Month: July 2025

The littlest members of your family need clothes to keep them cozy, comfy and safe. The Children’s Place has lots of cuddle-worthy cute baby clothing for newborns, including dresses, bodysuits and outfits. Choosing mix-and-match basics for your baby will allow you to create a versatile wardrobe that will grow with him or her. Having a few basics on hand, and keeping in mind that you’ll be doing lots of laundry, will save you money and time, as well as make it easier to get the most use out of your baby’s tiny wardrobe. A newborn’s first few weeks at home require special care to protect the umbilical cord stump, which will need to be kept dry. Onesie clothing, with snaps across the front, is ideal for babies during this period. It avoids the need to pull shirts over baby’s head, and it is easier on the sensitive newborn skin. As infants begin to move around and explore their environment, body clothes will become essential. They can be a combination of one-piece garments, such as rompers and babygrows (also known as footie pajamas) with full leg openings for easy diapering. Some garments, such as t-shirts, have fold over scratch mitts to prevent young babies from accidentally scratching themselves. For special occasions, newborns might wear dresses or gowns, sometimes with reversible jackets and dual-sided bibs to provide versatility and minimize laundry. Babies might also wear hats (2-3) and socks (5-6), which can help them stay warm. Newborns are not yet toilet trained, and so will need diapers or nappies to protect against leakage. Some baby clothing comes with diaper covers to help prevent stains and to make it easier for you to get them on and off. Diapers can be supplemented with swim diapers, which are absorbent but have a waterproof coating to help babies enjoy their first swimming adventures. If your infant is a walker or will be using a stroller, consider a baby bunting or toasty foot muff to keep him or her warm on cold days. These can be purchased or made at home, and can also be used as a sling for nursing mothers. During the winter, many families opt to dress their newborns in layers. “Newborns have a hard time regulating their temperatures, and dressing them in layers can make them comfortable all the time,” says Lauren Gregor, co-founder of Rent-a-Romper, a service that allows parents to rent and return baby clothing as they outgrow it. It’s important to remember that baby sizing can vary from brand to brand, so look at each item’s sizing chart. Many newborns are born in the 0-3 month range, and so will need sizes that fit for the first four or five weeks of life. From there, your baby can transition into 3-6 month or 6-9 month clothing. It’s a good idea to have a few of each size on hand, so you can have options for different seasons and activities.

When an individual passes away, they may want their final outfit to reflect who they were as a person and their style. This can be a beautiful way for their family to pay homage to their loved one and help them move forward with peace and clarity. Burial gowns are often a popular choice for a dignified farewell. Burial clothing can range from casual to formal, depending on the deceased’s preferences and their culture or background. Typically, it leans towards formal attire, such as suits or dress shirts with a tie for men and dresses or skirts for women. However, some people choose to wear casual clothes, such as a favorite sports jersey or a dress that holds sentimental value. There are also several options for those who prefer a more natural approach to burial attire. For example, if the deceased was a fisherman, having them wearing their rubber waders and hat with favorite lures and flies can be a comforting touch for loved ones to remember them by. Likewise, if your loved one was a baker, you might like to have their apron and baking gloves available for viewing or to take with them when they are cremated. Alternatively, you can opt for traditional cultural attire to pay homage to the deceased’s heritage. This can include a kimono, kilt, or kurta that can be used to honor their ethnicity and cultural identity. These are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials to ensure there’s a perfect option for every individual. If your loved one was a member of a religious community, you can also find many religious-themed burial gowns that are beautifully crafted to provide a peaceful final outfit. These are available in both male and female styles, with or without sleeves, and in a variety of colors and fabrics to match the deceased’s personality. Another option is a burial robe. These are designed to make it simple for funeral directors to dress a loved one with dignity. Usually made from soft, satin-like materials, they can be tailored specifically for men and women or as a unisex option. They can also be adorned with religious motifs such as the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals. Lastly, you can also find special garments for small babies (often referred to as angel gowns) through a variety of charitable organizations across the country and globe. These are often donated to NICUs, where they can be used as comforting remembrances for families who have lost a baby in the early stages of pregnancy or during birth. Depending on the organization, these are usually free or low-cost and provide a unique opportunity to help families move forward with love and healing. In addition to preserving their memories, they help ensure that tiny babies are properly cared for during the most difficult time in their lives.

