Author: angelgownsbydiane

New parents are often confused by the many options when it comes to baby clothing. Understanding a few basic terms can help you make better shopping decisions for your little one’s wardrobe and prepare them for their first years of life. Babies are very delicate, so choosing clothes that are soft to the touch is essential. You may also want to look for baby clothing that is made with organic cotton or eco-friendly materials such as bamboo rayon. In addition, snaps (also known as poppers) and zip fastenings are much easier to use than traditional buttons and will make diaper changes more convenient when needed. When it comes to baby footwear, socks are a must. These are especially important in colder climates and can be worn alone or layered over shoes. Booties are another option for keeping babies’ feet warm, and are available in many different colours and styles. Some brands even offer socks and booties that are machine-washable for easy care. You’ll also need hats to keep your newborn warm, particularly in the winter months. Be sure to choose a style that will protect their sensitive head and ears, and consider adding some warm fleece hats as well. A pair of gloves is a good idea too, to prevent cold hands, and to stop them from scratching themselves with their surprisingly sharp nails. Newborns will need plenty of sleep, so a comfy sleeper is an absolute wardrobe essential. These full-length pajamas are typically made from soft fabric that will keep them warm and cozy as they snooze. They can be worn at home or on outings, and some feature hand covers to prevent the baby from scratching themselves, a common issue they might have due to their wrinkly fingers. A t-shirt is another key piece for infants, providing comfort while they play or rest. These can be paired with shorts or pants to create different outfits. Some brands offer t-shirts with a snap front for easy diapering. This can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to get your infant to sleep quickly! In addition to a t-shirt and sleeper, moms will find that a simple pair of cotton leggings is a staple for their baby’s wardrobe. These are easy to pull on over a diaper and bodysuit and will provide warmth, flexibility, and comfort as the baby grows. Leggings that have elastic waistbands are less likely to dig into the tummy, which can be very uncomfortable for babies. As any parent will tell you, a newborn will grow very quickly, so it’s best to stick with simpler pieces that are easy to wash. It’s also a good idea to layer, so be sure to have some baby sweaters, cardigans, and vests on hand. This will ensure that your newborn has a few versatile items to wear, even in the warmer summer weather.

Burial garments, also called funeral clothes, are used to dress a deceased person at their final resting place. These are a special way for families to remember and honor their loved one. Some people choose to wear clothing that their deceased loved ones had in life — a favorite shirt, comfy pyjamas or a dress they liked to wear. Other people choose a more formal outfit such as a suit or a tailored shirt and trousers. Many people opt for dark-colored clothing, which looks dignified and respectable at a funeral. When choosing an outfit for a loved one’s funeral, it’s important to consider the deceased person’s personality and beliefs. For example, if your deceased loved bright colours and patterns, you might want to choose an outfit that reflects those traits. Similarly, if your loved one was a religious person, you might choose something that reflects their faith, such as an embroidered Muslim shroud or a Christian cross. A suit is a classic outfit choice that’s appropriate for both men and women. You can find suits in a variety of colors and fabrics, including black, charcoal gray and navy blue. A classic suit is easy to pair with a dress shirt, conservative tie and polished dress shoes. Often, a funeral director will dress the deceased in a traditional funeral gown, or burial shroud. These are made of soft and satin-like materials and resemble smart night gowns or pyjamas. They are available for both men and women, and can also feature religious motifs. They are commonly worn at Catholic funerals and can be designed with false shirt fronts and other details for added dignity. Cremation is becoming a popular option for many people, and some people prefer to have their beloved dead dressed in an outfit that they would wear if they were being buried. For this reason, you should always check with your funeral home to see what options they have available. For instance, they might be able to source traditional cultural attire or burial garments that are too fragile for cremation. In addition to funeral homes, there are a number of other places where you can purchase burial garments. Some churches and religious organisations also sell clothing to support bereaved families. Some organisations, such as the Utah-based Angel Gown Project, offer to sew and donate baby burial gowns that are too small for standard off-the-rack infant clothing. This project is a labor of love for founder Nicole Nowell, a seamstress who sewed the tiny garments after her own daughter, Ayla, died from a rare genetic disorder. As Ciara Hulet from member station KUER reports, infant deaths are a frequent tragedy for parents, and it’s difficult to find clothes for their very little babes. However, Nowell has made this project her mission and is a national and international leader in the field. Other charities and sewing groups exist in other parts of the country and beyond, making burial clothes for a wide range of tiny sizes from newborns to micro preemies.

