and practicality. Unlike regular sleepwear, these outfits are designed to accommodate an infant’s body, allowing them to move freely and easily while keeping their hands and feet warm. For older babies who will be exploring their surroundings more, jumpers, hoodies, and cardigans are useful for keeping them warm on the go. It is also worth keeping in mind that young children are seldom happy about being dressed, so it’s important to select garments that are easy to put on and take off. Avoid outfits with multiple pieces that must be put on one at a time and those with lots of buttons, zippers, and snaps. Instead, choose pullover shirts that open on the shoulder to allow the garment to be slipped on quickly and outfits with velcro or snaps on the crotch, which make it easy to remove layers when your baby becomes overheated. When it comes to clothing, a hat is essential for protecting your baby’s head from the sun. Look for hats with a full crown, as they offer more coverage than those that are simply rolled up and wrapped around a small head. When it comes to shopping for baby clothes, a sustainable option is to purchase second-hand or recycled garments, as these are often still in excellent condition after having been worn by another child and washed many times. For those who prefer to shop for their child’s clothing new, brands like Burt’s Bees and H&M are committed to sustainability and offer a variety of organic options. Whether you’re buying for your own child, a friend or family member, or as a gift for a baby shower, there are plenty of unique and stylish options available to suit any budget. You can even find some outfits that feature the baby’s initials for a personalized touch. Creating a baby clothes collection is a wonderful way to help the environment and save money at the same time. Just remember to wash all garments before first use to remove any chemical residues. This will help ensure the garments last longer and are gentle on your child’s skin.

When a loved one passes away, you may be faced with deciding what clothing to wear to the funeral and burial. Whether you want to adhere to cultural or religious guidelines, the right outfit can help honor your departed loved one and provide comfort for those in attendance. Traditionally, burial attire leans towards formal or semi-formal. For men, this typically means a dark suit or a dress shirt and tie, paired with polished dress shoes. For women, a conservative dress or skirt that is below the knee and a blouse are appropriate. Other options include a white ensemble, which symbolizes purity and peace, or soft pastel colors that convey serenity. The choice of attire can be complicated, particularly if your loved one left behind instructions for their final wishes. Check for any specific guidance in their will or notes and follow those accordingly. It’s also important to consider the environment you’ll be attending – a service held in an indoor or outdoor location will have different requirements for attire. Many people have clothing that they wore regularly in life, such as jeans or a favorite dress. You might choose to bring that piece to the funeral service, as it can be a comfort to those closest to your loved one to see them in the same clothes they were in their last days. However, it’s not a requirement to do so. You can also use funeral dresses or robes that are provided by the funeral home, which often come in a range of sizes and materials to accommodate varying body shapes. If you’re choosing to add personal touches to your outfit, keep in mind that the body will be laying down and the outfit may not show up as well as it would on someone standing up. Likewise, jewelry will not be visible and should be kept to a minimum. When considering color choices, remember that black is the traditional option for mourning attire. However, dark grays and navy blues are acceptable alternatives that convey the same sense of solemnity. Other colors, such as soft pastels or pale pinks, can be used to honor a loved one’s memory in a way that is both respectful and dignified. Some cultures or religions have specific guidelines regarding the color of clothing that should be worn to a funeral or burial. It’s essential to consult with religious leaders or other knowledgeable individuals within your community to ensure that you are following the proper attire in accordance with these guidelines. Burial gowns are a simple way to add a layer of dignity to a funeral or burial ceremony. These garments are available in a variety of sizes, from small infant wraps to large adult gowns, and are designed to be gentle on delicate skin. Additionally, they’re made from durable material that can withstand the rigors of being handled and carried around.