If you’re a recently married bride who wants to give back, there are plenty of charities and thrift stores that accept wedding gowns as donations. Before you drop off your gown, do a little research to ensure that the charity you’re giving it to is legitimate and worthy of such an important piece of clothing. In addition, you should make sure that the dress is in good condition, preferably new or almost new. It won’t do anyone any favors if it has holes or visible stains. One of the biggest benefits of donating your wedding dress is that it can help you cut down on textile waste. According to a survey by the Council for Textile Recycling, more than half of the bridal dresses sold at bridal outlets are bought secondhand. While it may seem like a hassle to clean and mend your dress before donating, this is a great way to give it a second life and keep it out of the landfills. The Emma and Evan Foundation repurposes wedding dresses into angel gowns—burial gowns for infants who die before their first birthdays. The foundation provides these memorial gowns to grieving families to provide comfort and a sense of closure. Gowns are accepted year-round, and the foundation provides instructions for mailing or dropping off your donation. Another excellent charity that accepts wedding gowns is NICU Helping Hands, which converts donated dresses into tiny burial gowns for babies who have passed away before their first birthdays. The organization has about 180 seamstresses from all over the country who painstakingly transform wedding dresses into tiny burial gowns for newborns to use on their final journey. Each dress can be used to create around 12 tiny baby burial gowns for families in need. Many thrift stores also accept wedding gowns as donations, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army. However, it’s essential to contact the store in advance to find out their specific requirements and donation process. For example, some thrift stores require that your dress be professionally cleaned before it can be donated. Others require that you fill out a form and wait for their approval. Some stores will only accept certain types of fabric. If you want to donate your wedding gown, choose a cause that’s close to your heart and that makes you feel passionate about making a difference in the world. The money raised from the sale of wedding dresses can go toward a variety of charitable causes, including breast cancer research and women’s shelters. You can also support veterans and first responders by donating your gown to a nonprofit like Brides Across America. The charity holds free wedding dress giveaway events for military and first responder brides twice a year. If you’re donating your wedding dress during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should have it dry cleaned before sending it off to a charity or thrift store. If possible, you should place the gown in a garment bag to protect it and prevent any accidental spills or rips.

In the world, 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a loss, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth or a heartbreaking diagnosis. When a baby dies, the parents’ hearts break, too. But a Central Florida organization helps ease their pain by turning wedding dresses into remembrances of their beloved little one. “It’s a beautiful thing, and I just love it,” said Edith Kalahar, 66, who has volunteered to sew for the program since 2014. A lifelong seamstress, she was inspired by an article in a local newspaper about the Angel Gown Program at Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis. The nurse who started the program had reached out to her friends, asking them to help her recruit seamstresses to make gowns for infants who pass away in their hospital’s NICU. Kalahar has donated hundreds of dresses to the cause. She washes them, cuts them into small sizes and sews them together. She has also made bonnets and sleeping bags for the babies. “These are things they will remember, so we want them to be nice,” she says. The gowns are free to families, and some are even embroidered with the baby’s name. “It’s a special moment when they see the gown and are able to take it home with them,” she says. The program has grown exponentially since its inception in 1998, with donations of dresses coming from all over the country and beyond. Its founder, Dawn Corey, a longtime seamstress, created the nonprofit to ensure that families who have experienced loss can receive a special keepsake for their child. Today, Touching Little Lives provides about 25 gowns per month to hospitals in Ohio, and the organization is expanding to other states. “We are trying to reach as many families as possible,” said infant loss coordinator Katrina Durst, whose organization also distributes blankets and other items for the tiny babies. Levine Children’s Hospital has a comfort team that works with nurses and families who are caring for babies who may not survive their stay in the NICU. One of the members of the team, Melissa Tyo, a neonatologist, says they identified the need for angel gowns and are working to improve how they are distributed. Tom and Deanna Williamson lost their son, Eli, shortly after his birth in 2011. They rely on a program at their hospital that uses donated angel gowns to dress babies who never come home. They know the gowns give parents a sense of dignity and peace. They are among many NICU families who have used them. The Williamsons are grateful to the seamstresses who volunteer to make the garments, including Mary Bauer, a member of Columbus Christ Child Society. She has helped make about 200 angel gowns and offers kits to people who want to try sewing them before they commit to it long-term. She has found that some people are just not cut out to be seamstresses, but she wants to help as many as she can.