As weddings become more expensive, many couples are finding that they can’t afford their dream dresses. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to donate your dress to help brides in need. From local charities to national organizations, the options for wedding gown donations are endless. The key is to do your research before donating your wedding gown to ensure that it will make the best possible impact. Most bridal shops and charities have their own guidelines for what types of dresses they accept. In some cases, you may be required to have your gown professionally cleaned before donating it. You should also do your research to determine which organization’s mission best matches your own. This will ensure that your dress is going to the right home, and you won’t have to worry about it ending up in the wrong hands. One popular option is to donate your wedding gown to a charity like Angel Gowns for Angel Babies. This charity works with volunteers who turn donated wedding gowns into burial gowns for babies and children who have died at a very young age. The gowns are given to hospitals, birthing centers, and directly to families for free. The process is very healing for the grieving parents. There are Angel Gown groups all over the country, so you’re likely to find one near you. Another great choice is to donate your wedding gown to a local breast cancer awareness charity. Brides Against Breast Cancer is an organization that funds programs for early detection and treatment of the disease, and it receives lots of donations of wedding gowns. You can get more information on the group’s website. Some brides prefer to keep their wedding dresses and pass them on to their daughters or grandchildren as a memento of their special day. Others take part in the “destroy the dress” tradition where they play in mud or otherwise artfully ruin their once-gleaming white dresses. Still, some brides simply want to clear out their storage space or avoid letting their dress end up in the trash, and donating is a great way to do that while giving back. Donating your dress to a charitable organization is a great way to free up space in your closet and give your gown a new life. You’ll also be able to claim the donation on your taxes, which is an added benefit. According to Zola, a wedding planning site, if you donated your dress to a non-profit, you could be eligible for a tax deduction of up to $500. When it comes to donating your wedding gown, the key is to do your research in advance to find out what types of items the organization needs and their acceptance criteria. Then, have it professionally cleaned and repair any rips or tears before making your donation. You should also contact the organization in advance to ask any questions you might have. You can even find some groups that specifically accept men’s ties and other fabrics that are not suitable for dresses.

One in four women experience a loss during their pregnancy. While the loss is devastating, many parents find comfort in a small but profound gift: an angel gown. The garments are made from donated wedding dresses and offer families a way to hold on to memories of their babies, who sometimes pass away before birth or shortly after. In 2023, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital began offering the gowns as part of a bereavement program for families who experienced infant loss, including those in the NICU and ER. The hospital’s NICU Manager, Martina Ruiz, and Silvia Noriega, a nurse in the NICU, recently received their first box of angel gowns. The NICU at UCLA is home to a remarkable group of caregivers, including a team who work tirelessly to provide hope and support to infant and childbearing family members during the most critical moments of their NICU journey. Known for their innovative therapies, patient-centered care and exceptional emotional support, this team of compassionate health care providers is committed to providing the highest quality of care and a healing environment for all. Judi Spurgeon, a registered nurse at Riley, has witnessed the grief that can accompany an infant loss. Her granddaughters, Karolina and Annabelle, were born prematurely and died soon after. Her heartbreak inspired her to found a local nonprofit, which makes and donates baby clothes for families experiencing similar tragedies. She contacted me when she read that my column on Sarah’s story had touched readers. Since then, she’s received donations of wedding dresses from all over the country and sewed them into at least a dozen tiny gowns and matching accessories. She and other seamstresses have distributed the outfits to hospitals in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and beyond. The seamstresses spend much of their free time sewing. Edith splurged on a new sewing machine that lets her stitch phrases like “heaven’s angel” onto the clothes, while Shirley adds antique buttons and even gold bells inspired by the movie It’s a Wonderful Life (in which Jimmy Stewart rings a bell to welcome Clarence). Mangiaracina is now working to expand her efforts so more families can receive the angel gowns they need. She wants to see them offered in every hospital where the NICU and ER treat infants, especially those that care for preemies and micro preemies. She hopes the program will spread to other states, too. But her most important goal remains the same: To keep a smile on the face of every family who sees their angel’s outfit and knows they’re not alone.

