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Children have a unique relationship to grief and mourning. Involvement in funeral or memorial services provides them with a safe space to express their emotions and connect to the deceased, which can prevent long-term emotional issues caused by suppressed grief. Children can also be a great source of comfort for those who are grieving, as they can bring joy and lightheartedness to a ceremony with their presence. However, deciding whether or not to have a child funeral can be a difficult decision. The article below provides some insight into the benefits and challenges of having a child funeral, as well as some practical and symbolic suggestions for families who wish to have one. Taking Time to Prepare The choice to involve children in a funeral or memorial service should always be made on the basis of each family’s needs and comfort levels. If a child is going to be attending, parents should take the time to explain what they can expect from the experience in clear and age-appropriate terms. It is also important to be open and honest about the possibility of a child not wanting to attend, as this may help them feel more empowered and in control over their choices. For young children, creating a memory box that they can keep at home can be a therapeutic way to help them process their feelings and remember the deceased. It can include photos, drawings, favorite things and stories. For older children, creating a video slideshow can be an emotionally moving and effective way to share memories with others. During the ceremony, it is often comforting for children to be given small tasks such as lighting candles or placing flowers. When a child is being taken to see their sibling in the casket, it is helpful to talk with them beforehand about what they will find there. Be sure to note any physical changes such as scars, swelling or marks, and make it clear that touching their sibling is a personal choice that they are welcome to make. If a child decides to touch their sibling, it is important that parents model appropriate ways of touching their body (e.g. stroking hair or touching an arm or hand). Depending on your preferences, it may be helpful to have a designated adult on hand to ensure that the children are looked after throughout the service. If a child becomes anxious or overwhelmed, they can be taken away for a short time to a private room to help them regain their composure. In some cultures, children are involved in funeral ceremonies as a normal part of the grieving process. For example, in Mexico during the Day of the Dead celebrations and Irish wakes, children are a vital part of the mourning process by building altars and making offerings to their deceased loved ones. This can be a powerful and healing experience, helping them to maintain a connection and continue the legacy of their sibling who has passed on.

While some brides choose to keep their wedding gown as a keepsake for generations, others find that the sentimental attachment and storage costs aren’t worth it. If you’re in the latter camp, donating your dress to a worthy cause can help clear out your closet and give someone else’s special day something to remember, too. Many bridal stores have a section for donated dresses. Some of them, like the Northwest-based charity boutique Brides for a Cause, resell those dresses to raise money and awareness for a variety of causes. For instance, the organization raises funds for breast cancer research and early detection by selling gowns that were once worn by brides for a fraction of the original price. The store accepts gowns in person and via mail according to the instructions on their website. Another nonprofit organization that collects and sells used wedding dresses is Adorned in Grace. This faith-based group brings churches together to fight human trafficking in various communities, with proceeds from the dress sales going towards anti-trafficking mentoring for young women, preparing the dresses, and much more. The company accepts dress donations from brides, bridal shops, and individuals. The dresses can be dropped off at one of the several locations in Oregon or Arizona, or shipped to the company’s headquarters following online instructions. In New York, you can donate your wedding dress to Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, which works with other organizations nationwide to create infant burial gowns for families who have lost their babies. The program is volunteer-based and relies on seamstresses who take the dresses, along with a cape and bonnet, to create the angel gowns for photos and funeral services honoring infants who have passed away. The organization maintains a waitlist to receive dresses, and it’s important to note that the gowns must be in good condition to be considered for donation. If you decide to donate your wedding dress, make sure it’s in good condition and clean prior to dropping it off at a charity. Many of the nonprofits mentioned in this article provide a list of requirements for gowns they will consider, and some even provide professional wedding dress cleaning services for a fee. Before packing your dress for donation, write down its size, name of designer or brand, year purchased, and other pertinent details to help save charity volunteers time and money in the long run. A few other places where you can donate your wedding gown include the NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program and Emma and Evan Foundation, both of which accept donations in the Albany area. You can also take the concept of charitable weddings a step further and plan your own event at a nonprofit venue, have guests wear dress donations as their favors, or incorporate other charitable activities into your big day. To get more ideas, check out our expert advice pages on charity weddings.

About 1 in 4 women will face infant loss through miscarriage or stillbirth. Angel Gowns give parents the opportunity to dress their babies in a one of a kind gown to provide comfort and love as they say goodbye. Our volunteer seamstresses take each wedding dress apart and plan the cuts, maximizing how many unique tiny gowns and wraps can be made from a single dress. They sew (ouch) and trim and add lace, ribbon, bobby pins and buttons. Depending on the style of dress, they can often make up to 18 different, beautiful one of a kind angel gowns and wraps. Known as Angel dresses, Angel suits, angel pockets and Angel wraps, these special garments are a way for parents to give their baby a dignified burial. The garments are especially needed for babies who have very small bodies, such as micro preemies. If you have a wedding dress, or other formal wear, you would like to donate, please contact an Angel Gown group near you. The groups also need supplies to create these garments, including sewing machines, ribbon, lace, fabric scissors and glue. Men’s ties can be used to make little bow ties for the boys’ gowns and wraps.

