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Baby clothing is one of the most important purchases new parents make. The clothes they choose will impact not only their child’s comfort, but also the environment and those who work in the industry. Cotton is the gold standard for baby clothing, with many parents choosing cotton onesies and tees over other fabrics because they are so soft and durable. Cotton is also hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t irritate a sensitive infant’s skin – something that every new parent should keep in mind. Cotton is also moisture-wicking, so it can help keep a baby dry and comfortable when sweating occurs. When buying baby clothing, look for options that are easy to put on and take off. This will come in handy during those many diaper changes that are inevitable! You should also consider the fit of a piece of clothing, with many experts suggesting that you purchase clothes that are a little bigger than your baby’s current size. This will allow for a comfortable grow and can save you money in the long run as your baby grows into the clothes. Considering the wide range of fabrics available, you’ll want to pay attention to the fabric type and style when shopping for baby clothes. Some of the most common fabric types include: Body clothes are an essential part of any baby’s wardrobe. They’re great for keeping a newborn warm and are the foundation of any outfit. Some of the most popular body clothes include kimono bodysuits, onesies, sleep sacks, footie pajamas, and gowns. It’s best to stick with organic cotton when shopping for these items because they are breathable and gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin. Outerwear clothes are another key element of a baby’s wardrobe. They can be worn when the weather gets cold or windy and keep your baby cozy and warm. Some of the most popular outerwear clothing pieces include: Jackets: a small coat that protects against rain or snow. Hoodies: a sweater with a hood that covers the head and can be worn over other clothing. Ponchos: a large, unstructured piece of outerwear that can be slipped over the head. Snowsuits: an insulated, waterproof winter coat designed to protect against cold weather. Clothes that keep your baby warm and comfortable in any season will ensure that your baby is a happy baby. You’ll want to stock up on rompers, tees and hats in warmer months and coats and mittens during colder months. In addition to being a sustainable option for babies, organic cotton is a good choice because it supports the environment and the people who work in the industry. When choosing organic cotton, it’s important to look for brands that not only source their materials sustainably but also provide fair wages and working conditions for farm laborers. This is especially important because exposure to agricultural chemicals can be extremely harmful to a baby’s health.

If a loved one has died, the funeral director will often ask you to provide the clothes they’re going to wear in their casket or coffin. This can be an incredibly hard thing to do, particularly for infants or young children who have passed away, as they’re often dressed in small, special outfits. These outfits can be a comfort to families, especially when they’re mourning their loss, and it is important that the clothes are of high quality. In the past, families were able to use their own clothing for the occasion, however, this isn’t always possible now. Most of the time, a garment will need to be specially made for the burial or cremation process. These outfits will need to be made in natural fibres, and will need to be free of elastic waistbands, nylon threads, synthetic linings, buttons and plastic zips. These outfits are often made by charities who specialise in the manufacture of bereavement gowns, and can be bought from a range of online catalogs. Many of these gowns are similar to Christening or Baptismal dresses, and they come in a variety of sizes and colours. These types of gowns are often very expensive, and they can be difficult for some families to afford. For this reason, some charities also make their own clothing for funerals and crematoriums, which is usually much more affordable. These gowns are often very simple, and they may be made from either linen or cotton. It’s possible to sew your own gowns for a baby funeral, and there are a number of patterns available to help with this. There are many different size options, so it’s important to choose the right pattern for your needs. For small babies, a plain, white, short gown with long sleeves will probably be the best option. This type of dress can be used for a memorial service, or as the baby’s final outfit, and it can be kept by their parents as a keepsake. Some people also like to knit their own outfits for a funeral, which can be a very moving and personal activity. There are various knitting patterns available online, including some that are designed specifically for infants, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style and size requirements. When deciding what to wear at a funeral, it’s important to consider your loved one’s style in life. Did they prefer casual clothes, or did they enjoy dressing up? You should also think about the style of the funeral itself – for example, if your loved one wants an open casket funeral, you might want to consider whether their clothes will be suitable. For more information about making a bereavement gown, or for other resources about funerals and grieving, please see the following links. We’d also love to hear from you if you have any questions about this article, or if you’d like to share your own sewing project with us! Please contact us via email for more information.

