Month: February 2025

A child funeral is an opportunity for a family to say their last farewells in the presence of loved ones who share the same grief as they do. Many parents find that this is a very comforting way to say goodbye to their baby or child, especially when they are not sure they are ready for a full funeral service. A child funeral can also be a chance for children to say goodbye to their sibling who has died, whether they are still living or have passed away. This is a very difficult thing for some children to understand and can cause anxiety. The best approach is to break down what will happen at the service so your child can decide if it is something they want to be part of or not. It is important to give a child the option of attending or not, but to also help them understand what will happen at the funeral and what it might look like. Some children can be scared by what they might see when they are buried, so it is a good idea to offer them a choice of what they would prefer to be buried in. This could be a Moses basket, bassinet, doll bed, or perhaps a wagon padded with blankets for an older child. It is also helpful to offer a clear and honest explanation of what they will be seeing, encourage questions, and repeatedly reassure them that their sibling cannot feel cold or pain or fear and that their sibling can still be a part of the family. Most families choose to have a short ceremony in their home, at the funeral home or other place of worship before the burial. During the service, there might be music geared toward children or a story about your child that is shared by friends and family members. You can also request that a member of the clergy or other person who knows your child be present to help reassure and talk with them throughout the service. When it is time to go to the graveside, it might be helpful for a friend or family member who knows your child to be their “funeral buddy” during this part of the ceremony. They can play with your child during this time and help them through the different rituals. After the graveside service, your child may want to scatter flower petals or sprinkle glitter over their grave. You can ask the funeral home or other people to be first and provide a container for these items for your child. Other children might write a message to their sibling and have it placed in (or on) the casket or urn, or write a letter or poem and have it read on their behalf. Having a balloon release, lighting unity candles or using luminaries can also be very meaningful to children. Many families will also keep a small urn at their home to hold some of the cremains of their child, or even their favorite teddy.

Baby clothes can get really grubby very quickly what with dribbles, milk spills and nappy leaks, so they need to be washable and sturdy. It’s worth investing in some organic cotton pieces that will keep their shape and not deform or discolour after repeated washing. Cotton also wicks moisture away from baby’s skin, which will help to keep them dry and avoid chafing. Babies can go through quite a lot of clothes — especially if they’re having a growth spurt — so it’s best to buy in bulk where possible and be sure to choose durable, well-made clothing that can be worn and washed over again without showing any signs of wear. If you’re worried about the environmental impact of your purchases, look for a sustainable brand that uses organic cotton grown using methods that won’t damage or disrupt the ecosystem. One of the most popular brands of sustainable baby clothing is Primary. They make onesie, t-shirts and bodysuits in bold colours and simple designs that are both cute and functional. They’re great for newborns as they have a long, envelope neck that allows you to put a shirt on over the top and a double zipper for easy changing. They also have newborn cuffs and feeties so you don’t have to worry about nappy leaks. The best part of this clothing is that it’s affordable — you can pick up a pack of three onesies for just $15. They’re also made from the highest quality materials, and are suitable for sensitive baby skin. This means they’re hypoallergenic and have a very low rate of allergic reactions. They’re a great choice for babies with eczema or other skin conditions, as their natural fibres won’t irritate the skin and they’re gentle on the environment too. Another good option for sustainable baby clothing is Pangaia, which makes organically-grown cotton onesie, t-shirt and bodysuit sets in a variety of styles. They’re soft and breathable, and you can choose from a range of colours to suit any taste. Pangaia’s clothes are also hypoallergenic, and their high-quality fabrics are also incredibly durable. Their organic cotton is harvested from a family-run farm in the Philippines and they use minimal processing to ensure their products are environmentally friendly. You can often find great deals on sustainable baby clothing at places like Janie and Jack, which has a huge selection of outfits that are both cute for photos and designed to stand up to the usual amount of dribble, poo and wee babies will spill on them. It’s also worth checking out your local charity shops and garage sales if you want to save money while supporting a small business at the same time. Monica+Andy is a GOTS-certified brand that specialises in fun prints and personalized clothing. They’re great for Disney fans and you’ll find plenty of PJs, kimonos and one-pieces decorated with princesses and Mickey Mouse. They also have a few gender-neutral options, but the majority of their clothing is fully licensed.