Child funeral is a term used to describe the process of planning and holding a memorial service for a deceased infant, toddler or young child. The decision to involve children in this way varies widely among families and is usually determined by the level of comfort they feel and the amount of preparation that has taken place. Involving children in family commemorative rituals helps them understand that death is a natural part of life and is not something to be afraid of. When children are involved in a child funeral, it is important to have an open line of communication and to prepare them for what they will experience. This will allow them to express their emotions and questions freely and without feeling judged. It is also important to reassure them that it is okay to be sad and scared, as these feelings are normal. The most important factor in determining whether or not a child should attend a funeral is their emotional readiness. Children process grief differently than adults, and their understanding of death varies by age and developmental stage. Toddlers may not fully comprehend the permanence of death, and older children often struggle with complex emotions such as sadness, fear, confusion and guilt. It is best to avoid leaving a child alone during the wake, funeral service or burial if possible. Having a trusted friend or relative stay with them can help them feel safe and secure. It also gives them someone to turn to if they need to leave the room or take a break. While the decision to include a child in a funeral or memorial service is a very personal one, most parents find that having their children present is the most meaningful way to honor their deceased child. It is also important to provide a variety of ways for children to participate in the ceremony, including reading a favorite poem, story or letter; singing their favorite song or lullaby; writing messages to their loved one on a message board or matted picture frame; and sharing a special momento from home. If the body will be viewed at the visitation or funeral, it is important to explain that the person in the casket will not wake up and that they are simply resting. Some children may be frightened by the appearance of their loved one in the casket and may not want to view it. If this is the case, a closed casket or urn can be arranged. Involving a child in the planning of their own funeral or memorial service can be very healing for many families. This can give them a sense of control and help them connect to their loved one in a way that feels meaningful to them. For example, some children choose to dress in their favorite color or wear a shirt or sweater with the deceased’s name on it. Other children have preferred songs or poems read during the service, and shy children can be encouraged to write a special message on a memory book or matted picture frame.

When it comes to baby clothing, the options are seemingly endless. While it’s tempting to purchase every cute outfit that catches your eye, building a functional wardrobe that meets your baby’s needs and keeps them clean and cozy requires careful consideration. Newborns grow fast, so it’s important to focus on a few basics that are essential for keeping them comfortable and safe. Onesies and rompers are great choices, since they combine a top and bottom into a single garment. They’re ideal for everyday wear, whether your baby is lounging at home or going out on a stroll. Choose clothes that are soft to the touch and breathable, as newborns can become fussy when their skin is itchy or uncomfortable. Clothes that are too tight or made of rough materials can also interfere with your newborn’s growth and development. Opt for cotton clothes, as they’re typically softer and easier to wash than synthetic fabrics like polyester. Brushed or pima cotton are both popular options that feel luxuriously smooth and cool against your newborn’s skin. Infant clothes should be fitted but not snug, as newborns need flexibility and freedom of movement to explore their environment. Look for flexible elastic bands around the wrists, ankles and waist to allow your baby’s natural movement. Newborns spend 16-18 hours a day sleeping, so comfortable pajamas are essential for their health and well-being. Sleep-promoting sleepwear, such as a swaddle blanket or sleep sack, helps them settle into a restful pattern and can reduce their startle reflex. Choosing soft, lightweight pajamas that are easy to take on and off for diaper changes is another good way to make nighttime diaper changes as stress-free as possible. Keep in mind that babies need extra layers during cold weather, as they’re more sensitive to temperature changes than adults. A cotton onesie layered with a sweater or knitted jacket is an effective way to keep your little bundle of joy warm without overheating. A hat, mittens and socks complete the winter ensemble, helping your newborn stay comfortable while adjusting to the cooler weather. Babies require a lot of clothing, due to their frequent diaper changes and the risk of spit-up and spills. It’s a good idea to opt for quality clothing that can hold up to repeated washes and resist shrinkage, such as organic or 100% cotton. Also look for garments that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free to avoid irritating your baby’s delicate skin. As a new parent, you may want to consider a few specialty garments that are perfect for special occasions or activities. Swimwear, formal dresses and costumes are a few examples of items you’ll want to have on hand when your little one wants to dress up or get dressed up.

