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Dressing up tiny human beings is probably the most adorable thing you can do as a parent. Their tiny fingers and toes, squishy cheeks, and soft skin are so cute, it’s hard not to want to buy a wardrobe full of adorable outfits. However, if you’re looking to stock up on clothes for your newborn, it’s best to focus on a few key pieces that will work well with most other items in the baby wardrobe. This will ensure that your little one is comfortable, dressed properly for their season and activity level, and looks adorable, but also not over-dressed. A good place to start is with a selection of bodysuits, which are basically t-shirts that extend down to the feet and fasten between the legs for changing the diaper. While some brands offer cute prints and details like ruffles and bows, this is where it’s a good idea to stick with basic, versatile clothing to ensure your baby gets the best fit and comfort. Another key item is a set of footed pajamas, which are perfect for sleeping in and are available for boys and girls. These are great for cold weather because they keep your baby toasty, and they’re super comfy to wear in bed. Many of these are made in a mix-and-match style that makes it easy to put together complete sets for your baby, or you can choose all-in-ones to make outfit shopping easier. For the daytime, it’s helpful to have a few pairs of leggings and pants. These are a more practical option than dresses because they can be paired with a shirt for warmer weather and have the added bonus of being more affordable than gowns, which will only be worn once or twice. You should also have a couple of light jackets for cold weather. It’s important to note that the American Association of Pediatrics recommends avoiding bulky winter coats, as they can interfere with car seat safety restraints. When it comes to bedding, consider investing in organic options, which are free from chemicals and will protect your baby’s delicate skin. These are usually made with cotton and other natural materials, and you can find them in a variety of different styles to suit your baby’s taste. As with any new baby clothing purchase, you should check the label and size guide on each piece to be sure you’re getting the right fit. It’s also a good idea to look for brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production practices so you can feel confident that the clothes are good for both your baby and the people who make them. We love the designs and colors offered by Colored Organics, who use GOTS certified organic cotton with organic bamboo and viscose sourced from Beech trees for the softest possible fabrics. Their designs are beautiful and incredibly versatile, so you’ll be able to get plenty of use out of them. Plus, they’re also great for gifting to a friend who’s expecting or to a local children’s charity.

When a loved one passes away, it can be difficult for families to decide what clothes to dress the deceased in. This is especially true if the person lost or gained weight in their final months or years of life, or if rigor mortis has made their regular clothing too tight to fit. In these cases, burial gowns can be a good option. They’re usually crafted from natural materials and look like robes or dressing gowns, and are designed with slits and drawstrings across the back to help adjust the fit as needed. Many funeral homes offer them as a convenience to customers. There are also a number of artisans who make shrouds that can be used for green or natural burials, and they may be found through an online search. Some offer bespoke and custom work, often using heirloom and family textiles. Some of these garments are more specialized, such as those for infants who die at birth or shortly afterward. Beverly Duckett, an Oak Ridge resident who makes these garments for babies, describes her craft as a way to “be a helper in the midst of despair.” Some families choose to dress their deceased in the clothing they normally wear. For older people, this could include a nightgown or pajamas. It might be less formal attire, such as a suit or jacket, for younger people. For infants, some charities and businesses make handmade baby funeral clothes, as well as smocks for premature and stillborn babies. While the clothing selected will not decompose, it must be removed before the body is buried or cremated. This is because the clothing can interfere with the cooling process that takes place in a casket, or it can cause harm to the delicate body when being moved. It’s best to consult with the funeral home about what type of clothing is appropriate for a burial outfit. The deceased’s religion can also play a role in how they are dressed for burial. In Islam, the body is washed before being covered with a white sheet. After that, men are clothed in a cotton or linen tachrichim and women in a head covering. Jewish people may be buried in a traditional outfit called a shroud, which includes a shirt, pants, coat and belt, or they can be buried with their regular daily attire. The clothing chosen for a burial outfit should be clean and without stains. Some of it is likely to be covered with ashes after the service, so it should be washable. If a person’s body is to be buried in a natural or green cemetery, then the clothes must be biodegradable and free of plastic or metallic threads, buttons and zippers. These guidelines are usually imposed by the cemetery or burial grounds because of environmental concerns.