The passing of a loved one is an emotionally traumatic time for many families. However, some people are able to find comfort and peace in honoring their loved ones in the details of their funeral services. This includes choosing the clothing that they will be buried in or cremated in. It’s also a special way to pay tribute to the deceased’s personality and final wishes. For women, a simple black dress is a popular choice for burial outfits. The color symbolizes purity and peace, a sentiment that is echoed in the burial process. Choose a knee-length or midi dress with modest neckline and sleeves for an elegant look. Complete the outfit with closed-toe shoes and minimal jewelry. Most funeral directors provide bereaved families with a selection of burial gowns for their loved ones to choose from in a variety of natural fibers. Alternatively, it’s acceptable to wear any clothing that you feel best represents your loved one, as long as it fits properly and is appropriate for the type of funeral service. While it’s common for family members to dress their loved ones in the clothes that they wore throughout their life, you can also bring personal items with you to the funeral home that can be placed inside or on top of the casket. This is a great opportunity to honor your loved one’s passions and interests, from their favorite sports team to their beloved motorcycle. It’s important to consider the tone and sentimentality of the burial outfit that you choose for your loved one, but don’t be afraid to ask for input from other members of the family. They may have valuable insights on what attire your loved one would want to be buried in, and they will likely offer support and sympathy throughout the decision-making process. For men, a suit is a classic option for a formal burial outfit. Choose a well-fitted suit in a neutral or subdued shade, and pair it with a formal dress shirt and polished dress shoes. You can also opt for a traditional cultural garment like a kimono, kilt, or kurta to honor the individual’s heritage and identity. If your loved one was a naturalist, you might choose an earth-toned shroud made from ecologically produced linen. It’s a lightweight fabric that’s comfortable and breathable, and it’s also biodegradable. Alternatively, you can choose an all-white ensemble to convey serenity and peace. Then, finish the outfit with a conservative tie and closed-toe shoes. You can also choose to go for a formal shirt and trousers ensemble for a more casual look.

If your wedding gown is a size too big or you simply don’t wear it anymore, there are plenty of places to donate it. Many bridal shops and charities accept preowned dresses to help brides who can’t afford to buy their dream dress or raise money for other important causes, such as breast cancer research. Some of these organizations resell the dresses, while others turn them into christening gowns, cocktail dresses or accessories like purses or shawls. You can also give your old dress new life by repurposing it as a quilt or a decorative wall hanging. It’s best to check the guidelines of your chosen charity before you start cleaning or packing your gown. Some have specific rules about how old your dress can be, for instance. For example, a charity that resells used wedding dresses may only accept gowns that are no more than five years old. This is to ensure the dress has not been worn out or damaged, which can damage the fabric and leave behind stains. Similarly, some charities only take lace dresses and not chiffon or polyester ones. The charity will likely wash the gown before they resell it or pass it to someone else. If the dress is clean and dry, the process will be much easier for the charity volunteers. In addition, it’s a good idea to label the box of your dress before you send it off, as this can save valuable time for the charity volunteers. The label should include helpful information such as the dress’s size, the name of the brand or designer, the year you bought it and its original price. A wedding dress that is stored for too long can become a haven for rats and insects. It can also develop mold if it is exposed to moisture. If your gown has been in storage for a while, it’s best to wash or dry clean it before donating it. The dress should also be inspected for any signs of stains or rips that need to be cleaned. You should also ask about the organization’s COVID-19 policies before you drop off your dress. Some charities have been updating their guidelines during the pandemic. This may affect how they accept and store the dresses, as well as how they distribute them. Some of the resale charities have a singular focus, such as Brides for a Cause, which collects gowns to sell and then donates the proceeds to dozens of women-focused charities. This charity also accepts bridal accessories and tiaras. There is also NICU Helping Hands, an organization that turns donated wedding dresses into angel gowns for infants who die in the womb or shortly after birth. These babies often spend a lot of time in the hospital, and their parents are overwhelmed with grief. The gowns can give their baby a beautiful funeral and send them off on their next journey in style.

