Currently, many new parents are perplexed as to how to dress their baby boys for their christenings, baby naming ceremonies and baptisms. Parents want the perfect little outfit for their newborn man child. There are a vast number of choices available for the occasion that include: three piece suits, jumpsuits and gowns. It can be a daunting task for new parents when trying to select the proper color, style and accessories, especially when unsure of what you are looking for.
When choosing a christening gown that is to be worn, the following steps can prove most helpful:
- Decide on how formal you want to be. Also keep in mind where and when the gown will be worn.
- Choose the basic style that you prefer (a three piece suite, a traditional length gown, a more modern gown or a jumpsuit).
- Pick accessories that will tie together the formality and the basic style for a complete look for the occasion.
To help you with deciding what to wear and if you should have two outfits for the special day, the following is a perfect guide. There are parents that wish to have a single piece of christening attire that can be worn for the entire day, where as there are others that prefer to have an additional piece of attire for the reception that follows. Either way, you will be guided towards the choice that is ideal for you and you baby boy on the day of his christening.
Begin by asking yourself the following questions:
- Will the child be in someone’s arm or a carrier?
- Will the child be permitted to crawl or walk about at any point during the ceremony or the reception?
- How formal is the event?
The following is a breakdown of the types of baby boy christening clothes that will further help with your decision for the special event.
- Full length christening gowns (also known as vintage length or a cathedral baptism)
- This is a traditional gown for a christening ceremony.
- This gown extends, on average, two feet below the toes. This is an ideal option for newborns and infants that will remain in carriers or arms throughout the ceremony and reception.
- Gown
- This option is a traditional foot length option for young babies and newborns. The gown may also have a simple hem or it can be gathered at the bottom.
- Jumpsuit
- This is a less formal and versatile option that is appropriate for cold weather.
- This attire option has elastic and snaps for it easy to change the baby in and out.
- Three piece suit
- This is an option that is ideal for all-day wear. This an option that is appropriate for both older and younger babies. The outfit may come with a t-shirt that will be worn under a sweater or a jacket for a photo appearance that is neat. There is an elastic waistband on the foot-length pants that are quite helpful during changes
Traditionally, christening attire must be strictly ivory or white. There are churches that will allow for a child to be brought forth wrapped within a pastel blanket, but that will need to be confirmed with your particular church. The color white is representative of holiness, all things new, purity and innocence. The use of silk as a fabric option will afford the clothing with a more traditional and vintage look and appeal. Cotton is a more practical option and will not deter from the level of formality that the ceremony is presented in.
Accessories will need to match the rest of the outfit in order to create an ensemble that not only highlights the importance of the occasion, but provides a wonderful appearance for photographs. Keep in mind that it will be the accessories that will become your keepsakes. Most commonly, the following are used as accessories in regards to baby boy christening clothes:
- Bibs
- Booties
- Blankets
- Hats
- Sweater or jacket
Moreover, when selecting attire for a christening, it is important that both you and you baby son are comfortable with the choice. Decide upon a look that will be appealing both in person and within commemorative photographs. Also, if you are open to having additional children, consider the possibility of the clothing being passed down to siblings. Should that be a case, a gender neutral option (a down or jumper) may work best.