Many brides tuck their wedding gowns away after the big day. Some keep it as a sentimental keepsake or pass it down to their daughter. Others destroy it—and make a gorgeous fashion statement in the process—in the popular “destroy the dress” trend that is all the rage on social media. But what if you’re not quite ready to part ways with the dress that was the most special moment of your life? There are plenty of charities that will give your dress a second life, and the best part is, you can do it while clearing out some closet space. First, consider what kind of charity you want to support. Most dress-donating charities support a variety of causes, and each one has its own requirements and guidelines. Some accept dresses as donations while others resell them to raise money for a specific cause. Some organizations that resell wedding dresses use the proceeds to fund projects to empower and educate women, and end child marriage. This is an amazing way to give your old wedding gown a new purpose and a whole new life after you no longer need it. Another option is to donate your wedding dress to a local thrift store, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. These organizations can offer the dress free or at a reduced cost for low-income people in your area. Just be sure that the dress is in good condition before donating it, as the charity may need to have it dry cleaned or even trashed if it is too worn or ripped. Then there are organizations that specifically use wedding dress donations to help grieving families. For example, the Emma and Evan Foundation repurposes wedding dresses into infant burial gowns (also known as angel gowns), bonnets, and other keepsake items for parents who have lost an infant. You can donate your wedding gown to this organization by visiting its website for more information, including how to ship it. Lastly, some bridal boutiques use the proceeds from the sale of wedding dresses to donate to their favorite charities. For example, Fairytale Brides donates to Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital Breast Center and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, while Cherie Sustainable Bridal supports the Success in Style nonprofit, which helps job seekers prepare for interviews and succeed on the job. Most of the places that resell wedding dresses will require your gown to be in wearable condition. It also needs to be no more than five years old. The charities will send you additional instructions only if the dress meets their criteria for donation. Make sure to label the box with helpful information about the dress, such as the size, designer or brand name, the year you bought it, and its original price. Doing so can save a lot of time for the charity volunteers. It can also prevent confusion when donating multiple dresses to the same organization.

Many families face the tragic loss of their infant due to miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. These parents have to prepare for a funeral, make final arrangements and say goodbye to their baby before they even meet them. Having the right outfit for their child can help them feel like their baby is being honored in the last moments of life. That’s where angel gowns come in. They’re custom-made burial suits from wedding dresses, formal gowns and other dress wear that have been donated to comfort bereaved families. A local nonprofit, Angel Babies, has been supplying hospitals with the gowns since 2018. A package that includes a gown, blanket, keepsake and two hats can be sent to a family for free, if they request it. Alisha Neal, founder of the organization, says requests are on the rise. She explains that there are many reasons why a baby may be born too early, including a fetal abnormality or medical intervention to terminate the pregnancy. The volunteer seamstresses who work with these families have a passion for what they do. The group is a non-profit, and the women donate their time and supplies. A back closet in Egnatuk’s home is filled with gowns, and she constantly needs more material. She also keeps a plastic baby model by her sewing machine to remind herself why she and the other volunteers do what they do. Edith Hauer, a 66-year-old retiree from Indiana, was reading the newspaper in her living room in 2014 when she saw an article about an angel gown program at Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis. A registered nurse named Judi Gibson was recruiting local seamstresses to create the special outfits for babies who died in the hospital’s NICU. But it was too much for one person to do alone. That’s when Edith stepped in. She had been sewing for years and knew she could help the Gibsons. She read the articles and contacted Judi. The pair worked together for more than three years. During that time, the pair grew their group to include more seamstresses from across the state and beyond. They now supply four local hospitals—Roper St. Francis, East Cooper, MUSC and Palmetto—as well as four in North Carolina (UNC, Duke, Brenner and Levine). They’ve also sent gowns to hospitals in Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky. The seamstresses personalize the outfits by adding touches like embroidered phrases, tiny teddy bears and antique buttons from their mothers’ collections. Shirley adds bells on each piece, a nod to the classic scene in It’s a Wonderful Life, where Jimmy Stewart’s character rings a bell after helping Clarence the angel. They send the outfits to hospitals, funeral homes and directly to grieving families. The Williamsons received a gown for their son when they lost him at 20 weeks. The couple is now paying it forward. “We feel it’s important to help those that need it,” she said. “That’s what we’re all about.” The outfits are given to families for free.

