Author: angelgownsbydiane

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Buying Baby Clothing

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!

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Burial Gowns

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.

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Donate Wedding Dresses For COVID-19

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.

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Angel Gowns Help Stillborn Babies

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.

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Planning a Child Funeral

When your baby dies, the decisions you make are some of the hardest you will ever have to make. Whether you choose to bury or cremate your child, a funeral ceremony provides a real opportunity for mourners of all ages to say goodbye and begin to find healing. While the idea of a child funeral might feel overwhelming, it is important to remember that thousands of parents before you have successfully navigated this difficult journey and there are many people willing to support you along the way. Assessing your children’s readiness to attend a funeral is a very personal decision. Children understand death differently depending on age and a funeral is often the first time they will have witnessed an event like this. Taking the time to explain what will happen in simple terms and allowing them to take a break if they need it is crucial. Encouraging siblings to participate in a ceremony is also something that can help with their grief and it may be beneficial to ask them to present a tribute to their sibling, but allowing them to do this on their own terms. If your children are attending a service where the casket will be on display it is important to prepare them ahead of time. Using pictures and stories from their childhood can help them understand what they will see and ensure they are not overly anxious. It is also helpful to reassure them that their sibling cannot see them or hear them at the funeral and that they will be in a safe place. If you are choosing a closed casket, it is also important to prepare your children for this in the same way by explaining that their sibling will be fully dressed, but not in any pain or fear and that they cannot feel cold. Choosing music and readings that were special to your child can provide a meaningful connection during the service. Including personal items such as favorite toys or a teddy bear can help with this as well. Allowing family members and close friends to offer eulogies and share memories is another way to create a meaningful ceremony. The rites of committal are the final step in your baby’s ceremony and you can ask that their coffin be hidden from view or removed completely from the room at this point. You can then choose to have the ashes buried at the crematorium, scattered in their garden of rest or collected and taken home. Whether you plan to have your child buried or cremated it is also important to think about what your family will do with their ashes after the service. There are many options available to you and you should do what feels right for your family. It is also worth considering how you will talk to your children about the ashes once they are back in your possession. This will probably require some more detailed explanation and discussion, but having this conversation in advance can help them better understand what has happened.

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How to Choose the Best Baby Clothing for Your Baby

When it comes to baby clothing, the options are endless. But which brands have the most stylish designs, and which ones will stand up to frequent washings? Read on for a round-up of the best pieces to add to your newborn’s wardrobe. Closures like snaps, elastics and zippers can have a big impact on how easy it is to dress your little one. Look for garments with easy-to-use closures, as well as safety tabs and snaps that cover the ends of fasteners to prevent baby from getting them caught on objects. It’s also helpful to have a few outfits that are simple enough for quick changes, especially when your baby is wiggling around. Newborns grow quickly, so it’s important to get the right size. Check the label for recommended sizing, but keep in mind that babies can fit into sizes much larger or smaller than what the tag recommends. If possible, try on a few different items and consider whether you can envision the piece fitting your baby at their full-term weight and height. You can also rely on online reviews to help you gauge fit. From spit-ups to blowouts, baby clothes are often going to need frequent washing. A high-quality cotton fabric is a good choice because it can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and it won’t lose its shape or color with repeated washes. Look for cotton jersey, as it’s soft and stretchy enough for infants but still durable enough to hold up to many uses. Another option is to shop for clothes made from organic cotton, which has been grown without the use of chemicals that can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. Look for clothing with GOTS or OEKO-TEX certifications to make sure you’re getting the highest quality fabrics. Despite their small sizes, it’s possible to find baby clothes that are as stylish as your own, thanks to brands like Zara, which has a wide selection of cute styles that veer on the childish side or have a more sophisticated look. GH staffers who’ve bought Zara clothing for their own children say the company’s styles are a great way to inject some personality into your little bundle of joy. If you’re looking for a more classic look, consider shopping for brands like Cloud Island, which sells soft and cozy sweaters and tees in neutral colors. The brand’s knit cotton jersey material is incredibly soft and stretchy, and GH analysts who’ve purchased clothing from the line for friends and family say it’s comfortable, warm and durable, and doesn’t show signs of wear after many washes. The company’s clothes are a bit on the pricey side, but they’re a good investment because you can expect them to last a long time, and you can pass them down or sell them through sites like Poshmark and ThredUP after your baby grows out of them.