Choosing and making the proper burial attire for your loved one is a very personal process. There are many different options available: from a simple, wrapped shroud to multi-piece religious garments, from handmade tatting to silk, from plain shrouds you can add art to, and from your own grandpa’s shirts to something made out of recycled fabrics and ribbons. Whatever your choice may be, you can feel confident that it will bring a sense of comfort and respect to the deceased. In addition, the use of burial gowns has been shown to be beneficial for the grieving family members. There are a number of places to purchase or make your own burial clothes, including funeral homes. The staff at these establishments offer a great deal of expertise in handling end-of-life arrangements and can guide you through your options. They are also likely to have a good idea of what has been traditionally worn by their clientele. Another source for clothing is the deceased’s closet. If your loved one has specific requests or prefers a particular outfit to be their burial attire, you can often find what they want in the closet, such as a favorite suit or a dress that they liked wearing for special occasions. Many people choose to embellish their burial apparel with things that are meaningful to the deceased, such as a piece of their favorite jewelry or a teddy bear. These elements aren’t necessarily appropriate for everyone, so consult your local funeral directors if you have any questions about what can or cannot be worn for the burial service. Some items are not suited for a person who is being buried in a casket, and it’s best to avoid them in case you run into any complications with your choice. For example, you’ll need to consider whether the person who is being buried will have their arms raised for viewing or lowered into the casket, and a shirt with sleeves that won’t fit the body properly will be problematic. Those who are being buried in a green burial will often wear an eco-friendly, natural shroud made out of cotton or linen. The simplicity and biodegradability of this type of burial garment makes it a popular choice among those who want to honor their deceased loved ones while protecting the environment. If you have an old wedding dress that no longer serves its original purpose, there are several organizations that accept donations of bridal gowns for the purposes of making angel gowns and burial shrouds. For example, The Emma and Evan Foundation uses donated wedding dresses to create burial gowns for infants who have died. These garments are gifted to grieving families as a lasting tribute and a reminder of their loved one’s life. The organization provides details for mailing or dropping off your donation.

If you’re decluttering your closet, donating your wedding dress is an easy way to get rid of one of your most sentimental pieces and help others at the same time. Several nonprofit organizations accept wedding gown donations, either to sell or give away. The Salvation Army is an international faith-based charity organization that operates numerous programs and services throughout the world. In addition to adult rehabilitation and prison ministry work, the charity also provides disaster relief, housing, clothing, food, and other household goods and accessories. Accepted items include wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, and bridal accessories. You can donate your gown by visiting a local Salvation Army thrift store or by completing an online form. Brides for a Cause is a non-profit bridal store that collects and resells donated wedding dresses to raise funds for dozens of women-focused charities. Since 2012, the company has raised over $1.2 million through the sale of donated dresses. They accept gowns that are less than five years old and professionally cleaned. Donors can drop off their donation in person at a store location or ship their gown to one of their roadshow events. Adorned in Grace is a faith-based nonprofit that uses wedding dress donations to raise money for anti-trafficking programs in various communities. The donations are used to support victims of human trafficking, provide training for churches on how to recognize and prevent human trafficking, and provide counseling and advocacy services. The nonprofit also needs new and gently-used veils, gloves, and other bridal accessories. You can drop off your donation in person at the bridal boutique or ship it according to their online instructions. The organization will also accept men’s ties that can be turned into bow ties for bridesmaids, groomsmen, or children’s wear. Before you donate your wedding gown, make sure it’s in good condition. Look for stains, rips, and tears, and check for mold, which can develop in moist environments like basements. If you notice any damage, have it repaired by a seamstress before you donate it to a charity. Some brides keep their wedding gowns for sentimental reasons, or because they want to pass them down to future generations. If you can’t part with yours, you could consider preserving it to use for a vow renewal ceremony or other special occasions, or making a baptismal, Christening, or dedication gown out of it. You could also incorporate a portion of your wedding gown into a keepsake like a pillow or purse. If you don’t have any future plans for your wedding dress, donating it is an easy way to give back and declutter your closet. It’s also a great way to get a tax deduction, if you choose to itemize. However, some brides prefer to take the concept of giving back a step further by planning a charitable wedding. If you’re interested in planning a wedding that supports a certain cause, check out our expert advice page for ideas.

One in four women experience a loss of a baby through miscarriage or still birth. Angel gowns help families who say goodbye to their little ones. Volunteer seamstresses transform donated wedding dresses into unique, one-of-a-kind burial gowns for tiny babies, often in sizes that are hard to find, like the micro preemie. They don’t let any bead or scrap of lace go to waste. They can make as many as 18 different, tiny angel gowns and wraps from a single dress. They also create blankets, hats, two onesie sets and heart-shaped memorial trinkets that are given to the baby, their parents and family. These beautiful keepsakes are often used for first and last photos, or at a family’s memorial service. The organization is expanding to places like Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where they placed the first Butterfly Room in Virginia and are working to support bereaved families with cooling units and a comforting place to say goodbye. It’s a national program with networks in Canada too. If you have a wedding dress to donate, and don’t want it to go to waste, check out this website to find an angel gown network near you.