A child funeral is a way to say goodbye to a baby who died in utero, in childhood or as an infant. Unlike the funeral of an adult, which can be very public and may include guests who are mourning, a ceremony for a child is typically private and intimate. It is usually held in a church or chapel. It is often accompanied by a graveside service or memorial at home. The decision to have a child funeral is yours to make. The type of ceremony you have and who you invite are personal choices based on what feels right for your family. Whether you choose to have a traditional funeral or something more simple, it is important for children to be able to participate in the service. This may help them to process their grief. Many families choose to include a special teddy or blanket in the casket and also have family members carry the coffin into the ceremony. When children are able to see and interact with their deceased sibling’s body, they have an opportunity to connect with the person who was their whole world. This is often very healing. However, it is very difficult for some children and can be frightening or overwhelming. Parents need to decide in advance whether or not they will allow their children to view the body, and then prepare them for what that will look like. If your children are able to view their sibling’s body, it is important to discuss what the body will look like in advance and reiterate the message that it is ok to touch their sibling and that they will not feel cold or pain. It is also helpful to have a trusted friend or relative present to comfort them and take them away for breaks if needed. Even if your children do not view their sibling’s body, it may be comforting for them to know that they did not die alone and that their sibling is being well cared for by loving family and friends. It is important to remember that children have big imaginations and what they imagine their sibling’s body will look like at a funeral can be far different from the reality. Having an experienced caregiver or support person available to talk with them, encourage questions and reassure them throughout the experience can be helpful. If you have other living children, it is a good idea to invite them to the funeral or memorial service. It will provide them with an opportunity to connect with their dead sibling in a safe environment and to celebrate the life that they shared together. It will also give them a chance to talk about their feelings and learn how to express them in healthy ways. Some parents may decide not to have a funeral or ceremony for their child and instead hold a memorial service at home. This can be a beautiful and meaningful way to say goodbye.

New parents have an overwhelming desire to dress their newborns in cute outfits. But before you spend your hard-earned cash on a little pink sweater, take some time to consider the functionality of baby clothing. Babies grow fast, so it’s important to focus on staple pieces that will keep them comfortable and provide a lot of wear for your money. A onesie is the foundation of every baby’s wardrobe (although some people call them “bodysuits,” since Gerber trademarked the name). These tees are easy to get on and have snaps at the crotch, making diaper changes quick and easy. Look for onesies that have envelope-style necks, too. The flaps don’t just add a sweet touch; they serve a vital function: After a major diaper leak, they let you pull the bodysuit down over your baby’s torso and legs rather than pulling it up over their head, which makes cleaning and changing them much more efficient. Once your baby outgrows the onesies, you’ll need a few pairs of pants and leggings to cover their legs. Leggings are great because they’re stretchy and breathable, which keeps them cool during summer days in the sun and winter nights in cold climates. Look for organic cotton options to keep your baby’s skin happy. Pants are more difficult to get on and off, so make sure your baby is big enough to wear them before you invest in any. Your baby will probably wear a hat for the first few months or so. Choose a soft, lightweight one from a brand like Touched by Nature to keep their head cozy. And don’t forget a pair of socks for the feet, to prevent their tiny toes from getting cold. Some people might think it’s cute to dress up their babies in outfits that are gender-specific, but the American Association of Pediatricians advises against this. Not only can it lead to over-stimulation, but it’s also dangerous because the clothes can cause rashes and other skin irritations. Fortunately, there are many companies that offer stylish, gender-neutral styles that will be just as cute on boys and girls as they are on any other kid. For example, Monica and Andy offers a wide variety of mix-and-match pieces for newborns made with the softest GOTS-certified organic cotton. The mom-founded company also has a personalization service and carries all-in-one newborn outfits, as well. Finn and Emma is another brand that sells high-quality baby clothing made with ethically harvested, non-toxic materials. The site is a one-stop shop for pajamas, tops and rompers, as well as accessories including hats and diaper bags. Another great online resource is Spearmint Love, which carries brands such as Burt’s Bees Baby and Finn and Emma along with all-in-one sets. Regardless of the brand or style you choose, remember to always try things on in person and read size labels before you buy. Otherwise, that adorable sequin jacket will just sit in your baby’s closet or dresser drawer until they outgrow it!