After her daughter died in the NICU, Kathleen Hulet’s heart ached for families who would not get to bring their babies home. Then she remembered an article she’d seen about a seamstress who transforms wedding dresses into infant burial gowns, known as angel gowns. These beautiful little dresses are offered to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes — as well as directly to grieving parents – free of charge. Those little gowns are changing lives, and they’re being used to help families remember their tiny baby in a meaningful way. Across the country and around the world, many families struggle to find clothes to dress their baby for their final photos and for internment. So the gowns created by volunteers like Kathleen are a gift that helps ease some of that stress, a way for families to hold on to their baby for a little longer. One such family is at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, in the NICU and PICU. Earlier this month, the hospital received its first package of precious angel gowns from volunteer seamstresses. These beautiful, custom-made gowns, along with matching blankets and bonnets, will be given to families when a child is born stillborn or dies during or shortly after birth. At no cost to the parents, Sunshine State Angel Gowns uses exquisite wedding gowns donated by caring people across the nation to make small, delicate burial gowns for infants who die before, during or immediately after their birth. These glorious gowns, called angel gowns, are then delivered to hospitals, hospitals’ neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and funeral homes – and to families who have lost their child – all over the country and in four countries worldwide. This is not an exhaustive list, but it shows that the need for these gowns is truly global. And it’s an incredible testament to the compassion and dedication of volunteers like Kathleen and the rest who make it possible. ANALANE POWELL: The first time I met Kathleen, she told me her story. Her daughter was born at 24 weeks and weighed just 1 pound. She lived only four days and died from a rare lung disease. Her mother was unable to find clothing small enough for her, and that’s when she decided to become a seamstress to make angel gowns for other grieving families. Since that article was published in May 2018, Kathleen has sewed thousands of angel gowns, and she’s not alone. Volunteers from all over the country — and in four other countries — have joined her cause. The gowns are made from a variety of fabrics, including bridal gowns and formal dresses. Each one is washed, cut and sewed by hand, and some are machine-stitched. They’re offered to families all over the United States and in many other parts of the world, as well as at hospitals in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas. They’re also being sent to hospitals in Oregon, Texas and several other states.

When a child dies, planning their funeral can be difficult and emotionally draining. While it may seem like a task that can’t be completed, it is important to make these decisions in order to move forward and find closure. It is recommended to talk to a bereavement specialist about how best to discuss this with your children. You will also need to decide whether your child is going to be buried or cremated and the type of service you would like to have. Explaining the funeral to your children is a vitally important part of helping them understand what will happen and determining if they are ready to attend. The key is to be honest and break it down into small chunks that they can manage. Talking about where the funeral events will be held, who they are likely to see and what they will do can help children feel prepared and comfortable. You may also wish to arrange for a point person to look after your child at the ceremony and take them for a walk or offer a quiet activity if they need a break from what will be a very upsetting event. If your child is going to be able to view their deceased sibling at the visitation or at the funeral, it can be comforting for them to know in advance that the body will be fully dressed and that the casket isn’t scary. Explaining that the body will be cool to the touch and that the body won’t hurt them can be helpful too. It is also a good idea to let children know that they will see people showing a wide variety of emotions at the funeral, including tears and laughter. Reassure them that their feelings matter and that it’s ok to cry, even if the rest of the audience are laughing. Inviting your child to light candles, place flowers or engage in other ceremonial activities at the funeral can be a great way to help them feel included. If they are old enough you may want to allow them to read a poem or short piece, sing a song or say a prayer during the service. After the ceremony you can encourage your child to keep a memory box at home and fill it with photos, things that remind them of their sibling, favourite memories and stories. You may also wish to involve them in other memorial ceremonies such as planting a tree, placing a stone or releasing a flower into the sea or river. The decision of whether to let your child touch their deceased sibling or not can be a very personal one and it is best to trust the decision they make. However, if they are young enough and if they have been prepared ahead of time, many children do enjoy this opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one.