A child funeral is a time for family members to share memories, remember the person who died and say goodbye. It is also an opportunity for children to learn about death, the grief process and participate in a family ritual that can help them understand and cope with loss. Often, this will be the first time that a child has experienced the death of someone close to them. This is a highly emotional and stressful situation for anyone, but for children, it can be especially difficult. The way that children understand and react to death varies widely depending on their age, developmental stage and previous exposure to loss. However, in all cases, they require honest information and open communication about the event and its implications. They need to be able to express their feelings and questions without fear of being judged or punished, and they need to be included in decisions, discussions and family commemorative rituals whenever possible. Explain the funeral process ahead of time: where it will take place, who will be there and what they may see, hear and feel. Allow their natural curiosity to guide the conversation and answer their questions as honestly as you can. Providing them with a clear roadmap of what to expect can relieve anxiety and make them feel more prepared. Consider appointing a trusted, known adult as your child’s funeral buddy, who can be available to take them for a walk or provide distraction during the service if needed. They can also help explain what is happening and what to expect throughout the ceremony. This allows you to focus on your own needs and emotions while knowing that your child is being cared for by a loved one they trust. At the graveside, offer to let your child touch their sibling’s casket (if this is culturally appropriate) and share memories if they wish. If it is a closed casket, explain that their sibling is still present and that the body is not cold, in pain or afraid. This may also be an opportunity to clarify any other misconceptions they might have about death. Afterwards, allow them to sprinkle a bit of glitter or light a candle on their sibling’s memorial. Many children find this a comforting activity and it can help them feel like they participated in the funeral. Talk about your child’s funeral and memorial services in a positive, life-affirming way. This will help them develop healthy coping skills and maintain a more positive outlook on life in the face of serious illness, loss and death. It will also give them a framework for future conversations about their loved ones as they grow older. You can use these talks to reinforce the message that everyone has their own unique way of grieving and no one method is right or wrong. This article is based on the book “Saying Goodbye: A Child’s Guide to Funerals and Memorial Services” by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

Newborn babies require a lot of clothing. Choosing clothes that are comfortable, practical and a good fit is important to help them sleep, move and grow. In addition, many parents prefer to choose organic baby clothes and other sustainable options for their little ones. Eco-friendly materials are not only better for the environment, but they also provide a softness that babies appreciate and can minimize irritation. These materials also promote ethical and responsible corporate practices. Newborns spend 16-18 hours a day sleeping, so it is vital that their clothes are comfortable and soft. Too-tight or rough clothing can irritate the skin and limit movement, which is not good for babies’ development. Stylish and functional infant clothes are available to keep newborns comfortable all through the day and night, including bodysuits, infant rompers, footed pajamas, dresses and skirts, knit sweaters and layette sets, plus a wide range of accessories such as socks, hats, mittens and bibs. Keeping up with baby’s ever-growing wardrobe can be expensive, especially since they outgrow outfits so quickly. To avoid overspending, look for a versatile style that can be worn for both warm and cold weather. A onesie is an excellent choice, with sleeves and a bottom that zips and fastens. They can be worn with a jacket or coat for outdoor trips. A hoodie, with its soft fleece fabric, is another option for cold weather. The warm material keeps babies cozy, while the hood protects their faces from cold winds or sunburn. Some hoodies also include fold-over scratch mitts to prevent babies from accidentally scratching themselves. During warmer weather, rompers or 2-in-1 dresses (a dress top half with a romper under section) are a popular choice. They are ideal for combining dressy elements with the convenience of a nappy-changing outfit, and can be supplemented with bibs during feeding time. Babies need socks and hats to stay warm, particularly during the winter months. They lose heat through their heads and feet, so having 3-5 pairs of soft cotton hats and socks in rotation is helpful. These items can also be useful for trips outdoors or when the temperature drops in indoor settings. The best baby clothing is soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, spit-ups and other everyday wear and tear. Durable baby clothing is made of fabrics that are gentle and smooth on the skin, such as organic cotton or bamboo rayon fibers. Look for snaps or poppers instead of traditional buttons, which can be difficult to grasp for tiny hands. Newborns like to be swaddled, which can help them feel secure and comfortable. Swaddle blankets or sleep sacks wrap babies tightly, mimicking the feeling of the womb and helping them sleep soundly. A few swaddle blankets and sleep sacks are essential in your newborn’s wardrobe, but as they grow older and become more mobile, it is recommended to transition them into regular clothing, such as sleepers or footed pajamas. If possible, opt for organic cotton and/or eco-friendly fabrics for the highest quality, and consider buying a few extra pieces to allow for growth.