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Choosing Burial Gowns

Burial outfits can be a deeply personal and emotional aspect of the funeral process. By considering the deceased’s cultural background, religious beliefs and personal style, you can select attire that reflects their unique identity. If your loved one has left specific instructions about their funeral attire, or if they did not leave any instructions, it can be helpful to consult with a professional funeral director who can offer guidance and help you carry out your loved ones wishes. The first consideration when selecting burial clothing is the personality of your loved one. Did they prefer casual clothing, or did they prefer to dress more formally? A simple black dress can be a classic choice, and will exude elegance and solemnity. It can be adorned with a ribbon or floral arrangement for an additional element of beauty. Some modern burial garments are designed with false shirt fronts and other embellishments to resemble day wear or evening clothes. When it comes to choosing burial clothing for a male, a suit is usually the most appropriate choice. A dark suit with a crisp white shirt can provide a refined and dignified look. Shirt buttons can be replaced with rhinestones or pearls to add a touch of sophistication to the outfit. For a more traditional burial, a burial shroud is an option that many people choose. This type of wrapping is made from linen, and it is ecologically produced. The material is also biodegradable, which makes it ideal for a natural or green funeral. Many cultures and religions have a specific set of guidelines about how to dress the dead. For example, Muslim and Jewish faith traditions call for the body to be wrapped in a cloth known as a kafan or tachrichim, respectively. If your loved one has a particular culture or religious tradition that they wish to be honored with their burial attire, it is important to consult with a professional to ensure that the attire selected will be compliant with these customs. If your loved one wanted to be buried with a special piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or watch, it is important to let the funeral directors know about these wishes. It is a good idea to communicate with your family members about these wishes as well, as it can be difficult for them to remember at such a sad and trying time. Ultimately, the selection of burial clothing is a personal and sentimental task that should be carried out with the utmost care and respect. By following these tips and working closely with your funeral directors in Elba, NY, you can choose an outfit that honors the life of your loved one. Whether you choose to use an outfit from their wardrobe or to go with something more traditional, you can be confident that your loved one’s funeral will be a beautiful and meaningful ceremony.

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Donate Wedding Dresses to Charity

A bride’s dress is often her most cherished wedding keepsake, but what happens to it once she no longer needs it? The good news is, many charities that accept gown donations give them new lives, helping brides find the perfect dresses at prices they can afford. While some charities have a specific focus like supporting cancer patients, others are general in scope and can help all women who don’t have the means to purchase new dresses at full price. In addition, many thrift stores and resale shops that sell used wedding dresses will take gown donations to make them available to budget-conscious shoppers who might not be able to afford a brand new dress. KEMP Wyre Forest Hospice, based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, is one such charity that takes dress donations for its Bridal Floor at the hospice’s Coventry Street Charity Shop. The funds raised from the sale of donated dresses go toward care and support services for individuals suffering from life-limiting illnesses, their families and carers. Dresses are either sold on the shop’s website or made available to a local network of bridal consultants to be given to brides-to-be who may not be able to afford a new wedding dress. “The feedback we get is really uplifting,” says the hospice’s community support specialist, Lisa Chapman. “People are so grateful to be able to have a gown that they can wear and love on their wedding day.” A bride-to-be in need of a gown will fill out an online form to request a dress and provide measurements. The charity then sends the requested dress to the bride, along with a veil and shoes. The charity will also resell the dress at its next Operation Wedding Gown event for military and first responder brides, which are held twice a year. The charity’s website includes a page that outlines their vetting process, with guidelines that include whether a dress should have been worn and how to prepare it for donation, including having it professionally cleaned. It’s worth doing your research as not all charities will accept every gown, even if it’s in excellent condition. In addition to local charities, look for buy/sell/trade groups on social media and online forums that can match you with someone in need of a dress. Those groups may have threads specifically for wedding dress donations, or the option to post your dress in the appropriate section. For instance, Shared Dream Dresses, a Facebook group started by former PEOPLE bride Stulgis, connects donors with brides-to-be who need a gown through a private group where members share photos and size information. The group’s 19,000 members have helped connect more than 200 pairs. The brides-to-be have had compelling stories, such as one woman who lost her original dress in a fire and reached out to the group for assistance. The pair successfully matched, and the dress was shipped to the bride. Donated dresses can also be repurposed into something else, such as a baby gown for a child who passed away in the hospital.