When you get married, the wedding dress that you wore on your big day has sentimental value long after your wedding. But if you never intend to wear it again, what are you to do with it? Instead of keeping it in a closet to collect dust, consider giving your gown a new life. There are many meaningful charities that accept preowned bridal dresses and give them a second chance at being worn on someone else’s special day. The first thing to do before donating is to have the dress professionally cleaned. This prevents the fabric from getting damaged. It’s also a good idea to label the box with helpful information such as the dress size, the name of the designer, and the year it was made. This helps the charity volunteers find your dress more quickly and reduces the risk of it getting mixed up with other donations. Next, research the various charities that accept wedding dresses before choosing the one to donate it to. Some of these include: Brides Across America: This organization provides free wedding dresses to military brides and first responders who can’t afford the cost of a wedding. The nonprofit has been operating since 2012 and has given away over 2,000 dresses to those who need it most. Adorned in Grace: This organization sells used wedding dresses in Washington and Oregon and uses the proceeds to support women-focused causes such as preventing sex trafficking. Forever Angels of Virginia: This charity repurposes donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns or “angel gowns” for babies who die in the NICU. Alternatively, you could donate your wedding dress to a local thrift store. There are plenty of these establishments in every town that are willing to take your unwanted wedding gown. Some of these organizations may offer a tax deduction for the donation. Aside from being environmentally friendly, another reason to donate your wedding dress is that it takes up valuable space in your closet. Many brides only wear their wedding dresses once, but they’re tucked away in a closet or storage container afterward. If you donate the dress, you can make room for a few more pairs of shoes or some other items that would be beneficial to others.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and times of heartbreaking sorrow. For parents who experience the unimaginable loss of a baby before, during or shortly after birth, angel gowns can offer comfort and peace. These tiny garments, often made from repurposed wedding dresses, are gifted to families through hospital bereavement programs and directly to grieving parents. They are also cherished keepsakes, preserving precious memories that last a lifetime. The work of the seamstresses is a labor of love. They volunteer their time and skill to transform the lace, satin and silk of donated wedding gowns into the little dresses that are presented to grieving families. For many, it is a way to honor their own losses and to help those whose experiences are very different from theirs. For instance, Edith splurged on a new sewing machine and now stitches phrases like “heaven’s angel” onto the gowns. Shirley adds antique buttons she’s collected from her mother’s collection and often sews hats and tiny pillows to each outfit, inspired by the movie It’s A Wonderful Life (at the end of the film Jimmy Stewart’s character rings a bell signifying that Clarence the angel has received his wings). Every year in the United States alone, over 626,000 babies are born through stillbirth or miscarriage. It is the goal of our organization to provide a beautiful one-of-a-kind, angel gown to every child who doesn’t get to go home with his or her parents. In our community, two women who have a very personal connection to the work of angel gowns are Dawn Crippen and her daughter Krystle Black. They started the Little Angel Gowns SW MI Chapter of this national nonprofit last year after they were moved by an article in The Kalamazoo Gazette. The organization works in partnership with hospitals and birthing centers to provide the dresses to families free of charge. They are used for final photos or to dress a baby for burial. The mother-daughter duo make the garments in their home and spend each morning after they drop their children off at school before sewing into the night. Our NICU team is proud to work with Dignity Health – St Mary Medical Center, which is committed to providing compassionate care and a healing environment to its patients. We are honored to receive their gifts of love and comfort, including these beautiful angel gowns. If you would like to donate your own wedding dress to be transformed into an angel gown, please contact us here! You will be able to follow your dress’ journey to a developing country (Guatemala is currently the country dresses are going to), meet your seamstress via social media and learn about her family. You can choose to have your dresses sent to a developing country or have them returned to you to be donated in the States. We hope that you will consider donating your dress to our organization!