If you’re a bride who has recently married, or even just a bride-to-be and have been hanging on to your wedding dress – don’t be afraid to donate it! Many organizations, especially those who resell used dresses for charity, will accept wedding gowns and give them new life. It is a great way to declutter your closet, and it gives someone else the chance to experience the day they’ve always dreamed of. Some of these organizations are so popular they have a waiting list and may close to donations during certain times of the year. The main goal of these groups is to help those who are unable to afford a dress for their special day or have been impacted by tragedies like the pandemic. Most of these dress charities also use their proceeds to support other causes such as cancer research, women’s empowerment, and other worthy causes. It’s important to do your homework and find the right charity for your gown before donating it. Most dress shops and charities that accept donated dresses have specific requirements for their donations, including age and condition. Some will charge a fee for cleaning and others will require that the dress is professionally cleaned before they will accept it. If you’re unsure of the best way to go about cleaning your dress, it is recommended that you contact the organization ahead of time and ask what their protocol is. Some of these dress shops will resell the dresses they receive to customers, while others donate them to other local charities, such as women’s shelters or those that aid women who have been victims of domestic violence. These dress reselling companies have websites that allow you to browse their collections and select the dresses you want to purchase. The prices for the dresses vary depending on the brand and style. Then there are other organizations such as NICU Helping Hands in the US, which have seamstresses across the country that painstakingly turn old wedding gowns into beautiful infant burial gowns for babies who pass away while stillborn or shortly after birth. They can be worn at the baby’s memorial service, as well as for photos. This is a very touching and heartwarming way to give your old bridal dress a second life. When choosing a company to sell your wedding dress, make sure they have a good reputation, and are reputable with the charities they work with. Those are the only ways to be confident that your gown is in safe hands and will help a deserving bride.

One in four women will experience an infant loss. It can be an unexpected blow that leaves families feeling empty and hopeless. At a time like this, little things can help. Angel gowns, or baby burial outfits, are made from donated wedding dresses and delivered to hospitals, funeral homes and families free of charge. When a colleague of Kathleen Sharp, a nurse at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, shared about her experience with the international program, it struck a chord with Sharp. She remembered her own personal struggle to conceive with her husband in the early years of their marriage and her son’s death at 18 weeks gestation. She also remembered the beautiful gown her son wore when he was placed with his brother in the hospital at a very difficult age. “I knew then and there I wanted to participate in this amazing way of giving back to families,” she said. Scrolling through Facebook, she found a woman who had started a group called Angel Gowns of Central Ohio to collect wedding dresses and sew them into tiny burial outfits for infants. Bauer, who retired from her home economics teacher job at Pickerington Schools in 2014 and had recently begun sewing for a hobby, was inspired to do the same. Bauer and her fellow seamstresses have likely sewn more than a thousand gowns in the last three years, delivering them to many hospitals across Ohio and the country. She says they have helped grieving families who are forced to bury their smallest of souls. She has heard of hospitals who have no angel gown programs and have seen babies buried in towels and clothing purchased for dolls, which can be harrowing for the grieving family. The gowns are worn for any infant who is resuscitated but is not expected to survive, or for those who have been born stillborn or died at the hospital. The gowns, which come in sizes to fit micro-preemies and those who are delivered full-term, are available to families at no cost. A similar effort is underway in New Zealand where a woman named Michelle has been making and distributing the gowns since she lost her own son at birth in 2012. The project is now an international movement with volunteers around the world making and donating gowns to their local communities and beyond. For Sharp and other women who have lost a child, the gowns are a way to honor their memories and give families the comfort of knowing they can dress their baby in something that is so much more than a simple gown. While nothing can make up for the pain of losing a baby, the gowns offer a small measure of peace and healing. To learn more about the program or to donate a wedding dress, visit the website of Angel Gowns International. To volunteer to sew with them, email [email protected]. The program also needs money for shipping.