In the first stages of grief it can be hard to find the energy to think about arranging a funeral or memorial service for your child. However, this is something that needs to be done, and research shows that a service can help manage grief and promote healing. If you decide to hold a service for your child, it is important to discuss what kind of funeral you would like with the funeral director. A service can be anything from a religious or traditional ceremony, to an outdoor or celebratory event. You can choose which casket or urn you wish to use and whether you would prefer to have the body buried or cremated. It is also worth considering the location of the ceremony and the order of events. For example, you may want to arrange a public service so that family, friends and acquaintances can say their last farewells. This is particularly appropriate if the death was sudden and unexpected. During the funeral, it is important to consider your children’s needs and feelings. They may be confused about what is happening and why people are crying. You should make sure that you explain everything to them in a way that they can understand. You should also prepare them for the event beforehand so that they know what to expect. The funeral is also an opportunity for you to honour your child. This could be in the form of a service, a celebration of life or a memory jar. Many parents find that if they can find ways to honour their child, it helps them feel connected and less isolated during the grief process. If your child is being buried, it is important to talk with the funeral directors about what kind of coffin or urn you would like to use. There are a variety of caskets and urns available, and you should take the time to look through them so that you can decide which one is right for you. You should also give the child a chance to participate during the ceremony. This could be as simple as allowing them to sign an autograph book or matted photo frame and it can be a good way for them to express their feelings. You might also want to ask them to pass a microphone during the ceremony and encourage people to share stories or memories of your child. If your child was stillborn, you may be able to apply for financial assistance from the Children’s Funeral Fund in England or Wales or from other sources. This will help with the cost of a funeral, burial or cremation. If you would like to find out more about this, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

When it comes to baby clothing, there are so many adorable options that the possibilities can be overwhelming. To help you choose the best clothing for your newborn, take into account a few key factors: Newborns typically wear simple cotton bodysuits or babygrows for daytime and nightwear, supplemented by bibs during feedings. For special occasions, they might wear scaled down versions of adult clothes like mini-tuxedos. It’s important to keep in mind that infants go through lots of clothes and do laundry often, so it is best to buy in bulk (if possible). Babies also grow quickly, so size up a bit from the tag; it’s always better to have more than less. As a general rule, it’s best to buy clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton and linen. These fabrics are hypoallergenic, breathable, and soft on delicate newborn skin. However, some parents prefer to avoid synthetic fabrics because of their potential health risks. If your child has sensitive skin, opt for a hypoallergenic fabric that is labeled as such. In addition to avoiding certain fabrics, make sure to read labels and sizing charts carefully. It’s a good idea to compare the baby clothing sizing charts between brands; different manufacturers’ sizes run slightly differently, so it’s crucial to double-check. If you’re shopping in-store, try on a few outfits to see which fit well. It’s also a good idea to do some trial and error by buying a few of each size to see which ones your newborn grows into fastest. Whether you’re looking for a new set of cuddle-worthy baby clothes for your own little one or are picking out some gift-worthy basics for a friend or family member, these mom-and-pop shops have got you covered. They offer a wide variety of cute baby styles, including dresses, bodysuits, and outfits. Plus, these mom-and-pop boutiques curate only the best brands in the basics and essentials lane using safe and soft materials that your little one will love to snuggle up in. From the ultra-soft and breathable Lunaluxe material used by Kyte Baby to the incredibly comfy bamboo viscose blend of Little Sleepies, these brands use high-quality fabrics that are as comfortable as can be on teeny newborn bodies. Plus, they all have velcro fronts to allow for easy diaper changes during the first few weeks.