Children are never expected to be “normal” when they experience grief and loss, but that doesn’t mean that they should have to suffer alone. They have opinions that need to be respected and they have a right to say goodbye in a way that feels right to them. A child funeral allows families to do just that. While the decision to have a child funeral is entirely up to you, many families find that it’s a meaningful and important part of saying goodbye. The key is planning the funeral or memorial to fit your family and your child’s needs, and this is where it can be helpful to talk to a bereavement specialist who can help guide you with ideas and options. When planning a service for your baby, it’s a good idea to get your child involved in some way so that they feel a sense of ownership and comfort in the ceremony. This could be something as simple as asking them to write a poem, draw a picture or read a story to be included in the program. It may be helpful to also include a time for remembrances by friends and family members, either in person or via video, who can share their thoughts and memories of your baby. In most cases, a child funeral will take place in a religious setting, and it’s a good idea to involve your child in this choice as well. They can help choose readings for the service, music to be played and other small details that will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Inviting their friends and other children to dress in the same outfit as your child can be especially comforting, as can asking them to help place flowers on a memorial table or sign a message board. If your child has a living sibling who is attending the funeral, it’s important to set clear boundaries from the beginning so that they know what to expect. Explain that their sibling will be in a casket and may look different than when they were alive. It’s also important to make sure that your child knows that it is ok to touch their sibling but that the decision to do so is completely up to them and they will not be forced to do so. A bereavement specialist can explain that the difference in appearance will be temporary and will fade with time, and that the best thing to do is allow your child to see their sibling as they always were. For some children this can be a difficult concept to grasp and it is a good idea to plan ahead and ask a trusted friend or family member to be with your child during this time if needed. They can distract them with a favourite toy or book and provide reassurance and support when they need it. They can also bring some quiet activities for your child to do if they begin to become restless or overwhelmed.

The world of baby clothing can seem overwhelming at first but with the right knowledge you can make well-informed choices. It’s important to prioritise functionality and practicality when shopping for newborn clothes and beyond, as well as considering seasonal weather changes. From rompers and sleepsuits to pants, trousers and bibs, you’ll want to stock up on everything that your baby needs to stay comfortable, warm and dry. Babies go through a lot of clothing. From spit ups to blowouts, your baby may need new outfits several times a day and even if you choose soft, breathable fabrics, the constant washing can quickly add up. To help ease the load on your washing machine, we recommend sticking with garments that are easy to wash and that you buy in bulk. Rompers and sleepsuits: also known as PJs, baby grows or ‘babygros’ are similar in that they are one-piece suits that can be worn for comfort and convenience during the day and night. They usually have long sleeves and legs for warmth and buttons or fasteners between the legs for easy diapering. You can find them in various colours and designs. For example, some have an envelope neck as pictured in our blue layette set or you can choose a vest with poppers up and down the front for easier dressing. Some are hooded and some have zip-up or button-up feet so they can be worn over pyjamas or a bodysuit for extra warmth. Pants and trousers: also known as bottoms or underpants, they cover the lower part of the body from the waist to the ankles and can be made in a variety of materials such as wool. You’ll need to choose warm fabrics that will keep your baby comfortable in cold temperatures. Leggings: made of stretchy fabric to provide flexibility and comfort; they’re a great alternative to tights as they don’t constrict your baby’s legs but still offer the same thermal protection. Capris and joggers are pants that are slightly longer than shorts but shorter than trousers, often reaching just to the knee or thigh. Socks: a must for keeping your little one’s feet warm and cosy. Usually made of wool or other warm material, you’ll want to have a good stock for both the winter and summer months. Booties: cute and cosy footwear for your newborn that’s usually knitted. They can be worn over socks or on their own. Bibs: essential for keeping your baby clean, especially during mealtimes. They come in a range of styles, including bandana bibs and full-coverage bibs. When choosing clothing for your baby, it’s best to do a little trial and error with different brands as different manufacturers’ sizes can vary. Look for a size chart online or in-store and check that the clothing you’re buying is within your child’s percentile range for weight and height. Remember, infants grow quickly so it’s better to size up than down. It’s also a good idea to shop in person so you can try out the clothes and see how they fit.

