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Baby's baptism - or Christening, as it is so often called - can take place any time of the year. When the warming weather of Spring arrives many families decide that it's time.
Who can blame them? It makes so much sense; Spring's revival of life and the dedication of a new life to God go hand in hand!
There are so many choices for baby's Baptism outfit today that it can be mind boggling.
Let's break down the basic choices to help you.
• First is the Christening Gown, which many often call a Baptism Gown. The terms are interchangeable. Traditionally, all children were baptized in a long, formal gown that was usually white and hand made with labor and love by the expectant mother or close relative. The gown was the same whether for a boy or girl. Times have changed, though, and your choices have expanded radically! Styles are now available for girls or boys specifically, as well as "family gowns" that are intended to be gender-neutral so they can be used by all new family members in the future. Baptism gowns are usually 28" or longer with 32"-36" being the most common, but we have seen them up to 42" long! The child is very young and 'in arms', of course, and not able to toddle around in these gowns. This is why you won't see many Christening gowns made in larger sizes.
• The Baptism Dress - or Christening Dress. This is a shorter style usually between knees and toe tips. It can be called a "Daygown" if toe-tip length. This style is used for less formal ceremonies, for older children who can walk around (and, thus, making a long, formal gown very impractical) and after a formal ceremony at the family celebration. You don't want to be passing baby around in a gown you intend as a keepsake - disasters can happen!
• The Baby Suit. While historic tradition has boys wearing the same gowns as girls, today many boys are baptized (or christened or dedicated) in a little boy's suit instead. This can take many forms from a miniature version of a "big boy's" suit or yes, even a tuxedo, to an Eton suit or a classic baby suit that can be 1, 2, 3 or 4 pieces. The extent of choices today is huge! He can wear a button-on (shirt buttons onto shorts making it very neat and tidy) or knickers, for just a couple of the many variations available. Many styles come with matching jackets; most with matching hats that are very 'boyish' rather than girlie bonnets.
• The "Convertible Gown". This is a modern hybrid that can make everybody happy! The convertible gown is designed for boys whose family wants them "in pants" but they still cherish the concept of the traditional Christening or Baptism gown. A convertible gown is really a baby suit style - usually a one-piece - with a skirt that conceals the pants by buttoning on in an inconspicuous manner. This is very effect for appeasing fathers who don't want their sons "wearing a dress" and can make everybody very happy!
We see that it is very common to shop just days before the date of the baptism - often just a day or two! This causes undue stress. While there are times when it simply isn't avoidable, by all means please do plan several weeks ahead so you are more likely to get your first choice delivered and in your hands so you can relax and focus on the beauty and significance of the day
By Janet Donahue
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