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A funeral can be a very difficult experience for any child, even for older children. It is important to prepare them for what will happen, and if they choose to attend, make arrangements to help them manage the service in a way that feels right for them. It is very helpful to explain what will happen before, during and after the funeral service in a way that a child can understand. Using pictures and simple language is a good start. It is also important to give them a clear idea of what will be happening at the funeral itself, what the casket will look like and how long they should expect the service to last. Children are curious and will ask lots of questions. Answer their questions honestly and directly, but do not force them to view or touch the body if they don’t want to. Children may be able to offer ideas for readings, music and other rituals that help bring comfort. This is a very meaningful and validating thing for children to do, and they will want their opinions to be valued. Some older children may be comfortable speaking at the funeral or memorial service, and this can be a very moving experience for everyone. However, if a child becomes overwhelmed or disruptive, it is important to have a designated point person who can calm them and remove them from the setting for a break. It can be helpful for siblings to be able to visit the casket before the funeral, either at a private viewing or a public one. This is a time for them to be able to say goodbye and to spend time together. It can be a very healing moment for parents and siblings alike, and is a good opportunity to talk openly about the death and what has happened. For infants who are being buried, it is often helpful to have the family plan ahead of time about what they would like their baby’s casket to look like and what special items they would like to include with them at the ceremony (for example, a special teddy bear or letter). Some families may also decide to bury the baby with their favorite blanket or outfit. Some babies are cremated, which is an increasingly popular option. If a baby will be cremated, it is important to prepare siblings for this in advance, explaining what will happen to the ashes and that they won’t be able to visit the body. It can also be helpful to describe the process of cremation and what happens during a visitation or memorial service for the urn, which is usually on display at the ceremony. It is a good idea to plan ahead of time about how you will transport the child to and from the funeral or memorial services, especially for out-of-town guests. It can be helpful to enlist the help of a friend or other trusted adult to accompany the child, particularly if the child will be attending an out-of-town service, so they can take breaks when needed.

When it comes to dressing newborns, safety and comfort come first. Baby clothing should be soft and hypoallergenic to ensure the baby’s skin is protected. In addition, breathable fabrics help prevent overheating and provide air circulation. Avoid fabrics like polyester that have been treated with harsh chemicals. These synthetic fabrics can irritate the delicate skin of babies. Instead, choose cotton that is a natural material and biodegradable. Besides being soft and hypoallergenic, cotton is also easy to clean. This allows the clothes to stay hygienic and fresh for longer periods of time. Additionally, cotton is a naturally breathable fabric that allows the skin to breathe through it properly. This is important because babies are prone to sweating a lot. In contrast, synthetic fabrics tend to create moisture and cause bacterial growth. Another important factor to consider when buying baby clothes is quality. It is best to go with a trusted brand that offers high-quality garments. This will ensure that the garments are safe and fit well. Moreover, you should always check for any embellishments or decorations that may be a choking hazard for the newborn. The color and pattern of the baby clothes can play a significant role in determining their aesthetics. You can find a wide range of designs and styles that reflect your baby’s personality and uniqueness. You can mix and match different pieces to make an outfit that is both trendy and eye-catching. Before you buy any baby clothes, it is a good idea to try them on for fit. Babies grow quickly, and it’s often difficult to determine their exact size based on the number on the label alone. If the garments are tight, they may rub against your baby’s sensitive skin and chafe their skin. In addition, if they’re too loose, the fabric may be worn away easily. You can buy baby clothes from the mall or online, but if possible, shop in-person to get a better idea of how the clothing fits on your child. You should also be sure to try out the clothes in various environments, including inclement weather. This will help you choose the right size for your newborn and ensure their comfort. After you’ve found the perfect outfits for your newborn, you should stock up on some essential accessories. A sun hat or bonnet is a must for infants in sunny climates. And in the winter, be sure to have a warm jacket and cozy blankets for your baby. You should also have a pair of socks or booties to keep their feet warm. If you’re on a budget, you can look for secondhand or consignment items to save money. Alternatively, you can opt for services such as Rent-a-Romper, which helps reduce clutter and waste by allowing you to rent and return baby clothing as your child outgrows it. This is a great way to save money on baby clothing while supporting a green initiative.