The choice of attire for a loved one who has died can be an important and deeply personal part of the funeral planning process. It is also a great opportunity to reflect the deceased individual’s personality and taste. The clothing choices may be formal or casual, and can be tailored to align with cultural customs and the deceased’s personal style. In most cases, the traditional clothing that can be worn for a burial or cremation includes items that are familiar to the person. This can include a favorite sports jersey or a nightdress that they enjoyed wearing in life, and can be reassuring for the grieving family as it is an indication that they continue to care for their loved one even in death. A suit is a popular choice for men, as are a shirt and tie or trousers. For women, a smart dress is typically the preferred option. Some modern burial wear is designed with false shirt fronts and other embellishments that allow it to resemble day clothes, for example suits or dresses with a collar and tie. Such clothes are often used for green funerals in woodland or natural burial grounds, where the deceased is buried in earth rather than a casket. Burial gowns are often made of cloth, such as a cotton or linen fabric. This is usually washed before use to remove any stains or marks. In addition, such cloth is a good material to use for a garment that will be placed on the body as it can be easily pinned into place and not shift. In many cases, the funeral director will provide the garment that your loved one is buried in. They will normally offer the option of a garment that resembles smart nightwear, or pyjamas if the deceased is being buried at home. However, this may not always be the case, and you can often request a different garment, either because your loved one prefers something specific or because of religious considerations. For babies who are stillborn or die shortly after birth, there are special clothes that can be worn to be buried or cremated. Such clothes are often modeled after hospital gowns and are often gifted to parents via charitable schemes run by hospitals and funeral homes. These beautiful dresses allow families to bury their tiny angels in a gown or wrap that is personal and meaningful to them, as opposed to the generic hospital blankets or clothing that would otherwise be used. The founder of Real Imprints, a domestic angel gown project, came face to face with the need for these garments after she took over her local project from another woman and went on a medical mission trip to Ghana, Africa. Whilst there, she was asked to attend a birth that resulted in a stillborn baby. The father was unsure of what to do, and told the nurses at the hospital that he did not have anything for his child to be buried in.

If you’re one of the many newlyweds who has a wedding dress that no longer fits, don’t let it go to waste. Instead, donate it. Besides being an environmentally-friendly option that reduces the number of new dresses being made, donating your wedding gown will give it a second life and help someone else. Plus, it’s a potential tax deduction and a nice way to celebrate your marriage. When considering where to donate your bridal gown, it’s important to do your research. Some organizations accept only certain styles or sizes, and others support specific causes. “You want to make sure you’re donating your dress to an organization that aligns with what you care about,” says Beth Chapman, founder of The White Dress by the Shore. Some dress donation programs also require that your gown be in good condition. “If you have stains or holes, they won’t be able to use it,” Chapman says. If possible, have the dress professionally cleaned before donating it. This will not only help the charity that receives your dress, but it will help ensure that the gown is in pristine condition when it arrives. Other donation programs, like the Brides Project, sell used wedding dresses to raise money for families effected by cancer. They only take wedding dresses that have been purchased within the last five years and are in sellable condition. Still others, like the nonprofit NICU Helping Hands, transform donated wedding dresses into beautiful infant burial gowns (or angel gowns) that are offered to hospitals, birthing centers, and funeral homes at no cost to grieving families who have lost their baby. The organization has about 180 seamstresses around the country who painstakingly convert wedding dresses into these precious gowns. Before donating your wedding gown, be sure to check out the organization’s website for specific guidelines and requirements. Some have minimum donation amounts and other requirements, such as a certain age or style of dress. Be sure to also check if the organization is registered with the IRS and that you get a receipt for your donation. Donating your wedding gown to a local charity or non-profit can feel really good, but what about the rest of your dress? If you don’t have a future plan for your dress, it can end up in storage with all your other clothes and clutter your home. If that’s the case, consider repurposing your dress for another special occasion. Or, have it preserved so that your daughters or granddaughters can wear it on their own wedding days. You can even find companies that will store your dress in an acid-free box, so it’s protected from damage and dust over time. That way, your daughter or granddaughter can feel the same love and sentimentality that you felt on your special day when they look back at it later in life.