A final viewing is an important time to remember your loved one, but it’s also a unique opportunity to present them in their best light. This includes how they’re dressed. Traditionally, deceased men are dressed in suits and women in funeral gowns, which often have high necklines and long sleeves. But these days, many people choose to dress their deceased loved ones in more casual outfits that reflect their personalities and interests. Some examples include casual t-shirts, sports jerseys, work or military uniforms, and wedding gowns. When deciding on clothing for your loved one, it is important to keep in mind their religion and method of death. Some religions have strict rules about what kind of attire is appropriate for their deceased. For instance, Orthodox Jews are buried in shrouds that cover the entire body. In addition, a woman’s dress should have three panels with a veil placed in the middle. Jehovah’s Witnesses usually opt for a semi-formal outfit, and men should wear a yarmulke on their head. If your loved one requested a cremation after a viewing or open-casket funeral, their outfit may need to be returned as part of the cremation process. That’s why it’s helpful to have friends or family members assist with the task of choosing burial clothes for your loved one. Many times, they’re happy to have a project they can do to help you during this difficult time. For stillborn and premature infants, clothing can be more of a challenge. There are several non-profit agencies and shops that create handmade baby burial outfits. These can be used for a home ceremony or in a casket. They can also be donated to hospitals for use in their NICUs. The style of clothing your loved one is dressed in will have a significant impact on how they are perceived during a viewing or funeral service. For example, if they passed away after a surgery or accident, the outfit you choose could highlight their scars. Clothing with a higher neckline or long sleeves can help hide scarring, and lace can also be a beautiful choice for a memorial gown. It’s also important to consider what type of shoes are worn with a burial outfit. During an open casket viewing, the feet will not be visible and shoes can make it more difficult to bend or sit down. That’s why some families decide to forgo wearing footwear altogether. For babies, however, shoes are sometimes necessary for comfort and safety. If you are unsure what kind of shoes to wear with a memorial outfit, check with the funeral director to learn more about your options.

A wedding dress is a major purchase for anyone and is usually a one-time wear. If you’re not planning to wear your bridal gown again, consider donating it! Not only is this a great way to declutter your closet, but you can also feel good about giving back and possibly getting a tax deduction. Several nonprofit organizations and thrift stores accept wedding dresses to sell or distribute, as well as wedding dress accessories like veils and tiaras. Several of the companies listed below are also based locally, so you can give your wedding dress a second life and support a local community in the process! If you’re looking to get rid of a used wedding dress that you no longer want, consider selling it online! Websites such as Stillwhite and Once Wed make it easy to sell your dress at a price that’s right for you. The best part is that you can donate the money from your sale to a charity of your choice! Many couples are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic and may not be able to afford their dream wedding. Donating your old wedding dress to a couple in need can help them have the happy day they deserve! The money from your donation can also be used for other expenses such as food, shelter, utilities, and medical bills. There are plenty of charities and thrift shops that accept wedding dress donations, including national organizations such as Goodwill. Locally, you can find more options by doing a quick Google search for “wedding dress donation near me.” Some of the organizations that accept donated wedding dresses specialize in repurposing them for other purposes. For example, the Angel Gown Program at NICU Helping Hands turns wedding dresses into burial gowns for infants who pass away shortly after birth. Another organization that resells wedding dresses for breast cancer awareness and prevention is Brides Against Breast Cancer. The proceeds from their resale help fund early detection education, research, and legislation. They also donate the dresses to organizations that support those who have lost a child during pregnancy or after birth. Most of the charities and thrift stores that accept donated wedding dresses have specific requirements. Most require the dress to be in new or almost new condition and less than five years old. Some will also require the dress to be cleaned before reselling it. If you’re unsure about the requirements for a particular charity, contact them in advance to confirm your wedding dress meets their needs. Also, be sure to store your dress properly for safe transport. Wedding dresses are bulky and fragile, so they can easily be ripped or damaged in transit if they’re not packed correctly. A simple wrinkle can rip lace or pull beads apart, and they’re white so even small stains can show up easily. To prevent this, be sure to store your dress in a garment bag or box that’s specifically made for this purpose.