Baby clothing is not cheap, so it’s a good idea to get an idea of what sizes your baby will need and how many outfits of each size you will need before you start shopping. Many parents find that the best way to figure out what size baby clothes to buy is to look at a clothing brand’s sizing chart and compare it to their infant’s measurements. Keep in mind that different brands tend to run a little smaller, bigger or longer or shorter than others. You will also want to keep in mind that babies grow very quickly, so if the size on the tag is too small, it’s often wise to go up a size. The right baby clothing will be comfortable and easy to take care of. You will want to look for clothes made of cotton, which breathes well and is gentle against your baby’s sensitive skin. You will want to avoid any materials that might irritate your newborn’s skin, such as wool or synthetic fibers, especially in PJs. Look for stretchy jumpsuits that fasten at the front or have envelope necks so they are easier to put on your baby. You will also want to consider whether you will be dressing your baby in PJs or a more dressy outfit during the day. Some families find that they prefer to keep their newborns in pajamas during the day, while other families like to have their babies dressed up in cute outfits for photos or visiting friends and family. A couple of sets of footie PJs are usually a good choice, along with one or two gowns. Some brands even make gowns with snaps, which can be easier to use than zippers on babies. You should also have some “special occasion” outfits on hand, such as a pretty pink or blue floral dress that can be worn to meet grandparents and other relatives for the first time. You may also want a few pajamas that have cute holiday prints to wear to Christmas or Valentine’s Day celebrations with your family and friends. There are many great baby clothing brands to choose from, including Little Sleepies patterns that are fun and colorful, Target’s Cloud Island, Carter’s, Old Navy and a few other favorites. Some brands are even themed with popular kids’ characters, such as Disney and Marvel. It’s also worth considering whether you can find some pre-loved baby clothes to use for your newborn. You can find many gently used pieces online, or you can check out a baby clothing rental service such as Rent-a-Romper that offers a monthly subscription to have clothes delivered to your home. You can even return them once your child outgrows them, which will save you a lot of money and space!

Burial gowns are a simple and respectful way to dress a deceased loved one before their funeral service. Whether you’re planning a traditional casket or an open-casket ceremony, these garments are available in a wide range of appealing fabrics and styles. They are designed to be easy for the funeral director to put on, with details like false shirt fronts that help to hide the person’s body from view. You can also find a selection of designs that include religious motifs such as the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals. There are burial outfits that are sized for men and women, as well as bariatric versions for people of larger build. The type of clothes that you choose for your loved one to be dressed in at their funeral will depend on many factors including their cultural background, personal style, and religious beliefs. Involving loved ones in this decision-making process can be a comforting and thoughtful way to honour their life and legacy. For most people, the choice of burial attire is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer a more formal look, while others may opt for more casual clothing that is a reminder of their love of a particular hobby or activity. For example, a man who loved to fish might wear his favorite pair of rubber waders and hat adorned with his favored lures and flies. For women, a smart dress or blouse in a subtle pastel color might be a good option. Alternatively, a simple white ensemble can be a good choice to convey a sense of peace and serenity. This could include a white dress or skirt paired with a white blouse or tailored shirt. The outfit could be accessorized with a conservative, matching tie and polished dress shoes. It’s important to remember that the clothes you select for your loved one to be dressed in at the funeral and service must be suitable for cremation as some materials cannot be burned. If the funeral is to be held in a crematorium, it’s a good idea to consult with the funeral home regarding their policies on this issue. You can also find a variety of burial shrouds and casket sheets that are suitable for green funerals and woodland burial grounds. These are typically made of natural fibres, such as calico or linen, and are free from man-made materials, making them a good choice for green funerals. These are often designed to resemble smart night gowns, pyjamas or dressing gowns, and are available in a wide variety of attractive shades and fabrics. You can also select a burial shroud or casket sheet that has been printed with an image of a person. These can be a lovely way to create a unique and personalized appearance that will be a lasting memorial to your loved one. They can be a particularly touching touch when used for a child’s funeral or for an open casket ceremony for those who prefer not to have their bodies embalmed.

