How2Day: Christening Outfit Ideas

Christening announces your baby to the world. Baby image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
Christening is the presentation of your baby to the world. Since a christening is often the baby's first public appearance, much thought goes into how you want the photos to look as well as what you want others to see when they meet the child. Most people stick with the traditional options when it comes to dressing the baby, but there are also modern alternatives to the typical christening gown.

A traditional christening gown is the same for both boys and girls. It is a long gown, flowing well below the baby's feet. The gown can be either cream or white, symbolizing the purity of the new infant as she is presented to the public and to God.

To complete the outfit, some parents choose to add a head covering. For girls, this can be in the shape of a bonnet, hugging the head and tying under the chin. For boys, parents usually choose a hat, similar in shape of pageboy cap. It is puffy on the top and has a tighter area to fit around the head. The head covering should match the choice you made for the color of the rest of the outfit, either white or cream. If you prefer not to use a full head cover, some parents add a headband or barrette instead.

Shoes should be worn for the christening. Some parents choose booties, as they can be easier to keep on small feet. They can be garnished with a little bit of color or lace. Shoes can be any type you like, but they should also be in the same color as the gown.

A bib is another accessory that parents can include. Because babies often need cleaning up, a bib can keep the christening gown from getting messy so that by the time the photos happen you can remove the bib to showcase a pure, clean gown. The bib can save the christening outfit from any stains that might happen while the christening runs its course.

Christenings have developed with the times, and taking the cue from classic Ireland, boys can wear a jumper outfit in white or cream. This outfit tends to have a collar, short sleeves, and is cut off at the knees. For this outfit you can accessorize as with the dresses, but the shoes become more prominent as they will be seen throughout the service.

As people have tended to stretch the boundaries of traditional christenings, boys have been seen wearing small white suits instead of standard gowns. Rompers have been designed for both girls and boys. The boy rompers, like the jumper, cuts off at the knees, whereas the girl rompers feature fluffy pants. Knitted outfits can also be worn. The most consistent thing about christening outfits is the solid white or cream color, no matter which you choose.

How2Day