When a friend posted on Facebook that she was going to sew an angel gown for a newborn infant who would be laid to rest soon, it touched her. Angel gowns are little frocks designed specifically for this rather tragically moving purpose—they are buried with stillborn babies or those who came into the world prematurely and were lost very shortly after childbirth. The frocks are pretty and give the occasion a sense of formality, and they ease parents’ bereavement while providing dignity for their child. Across the country, services that make the garments are making them available to hospitals and funeral homes to be given to grieving families free of charge. The dresses are often repurposed wedding dresses, but can be made from other dress wear as well. They are sometimes accompanied by a thoughtfully filled memory box. These are given to parents and nurses in the hospital and also directly to families so that they can hold on to a small piece of their child’s life that was tragically cut short. For the volunteers at these services, sewing angel gowns is a labor of love that keeps them uplifted in the face of such a sad and difficult task. Many have been bereaved themselves, and for them, the work helps them to heal. They do it as a way to pay tribute to their own loved ones who have passed away and to give hope to other families facing this tragedy. The women who make the gowns are often retired, and many of them are members of their local church. Judi Hauer, who started the Minnesota-based program called Angel Dresses, explains that her grandson was stillborn, and when she saw how the infants were typically dressed in ratty blankets, she wanted to start an organization that could provide a gown and other items to honor their little lives. The outfits are sewed by volunteer seamstresses, who sew them in their spare time. They also are busy with other community service projects and work at their own businesses or in volunteer positions. At Waterfront Studio, for example, Fleury and her students host a camp for aspiring artists and also make coloring books to melt down old crayons. The seamstresses’ children and grandchildren also get in on the act. Many of the organizations that make these gowns also have an international program, where a bride can donate her dress to a developing country (Guatemala is currently the location) and virtually meet the seamstress who will sew it. The dresses can be sent to that country or returned to the states, so that donors can choose how their gowns will be used. Pregnancy and infant loss are taboo subjects in our society, but the women who run these programs say that sewing these outfits helps to bring the subject out of the shadows and give families a chance to celebrate their children’s brief lives. They are a reminder that every life is precious, even when it is too short.

Children are a natural part of any funeral service and there is nothing wrong with allowing them to be present at their own family member’s funeral. However, it is important to consider how your child may react to this experience and the impact that attending the funeral may have on them in the future. If your child decides to attend the funeral, it is important to communicate this decision to those who are planning the event. They may be able to accommodate your child’s wishes to stay with a relative or friend or provide other options for them to honor their loved one, such as writing a letter, creating a memorial fund in their name, or a guestbook or video tribute to be shared during the service. Some children will want to see their sibling’s body and this is completely normal. It is important to explain that their sibling will look different than when they were alive and that they may have scars, bumps and bruises from birth or accidents but will not feel cold or pain. If your child wants to touch their sibling, it is okay to allow them but encourage them to gently stroke their hand or hair. Children can be unpredictable and it is helpful to have a trusted adult that they trust and know as their “funeral buddy.” This person can help them navigate the various activities and rituals of the services, answer questions, and take them for breaks when needed. A hospital funeral is a service that is often offered by the hospitals for an additional cost. This is a beautiful option for families that wish to have their baby or stillborn child’s life celebrated with a ceremony with their parents and siblings. When arranging a funeral it is important to understand that these events can be very expensive. It is a very emotional time and it can be difficult to make good decisions financially. Ultimately, it is your choice what you want to do for your child but if you need help, there are charities that can offer financial assistance for funeral costs. If your child decides not to attend the funeral, it is important to discuss why with them and listen to their concerns. Be respectful of their decision and let them know that they can always come back later if they change their mind. If they have a strong desire to attend the funeral but are struggling to cope with the emotion, it is possible to incorporate them in other ways such as by reading a poem or a prayer and having a private moment with their loved one before leaving the service. Children who are old enough can also participate in the service by singing a song or delivering a speech. This can be a very meaningful way for them to say goodbye and can help them to process the grief in a safe environment.