Choosing a Christening Gown or Baptism Outfit

The arrival of a new baby brings happiness not only to an individual family, but to an entire community. The moment when a baby is introduced to family, friends and loved ones through a Christening is a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. Your baby’s baptism is one of the most important occasions in their lives and one that you will remember for your lifetime. 

Choosing a Christening Gown or Baptism Outfit

The arrival of a new baby brings happiness not only to an individual family, but to an entire community. The moment when a baby is introduced to family, friends and loved ones through a Christening is a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. Your baby’s baptism is one of the most important occasions in their lives and one that you will remember for your lifetime. 

While parts of the ceremony have changed over time, an element that has endured across generations are the christening gowns and baptism outfit a child wears. In medieval times, babies were swaddled for their christenings in a “bearing cloth,” a large remnant of fine silk adorned with lace and elaborate trim. During the 18th and early 20th centuries, christening gowns became more like miniature versions of adult ensembles, adorned with short frills, Anglaise lace, and silk. Today there are many high-quality options to choose from between full-length christening gowns, baptism dresses, boys 3-piece christening suits and rompers

These garments are so treasured that they are often passed down as heirlooms from generation to generation. Today, even members of the British royal family wear the same delicate satin and lace christening gown first created for Queen Victoria’s oldest daughter nearly two centuries ago. The baptism outfit is surely one of the most important garments your child will wear and is often presented as a christening gift from a cherished family member or godparent. 

Things to Consider When Shopping for Your Baby’s Baptism Outfit

Modern families seeking to begin their own traditions through Baptisms, Christenings and LDS Blessings should look for high-quality, heirloom garments that are crafted with an attention to detail and quality. Below are a few things to keep in mind:

Quality

A keepsake, heirloom christening gown needs to last for generations. While fast fashion makes it easy to purchase cheap garments made overseas, their use doesn't go beyond one day, and they won't preserve the memories and traditions essential to a family heirloom. We focus on crafting handmade garments in-house in the USA with the love, care, and quality that makes them worthy of cherishing for years.

Color

Christening gowns are traditionally white or ivory to symbolize innocence and purity. However, today's families are sometimes opting for pastels and creams in place of white.

Style

For a more traditional style, a gown is still classic, but baptism dresses or a baby boy christening suit in white, cream or pastel are increasing in popularity. 

Accessories

A matching baby blanket is usually placed around the baby after the ceremony. Bonnets, hats, and baby booties make great wonderful baptism gifts that can be kept as decorative keepsakes in the nursery or throughout the home. These same garments and accessories can be used for traditions such as Baptisms, Christenings and LDS Blessings.

How to Care for your Baby’s Baptism Outfit

At Christening Gowns, we believe each dress, gown or suit is a reminder of a joyous occasion, so we craft them to last and stay just as beautiful as the day they were first worn. To preserve them in original condition, we recommend dry cleaning all your Christening Gowns items and storing them in a 100% muslin cotton bag or keepsake gift box. Both are available for purchase here.

To share memories of your baby's christening garment with future wearers, consider including a name tag with the date of the christening or baptism, as well as photos of the special day, in the box or bag. These are parts of your family history that will capture the hearts of future generations.

Need Help?

We've been helping families choose the right baptism outfit for their baby's Christening, Baptism and Blessing for more than 35 years.

For help with sizing, styles, or any other questions about our garments, contact us via email or get in touch using chat located on the lower right hand side of your screen.

We're honored to be part of your family tradition.