A child funeral can be a painful, difficult and upsetting time for everyone. However, if children are prepared for what is to happen they can usually cope and often find the ceremony comforting. Children need to know that it is ok to ask questions and have feelings of sadness, anger or fear. The main aim of a child funeral is to honour the life of a loved one in a way that is meaningful and special to the family. This is often achieved through a small memorial service at the graveside, crematorium or another suitable location. This can include readings, prayers or a short video of photos or music. Alternatively, it could be a simple ceremony in the home with the deceased’s ashes being buried or a candle-lighting at home or in a public place. It is important to take the time to explain what will happen at a funeral and to answer any questions that your child may have. This can be done in advance of the funeral or on the day, and it is a good idea to bring a picture book to help them understand what will happen and why. It is also a good idea to let your child visit the venue before the funeral, if possible. This can give them more freedom to react and allows them to explore the room, ask questions and prepare for the ceremony. If your child will be seeing their sibling in a casket, it is important to reassure them that their sibling will not be in pain or cold and can not see them. It is also a good idea to talk about the appearance of their sibling, how they look and if there will be any changes in their body, so that they are not surprised or shocked when they see their body at the funeral. You can also help them by explaining that at a funeral people come to pay their respects to the person who has died. Many children will want to touch or kiss their sibling in the casket, but this is not something that needs to be forced on them. They should be able to choose whether or not to do this and it is a good idea to have someone available who can distract them if they become restless. Children can sometimes be overwhelmed at a funeral and it is important to make sure they have a drink, food or snack to keep them hydrated, comfortable and well-fed. It is also a good idea to have an extra adult with them who can support them, particularly if they are finding the experience distressing. Having a friend or relative to stay with your child during the service can be a very helpful way of keeping them calm and engaged. If your child is too young to attend a funeral it can be very helpful to record the service so that they can watch it later, with close adult supervision of course. This can be a very moving and healing experience for them and they can then share memories of their brother or sister with other family members.

The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time, but it also brings with it a plethora of decisions. Among the first ones is which clothes to buy. There are countless brands, styles, and patterns of children’s clothing, which can easily get you confused on what to pick. The best clothing for your newborn or young kid should not only be cute but also comfortable and soft. Fancy outfits in the name of fashion may look promising, but if they are itchy, your little one will be in tears the whole time and maybe just itching to get out of them. The fabric you choose for your child’s clothing makes a huge difference. It is important to consider natural fabrics like bamboo fiber, which is soft and will help keep your child cozy and happy. You should also look for clothes that are stitched in a way that will not cause any irritation on your child’s sensitive skin. You will need a few basics to start your baby’s wardrobe: Onesies are an essential, and you can get them in short- or long-sleeve varieties. These will serve as a no-fuss outfit for summer and winter, and they can be easily paired with pants or a pair of footie pajamas when it’s cold. Bodysuits are another good option for babies, and they come in long- and short-sleeve varieties as well. You can also add a few kimono-style bodysuits to your baby’s closet, which are great for wearing until their umbilical cord falls off, usually around two weeks after birth. A few pairs of leggings are also a good idea for your infant. They can be worn over a bodysuit for warmth and comfort, and they are easy to pull on and off as needed. You should also include a couple pairs of socks, and hats for keeping your baby warm, especially in the cold months. Lastly, you should have some blankets on hand to keep your infant warm and snuggly in a carrier or stroller. You can use muslin and cotton blankets, which are breathable and will keep your baby from overheating, or you can also get fleece or sherpa blankets, which provide more warmth. You should always check the washing instructions on each piece of clothing, and be sure to follow them closely. You will want to wash your baby’s clothes in cold or lukewarm water, and avoid using bleach, which can discolor clothing. You should also avoid any clothes with attached buttons or strings, as they can become strangulation hazards for your baby. After your baby’s basic outfit is ready, you can also start adding other clothing items, like dresses and shirts, which will be perfect for special occasions. You can even add some coming-home outfits, which will be a wonderful memento for you and your baby. When it comes to buying baby clothes, remember that your little one will grow fast, so shop by weight or length recommendations.