When it comes to laying someone to rest, many family members find themselves grappling with a lot of logistics. From arranging an appropriate place for the funeral to ensuring that there are plenty of tissues on hand, it’s important to ensure that all of the final details are taken care of with love and consideration. This includes choosing the right outfit for your loved one, which may include a gown or shroud. While it might seem like a small detail, the clothing your loved one is dressed in is an important aspect of their farewell and can help people to grieve and remember them fondly. Typically, a gown or shroud is made from a natural fibre such as cotton, wool or linen. This is often preferred to artificial materials that aren’t biodegradable. They can be designed to resemble day wear or evening dress and often feature false shirt fronts, buttons, etc. They can be personalised with embroidery and other embellishments, if desired. There are also a number of different styles, fabrics and colours available for both men and women. Some are trimmed with floral or religious motifs, for example, to suit a specific culture or faith. If you’re unsure about what type of clothes to purchase for your loved one, it is worth speaking to the funeral director that is handling their arrangements. They will be able to offer guidance and recommend someone that you can purchase from. Alternatively, there are several companies that specialise in providing clothes for a burial or cremation service. While there are a number of options to choose from, it’s usually best to stick with a traditional suit for a male and a dress for a female. This is a simple and elegant choice that will make the body of your loved one look polished and respectable. You can add a shirt or blazer and a pair of polished shoes to complete the look. The decision of what to wear for a funeral can be influenced by the type of ceremony that is being arranged, as well as the location and time of day. For example, a funeral in the morning might be best suited to casual clothing, while an evening service could be more suited to formal attire. Depending on the person’s body condition, you might need to choose loose-fitting clothing. This is because the body, particularly if it has been embalmed, can become stiff and skin sloughing might occur. It is also possible that the arms and shoulders will be swollen due to extended illness or injury. Babies and infants can be difficult to dress in a standard garment, which is why there are a number of charities that provide handmade clothes specifically for babies to be buried or cremated in. These include burial wraps and gowns for babies weighing two to eight pounds, which are designed to be easy for funeral directors to dress and to be comfortable for little ones.

Wedding dresses can be expensive and some brides don’t have the extra cash to afford a new gown. By donating your dress, you can help another bride feel beautiful on her big day without breaking the bank. Donating your dress can also help brides who have lost their dresses in natural disasters or other emergencies. There are plenty of organizations that accept wedding gowns as donations. In addition to charities that specifically focus on bridal gowns, many used clothing stores and general charities will accept dresses as well. The main thing to keep in mind when deciding to donate your gown is that you want the dress to be clean. Even if there are no visible stains, it’s best to take it to a specialist wedding dress cleaner rather than trying to do it yourself. This way, there’s less chance of ripping or ruining the delicate fabric. Some charities will resell the dress or use it for other purposes, so it’s important to research different charities before selecting one. Some of these charities will post stories on their social media pages, which can give you a glimpse into the impact that your dress will have. For example, Shared Dream Dresses in Michigan sells donated gowns through their online store and uses the proceeds to provide free programming for families impacted by cancer. The charity also posts stories about brides who have bought a gown from the site and how it helped them. Similarly, Adorned in Grace in Oregon works with local churches to sell used gowns and raise money for a variety of charitable causes, including youth mentoring programs and aiding survivors of human trafficking. Other charities may repurpose the gowns, such as NICU Helping Hands, which converts the dresses into infant burial gowns for families who have lost a baby too soon. The organization has around 180 seamstresses across the country who painstakingly turn these donated dresses into angel gowns to be given to parents as a memento of their little one. Another option is to donate the dress to a general charity, such as Goodwill. Almost all Goodwill locations will accept used wedding dresses, which are sold in their thrift stores at a discounted price. The proceeds are then used to fund their various programs and services, such as employment training, youth mentoring, and community outreach. Some charities will accept both the wedding dress and any additional bridal accessories, such as veils, shoes, and purses. It’s important to carefully pack up the dress before dropping it off, as any mistakes could rip or stain the dress. Make sure you have a garment bag to transport the dress, which will prevent any wrinkles or snags from forming. You can also pack the dress in a suitcase, which will be more easily accessible when you get to your donation location. Be sure to label the box with any important information, such as size and condition, so it can be shipped back to you if needed.