The loss of a baby is one of the most heartbreaking events a parent can experience. Often, it leaves parents feeling suffocated, hopeless and broken. For many, a way to honor their little ones is by dressing them in a special memorial or burial gown. A local seamstress who transforms wedding dresses into these beautiful gowns is providing comfort and hope to families across the country. Bonnie Kalahar has been sewing wedding dresses into angel gowns for three years now. She never meets the families, but her work touches their lives. She says she doesn’t know how to explain the beauty of her work to those who haven’t lost a child, but she does know what it means to her. Her work is a labor of love. She turns wedding silks and satins, beads, pearls and lace into small, delicate angel gowns for infants who are born too early or pass away after birth. She also makes matching blankets and cap/bonnets for each of the babies she creates. She has been donating the gowns to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing for the past three years. She has also sent her creations to hospitals in four other states and around the world. She first learned about the need for the angel gowns when her cousin’s family lost their baby at 23 weeks gestation. She was stunned to find out that hospitals had to purchase these gowns for infants who died before they were born, or if they did, it was at a significant cost. Her grandmother helped her start the nonprofit Sunshine State Angel Gowns and she now has volunteers who help with the sewing. Each gown is a special work of art. Kalahar adds beads, lace and even embroidery to each gown she makes. She also sews little vests and bow ties on the boys’ gowns. The gowns she’s made so far this year have been for a few girls and a handful of boys, but she has plans to make more as the season progresses. Some of the gowns she has made this year were for babies in the NICU, including a Camden mother who lost her son Noah after an emergency C-section. Haley Clark told WESH that the simple angel wrap her son was wrapped in gave her and her husband peace and comfort. A woman who lives in Hot Springs Village, Arkansan, has turned the first floor of her home into a workshop where she and volunteers create these tiny angel gowns. She’s supplying them to hospitals in Arkansas and in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Colorado. A man in Puyallup who read about her work in a newspaper column was touched, and he gave his wife’s wedding dress to the project. The gowns are now being shipped to families in those areas and all over the world. They are a beautiful reminder that no matter where you live in the world, no one should be left without a beautiful gown to remember their baby.

Children who have lost a loved one often feel like they are being left out of the funeral process. This can cause them to feel confused, sad, and angry. They need to be included in order to understand that their relative’s death is a significant event and it is not something that is going to change. However, it is important to take their comfort level and age into consideration when deciding whether they should attend the services. Most children have never attended a funeral before, and they may be scared or confused by what they will see. It is important to prepare them for what they will experience before, during, and after the service by answering their questions and giving them as many details as possible. This will help them know what to expect and it will give them the opportunity to voice their concerns. Children can also benefit from creating a memory box with items that remind them of their loved one, photos, stories, favourite bedtime songs etc. It can be a very cathartic experience for them and it helps keep the memory alive, especially for young children who may have a tendency to forget over time. It is also a good idea to involve them in lighting candles, placing flowers or other ceremonial tasks during the service. If you are worried about your child’s ability to cope at the funeral or memorial services, it is a good idea to assign them a buddy who will be there for them throughout the ceremony. This will allow you to fulfil your duties, and your child will have someone there with them to answer any questions or to calm them if needed. You can also encourage your child to share their memories of the deceased with others during a service or at a gathering afterwards. This can be a very comforting and healing experience for them, and it can also help you to remember your beloved child as well. The decision to include children in the funeral or memorial service is an entirely personal choice and it is important to follow your heart. If the relationship with the deceased was close and important to them, it is likely that they will want to be involved. However, it is a very difficult decision to make and you should always take your child’s comfort level into consideration. Some parents prefer to take their baby or child home for a short period of time before the funeral, as this can help them to adjust to being without them and gives them the chance to say goodbye in their own way. Most hospitals, hospices and funeral homes can provide a cold mattress or cot (called a cuddle cot) to ensure your child is comfortable during this time. It is also a good idea to bring some colouring books and activities for your children to do during the service, as this can be a soothing distraction for them. You could even ask other family members and friends to join you and your children in this activity, as it will help them to bond and connect with each other as they share their thoughts and feelings.