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Angel Gowns – A Way to Keep a Piece of Your Baby’s Memory Closer

ND Angel Gowns knit broken hearts all over the world together in love, hope and healing. Their beautiful work gives families a piece of their baby’s memory to hold onto. Every year, nearly 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. That is a lot of families struggling with heartbreak. Judi Gaber is a nurse at Riley Children’s Hospital in North Dakota and has been working with these families for the past 37 years. She says losing a child is one of the most heart-wrenching things you can experience in life. She began to notice that many families didn’t have anything special to take home with their lost infants. Then she found a solution that is now in use at hospitals nationwide. Angel gowns are made out of donated wedding dresses and are used as burial outfits or keepsakes for a baby who was born too soon. Several local moms and grandmothers have taken up the task of making these special garments. They are donated to hospitals and birthing centers for families who are facing the loss of their unborn or newborn baby. The idea of repurposing a wedding dress is not new, but this particular project has grown to reach beyond just Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. Mangiaracina has since received a message from a mother in Puyallup who read her column. She and her husband lost a daughter and could relate to Sarah’s story of missing birthdays and other milestones. They decided to donate their own wedding dress and it was turned into an angel gown for her daughter’s grave site. In the months that followed, she received more messages from people all over the country who were interested in donating their dresses to be turned into angel gowns. She now has 85 gowns in various stages of completion and is supplying them to hospitals in Oregon, Texas and Montana as well. Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center is proud to partner with ND Angel Gowns in their effort to provide these families with a piece of their little one’s memory. Our NICU nurses are grateful to have these garments available for our tiniest patients and their families. Visit this link to learn more about the hospital and their services. A special thank you to our friends at ND Angel Gowns for bringing this heartwarming story to our attention. We can’t imagine the pain and grief that these gowns bring to families but are so happy to be able to help them in their time of need.

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Talking to Your Children About a Child Funeral

A child funeral is a special service that allows parents and family members to say goodbye to their baby or children who died. This service often includes a memorial ceremony or a visitation followed by a private burial. A child funeral can be a comforting way to help families process their loss and find a way to honour their loved one. Whether you decide to hold a child funeral or not, it’s important to talk with your children about it and understand what to expect. It is also important to know that if your child chooses not to attend the funeral, that is okay. Attending without preparation or information may cause a child to feel confused and scared and can lead to feelings of regret or resentment later. Many adults who have attended a child funeral say it was a beautiful and empowering experience that helped them to begin to heal. For some children, however, the decision to go to a funeral is difficult. Usually, this is due to a lack of information. If your child does not want to attend, listen to them carefully and try to determine the root of their reluctance. Talk to them about the service and what to expect, but don’t pressure them into going. If they change their minds, that is fine too. Explain what to expect at a funeral and make sure your child knows that it is normal to see people grieving and crying. They may be surprised to see a variety of emotions, including laughter. This will help them understand that their own feelings are normal too. It’s also a good idea to let them know what they will see at the funeral, especially if there will be an open casket or urn on a memorial table. If they will be able to view their sibling’s body, help them understand that the body looks different when it is dead. It is often cool to the touch, and there might be marks or scars from birth defects. Explain that it is a good idea to touch their sibling’s hand or arm but they should be careful not to cause any harm to their body. Explain that they will see people wearing all sorts of clothing at a funeral. Some people will be in formal clothes and others in casual attire. It’s important for children to understand that there are no right or wrong ways to dress for a funeral. Encourage your children to bring a picture of their sibling with them to the service and to sign a memory book or other mementos during the ceremony. It’s helpful for them to have something physical to hold during the service and to be able to share their thoughts with other family members and friends. Be aware that your children will likely spend a long time in a dark, quiet, and unfamiliar environment. Ensure that they have plenty of snacks and water and that you check in on them periodically. Plan for them to leave early if necessary, and give them an activity to do before or after the funeral such as playing a video of their sibling’s favorite songs or writing a letter or card to their sister or brother.