Whether your loved one died suddenly or had planned their funeral ahead of time, there are many things to take into account. From casket options to final resting places, there is much to think about. The clothing worn to the service is also important, as it can help comfort mourning family and friends. Burial gowns are a great choice for both men and women as they exude elegance, solemnity and dignity. In addition to a classic black dress, there are other outfits that can be worn for a more casual look. These can include a well-fitting tailored suit or khaki pants paired with a coordinating shirt. Clothes in subtle pastel colors can convey a feeling of peace and serenity, as well. If your loved one preferred casual attire in life, a t-shirt or shirt with a more laid back fit can be a good option. Pair this with a pair of closed-toe shoes and understated jewelry. If your loved one enjoyed a more elegant style, a white ensemble is another great option. This color symbolizes purity and peace, so it can be a beautiful choice for a funeral or memorial. A simple white blouse or dress paired with skirts and dress pants or khakis can be a dignified choice, especially if you choose a modest silhouette. Alternatively, you can opt for a midi-length dress or skirt with a high neckline and long sleeves to ensure that body blemishes from illness are not visible. In a similar vein, you can also choose to wear an outfit that reflects your loved one’s cultural heritage or faith traditions. This is often the case in shrouding cultures, where there are specific garments and pieces of cloth that are used, a particular way knots are tied and prescribed prayers and songs. While some people may not be comfortable with this idea, it can be a lovely tribute to your loved one and also help family members feel more at ease. Some people have even chosen to wear a favorite piece of jewelry or a necklace they had worn with them every day. If your loved ones were avid fans of a particular hobby, you can also find apparel that reflects that passion. There are shirts and dresses that will make the deceased resemble their favorite sports team or their favorite band, as well as suits for those who were dedicated businessmen or women. A Girl Scout troop in Grandview, Oklahoma is taking the concept of burial gowns to a new level. Paige, a 16-year-old Girl Scout, recently earned her Gold Award by sewing more than 110 gowns. The girls used donated wedding dresses and linens, including tablecloths, to sew the outfits. The young seamstresses also made bonnets and charms to accompany each outfit, a small touch that honors the departed’s life in its short time on earth. The girl’s project, called Real Imprints, works with a national and international program that turns repurposed wedding gowns into burial gowns for babies who don’t come home from the NICU.

Many brides choose to keep their wedding dress as a keepsake or even pass it down to their daughter, but some gowns end up sitting in closets for years before being discarded. Instead of letting your gown gather dust, donate it to one of the many meaningful charities that accept preowned dresses. The charity that receives your dress will use it to provide brides-to-be with an affordable option for their big day. Wedding dresses can be expensive, and many brides are unable to afford their dream dress due to financial hardships. By donating your dress, you can help brides have their dream wedding and create priceless memories just like you did on your special day. Donating your gown to a charity can also help you save on taxes. The organization you donate to will give you a tax receipt, which can be used to reduce your taxable income for the year. This may not be the case if you donate to a charity that is not registered with the IRS. Be sure to consult your accountant for more information about claiming your donation on your taxes. When donating your gown, be sure it is in good condition. Check it for signs of tearing or fraying and make sure there are no visible stains. A gown with significant damage will be a huge burden for the charity to repair, while minor damages can often be fixed by a seamstress before being donated. Some charities will also accept bridal accessories, such as veil, sash, and shoes. Some will only accept certain styles of gown, so be sure to check with each charity before donating. It is also a good idea to have your gown professionally cleaned before donating. Donating a dirty dress can ruin the look of other dresses, so it is important to have yours cleaned as soon as possible. The Brides Project in Michigan, for example, sells donated wedding dresses to raise money for programming for families impacted by cancer. The organization’s program includes support groups, counseling services, and nutrition workshops. Another nonprofit that outfits military and first responder brides with preowned wedding dresses is Brides Across America. The organization has a collection of over 26,000 dresses in their Operation Wedding Gown boutiques, where they are passed on to brides for free. Brides Across America also hosts two wedding gown events each year to ensure that all brides have the opportunity to experience their dream wedding. A third nonprofit that accepts wedding dresses is NICU Helping Hands, which transforms gowns into tiny burial dresses for infants that have died before their first birthday. The group has 180 seamstresses across the country who work to create these dresses for grieving parents. You can find more local options for donating your dress at Angel Gown Network Canada. The site allows you to search for an Angel Gown group near you, and each location has links to their websites. In addition to gowns, the group also accepts donations of sewing supplies such as ribbon, lace, bobby pins, buttons, fabric scissors, and pinking shears.