Donating your wedding dress can help give a new bride the chance to have the wedding of her dreams. Many bridal or thrift shops accept gowns, while other nonprofits take in other items like jewelry and accessories. During COVID-19, donating dresses is an especially good choice because the virus can live on some fabrics and materials for a couple days and can be dangerous to touch and wear. Regardless of whether the charity you’re donating to takes gowns or other items, it’s best to follow the dress donation guidelines to ensure your dress is in good condition for its next owner. Before you begin the reselling process, you should first contact your chosen charity and ask what their requirements are. For example, some charities will only accept dresses that are less than five years old, while others require the dress to be professionally cleaned before being donated. Some will even offer to clean the gown for an additional fee, which saves you money and time. Some organizations also have specific deadlines for gown donations, so make sure to check the website for dates and instructions. Alternatively, some bridal or wedding expos may host gown sales that benefit local or national charitable causes. These events are a great option for brides looking to sell their used dresses because they often attract a large audience, making it easier for brides-to-be to find what they’re looking for. Some charities that take in dresses will post them online to help match them with brides who are interested. Shared Dream Dresses, started by PEOPLE writer Emily Stulgis, is one such group that’s currently connecting 19,000 brides with their perfect dress. Stulgis says that the group’s success is partly due to its transparency. The private Facebook page allows brides to share photos of their dresses, along with size and fit details. Other brides then reach out to connect. You can also donate your gown to a general organization like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, which has an extensive network and can make your dress available to more people than you might expect. In addition, some community theaters or schools will accept gown donations that can be repurposed as costumes for stage productions. If you decide to donate your gown, be sure to store it in a sturdy, acid-free box. This protects the fabric from stains, which can occur when a dress isn’t properly stored and cared for. The box should also be labeled with helpful information about the dress to save charity volunteers time, including the name of the dress, the brand or designer and the year purchased. While reselling your dress can be an excellent way to recoup some of the money you spent on it, the time and effort that goes into the reselling process might not be worth it for you. Moreover, donating your wedding dress helps you declutter your closet and reduces the amount of space it takes up in your home.

Many of the parents who are helped by NICU Helping Hands have experienced their own personal tragedies. Some had miscarriages; others lost their surviving preemies to complications of premature birth or were stillborn. The organization’s goal is to provide families of babies who are stillborn or die shortly after birth with a beautiful gown or angel wrap that can be used for final photographs and dressing the baby for burial. The nonprofit has volunteers across the country, including at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, California. This hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for children and their families. As a nurse at the hospital for 37 years, Gaber has seen too many families deal with loss of their little one. She says the grieving is overwhelming and that she wanted to do something to help. Gaber found her calling when she began making small dresses from donated wedding gowns, called angel gowns, that can be worn by infants that are stillborn or who die in their first few days of life. These angel gowns are made by sewing together bits of fabric from a wedding dress or other formal gown, with or without a train, and adding accessories. The resulting tiny work of art is designed for boys and girls in sizes that fit the tiniest preemies up to full-term infants. They are often adorned with lace, embroidery, beads and pearls, and are meant to be a small tribute to the child. Across the country, volunteer seamstresses make these little works of art for babies who will never leave their hospitals. Some have added special touches like a cap or bonnet, bow tie, or vest, or sewed phrases such as “heaven’s angel” or “love forever.” The same intricate detail that went into the original wedding dress is passed into the tiny angel gown. In Florida, Sunshine State Angel Gowns operates out of an office in Altamonte Springs, but it reaches parents all over the state. Executive Director Michelle Cortes has personally visited hospitals such as Winnie Palmer, Florida Hospital and Tallahassee Memorial to ensure that a gown, blanket or wrap is available for every family in need. Cortes and her team are able to provide these items free of charge for any family who requests them. She also works directly with other hospitals in the area, such as Sanford and CHI St. Alexius, to ensure that each family has the proper materials during their time of need. Anyone can become a volunteer for the organization. The only requirement is a desire to provide comfort and support to grieving parents. Monetary donations are also accepted and go toward purchasing supplies, including the purchase of sewing machines for each seamstress. Gift cards are welcomed, too, at craft retailers such as Hobby Lobby and JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores. To learn more about how you can help, visit the organization’s website here.