The process of dressing a loved one for their funeral or memorial service can be a profound act of love and respect. For many families, selecting their loved one’s final outfit is an important part of planning the service and can help honor their unique personality and style. The clothing chosen can also be a symbolic reminder of a happy life and cherished memories. Involving family members and close friends in this decision can be a comforting and meaningful experience. When deciding on appropriate attire, it’s best to take into account the deceased’s personal and cultural preferences. For example, if your loved one typically wore suits or dresses to work, it would be fitting to have them dressed in those pieces for their final journey. Likewise, if they had specific requests or wishes in regards to their burial attire, honouring those requests is an important part of the grieving process. For adults, the most common choice of clothing for a funeral is a suit or dress. However, if your loved one preferred a more casual approach to style, you can select a sweater or sweatshirt that was a favorite or even an old pair of jeans. Many people also choose to bury jewelry, like a wedding ring or pendant, with their loved ones. It’s best to consult with a professional when choosing a suitable piece of jewelry for your loved one as they can offer helpful guidance and recommendations. Choosing the perfect outfit for your loved one can feel overwhelming, especially at a time when you’re already grieving. A professional funeral director can help guide you through the selection process, making sure your loved one is dressed appropriately for their final journey. In addition, they can provide insight into any cultural or religious traditions that may affect the attire selected. When dressing your loved one for their final journey, it’s also important to consider the amount of detail you want to add to their look. While it’s usually fine to rely on a simple gown or shroud for most cases, you can also create a more detailed ensemble by adding lace, embroidery, or other embellishments. For example, this baby burial dress was sewn from a cotton fabric and features cluny lace on the bodice, gathered skirt, and matching bonnet. It was designed for babies weighing two to eight pounds. The wrap and gown were stitched using a sewing pattern by Melinda’s patterns. The project has been a labor of love for the MOV Memorial Gown team, which is composed of local women who share a passion for making beautiful and special clothing for infants in need. Their hard work helps to ensure that babies who die shortly after birth, or are lost during pregnancy or birth, are covered with a beautiful gown rather than an impersonal hospital blanket. The team’s efforts have been appreciated by the parents of many angels, as well as hospitals, funeral homes, and midwives. If you’re interested in learning more about the group or making your own burial gowns, check out the website.

Donating your wedding dress is a way to keep it from going to waste after the big day. Many charities will take dresses off your hands (and they may be able to give you a tax deduction in the process). You can also donate bridesmaid and flower girl gowns, along with bridal accessories like veil or tiaras. Some places even take prom dresses, too. And the good news is that your dress doesn’t need to be new or in perfect condition for it to be accepted by a charity—most of these locations will have specific instructions on their websites about what they’ll accept and what they won’t. If you’re a thrifty bride, you might want to consider getting your dress professionally cleaned before dropping it off for donation. This will help ensure that there’s no staining or damage to the fabric, which could be detrimental to the charity. Several charities that accept donations are dedicated to supporting a cause, including the environment and veterans. Others are just trying to make life a little easier for people who have fallen on hard times during the pandemic. Regardless of their mission, all of these organizations are looking for donations of dresses in good condition. Most of these nonprofits have vetting procedures and will require you to fill out a short form or email a photo of the gown before they’ll accept it for donation. Some charities will also have cleaning requirements, so be sure to check out their websites for detailed information. For example, the Emma and Evan Foundation will turn your old wedding dress into tiny angel gowns to be given to infants who have died before their first birthday. They will also make bonnets and other keepsake items that are given to grieving families for free. They will accept any wedding dress that is less than five years old, along with other wedding accessories and formalwear. Another great option for a nonprofit that accepts donated dresses is The Brides Project, which is a bridal boutique with a heart. The store sells eco- and budget-friendly wedding gowns to shoppers, with all proceeds from the shop’s sales helping support free programs for families impacted by cancer at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. They will take any wedding dress within five years, as well as bridesmaid and flower girl gowns and bridal accessories. In addition to these wedding dress charities, you can donate your gown at most local thrift stores that take charitable donations. They can provide you with a receipt for your donation, which can be used to claim a tax deduction. The Salvation Army is a great choice since it’s a global organization with a variety of missions, including disaster relief and providing clothing and other goods to the homeless. Many other charitable organizations take in donated wedding dresses to resell at discounted prices and raise money for different causes, including environmental protection, aiding military brides and victims of abuse, according to Zola. You can also find options at local bridal shops, like Cherie Amour, which takes in gently worn dresses and other accessories.

In the United States, more than 626,000 babies are born through still birth or miscarriage each year. For many families, this is one of the hardest losses they can endure. It is an emotional and spiritual loss that never fully heals. For these bereaved families, a simple outfit can help them remember their baby in comfort. That is the goal of an organization in Minnesota called Angel Gowns, which uses donated wedding dresses and other dress wear to create burial gowns for infants and newborns. The gowns are then given to hospitals, funeral homes and directly to families for free. The group’s mission began with one woman’s personal journey. After losing her second son, Allison Hauer found solace in sewing these little outfits for other bereaved parents. Hauer recruited an army of volunteers who meet monthly in the basement of All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin, Minn. The women transform donated wedding dresses and prom gowns into tiny angel outfits for babies who pass away during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. The outfits are completed with a knitted hat and blanket, a keepsake charm and a cross or heart. They also make vests for boys out of men’s suits and pants. One of the newest members to the team is Mayo Clinic nurse Lynn Gaber. Gaber works in the cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo and is familiar with the heartache of the loss of a baby. That’s why she was so moved by a story in FOX 9 last year about Sarah Clark, who lost her baby boy after just four days in the hospital. “It’s a story that really struck me because I know that pain,” said Gaber. “I’ve seen it so many times. I want to give them a little bit of comfort.” Gaber has made gowns for her patients and others around Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and the Twin Cities. Her work has now spread nationally. She’s supplied gowns to hospitals in California, Oregon and Texas. She hasn’t met the family that will receive her next creation, but she hopes the gown will bring them some comfort. “I think this will remind them that their baby is beautiful and that he or she is loved,” she said. The hospital’s NICU nurses and labor and delivery nurses are thrilled to be able to offer these special gowns to families who need them. They know that for some, it can be the only thing they have to hold on to their child. For more information about Dignity Health – St Mary Medical Center and their maternity services, visit their website here. To learn more about how you can support their efforts, click here.

The death of a child is a tragedy that can affect all those who knew and loved them. There are many decisions that must be made, including funeral plans and whether to have a viewing or service. Ultimately, it is the parents’ decision on whether or not to have a child funeral, but it is important that they discuss it with their children and be honest with them. Children are resilient, and with clear, honest information and time to process it they may be able to participate in a service that is meaningful for them. A child funeral can be as simple or as complex as you wish. It can involve family and friends only, or a larger group. It can include a service similar to that of a traditional adult funeral, or it can be as small and private as spending time at the graveside. Some families even choose to hold a memorial service in their home rather than at the cemetery. Some parents decide to view their child’s body before the funeral. If so, they should prepare their child for what they will see. This can include explaining what the casket will look like, or if they are going to be cremated, then what their ashes will look like and where they will be kept. If your child is uncomfortable with seeing their sibling’s body, it is important that they are reassured that the body can no longer feel cold or pain. It is also helpful to explain that everyone grieves differently, and that they will probably see people expressing a variety of emotions, from tears to laughter. Children are often very perceptive, and they will absorb what they are seeing around them. Keeping their comfort in mind, it is good to appoint a trusted friend or relative to be their “funeral buddy” at the services. This person can keep them engaged in the proceedings, take them outside for breaks, and help them understand what they are experiencing. When it is time for the ceremony, your child should be encouraged to attend if they wish. However, if they are not comfortable and want to leave, it is important that they are allowed to do so without feeling guilty. It is also a good idea to talk with them ahead of time about what to expect and what it means that they will have to be quiet and sit still for long periods of time. After the funeral, your child will likely continue to have questions about their sibling as they grow up. It may be comforting for them to listen to a recording of the services, or it might be helpful to have their photo taken with a special sibling marker. In this way, they will be able to feel connected to their lost sibling whenever they want. This can be a very moving and comforting experience for them as they move through the stages of grief.