Baby dress #WB-16857 has long been a favorite.  It’s probably because it’s soft with quite a bit of detail - but it’s not at all fussy.

This week it has come back - this time in NEWBORN size for the very first time!

We’ll warn you - the colors are just a bit softer than what shows in the photo.  We think that makes a lot of sense since it’s for such a tiny little girl!

See all our wonderful little dresses for baby in our Baby Dresses Department.

The terms “Christening gown” and “Christening dress” are used interchangeably by many.  But we see quite a bit of difference between the two terms.

Think of the difference between a “dress” (as in street-length) and a “gown” for girls, teens or women.  That’s the difference here as well.

A Christening gown is 28″ or longer - often as long as 36″ or more.  It is a long garment that hangs long when the infant is held, well beyond the length of the child.  Of course, a child is never allowed to crawl or toddle in a gown.

A Christening dress is a typical-length baby dress that is styled suitably for a Blessing or Dedication ceremony - or for the family get-together afterward.  It is typically white though color is becoming more and more popular. 

Then there is the “daygown”. A “daygown” is roughly toe-tip.  They are typically “bishop” style, which means that the entire gown is gathered into the neckline and hand smocked similar to the daygown style shown here.  This creates a very easy-fitting garment and can be worn casual or slightly dressy.

You’ll find a wonderful selection of all these in our Baby & Christening Department.

Today’s trend for baby’s Christening / Baptism is more tailored and less fussy, even in girls’ Christening gowns.

More subtle styles are now in vogue.  Instead of gold and champagne, most parents today are opting for off-white or ivory, though true white is still definitely in demand.

Frothy gathered styles and big puffy sleeves are now more refined.  Small cap sleeves are definitely the trend today. 

This is still a VERY classic look and contrasts sharp with the lavish Victorian era gowns.  Even though more tailored styles are “in”, they are far from plain.  Rich embroidery and delicate beading still take center stage.

Still, if your dream is for a frilly or lavish gown, you should go for it!  You are making memories for a lifetime and beyond (with photos and video - several generations can enjoy this very special day).

See all our Christening Gowns and Christening Suits 

Silk Christening gowns and baby suits are in high demand these days.  Silk is a gorgeous, luxurious fabric that is ideal for such a special occasions as a Christening, Blessing, Dedication or Bris.

But one of our manufacturers received several calls in the past few months from customers who encoutered problems when they took their silk outfits to the cleaners.  They claimed that the fabric had fallen apart when dry cleaned and came out with holes and damages.

Is this to be expected?  Or does this mean faulty garments?

They did quite a bit of investigation on the matter.  They pulled samples out of their typical silk stock and took them to multiple dry cleaners to have them tested.  In fact, they put each outfit through the cleaners several times.

The result?  They all came through the process beautifully and with no damage at all.

They requested a damaged garment from one of the customers.  To their surprise, the gown was stained, discolored and the fabric was stiff to the touch and was severely water damaged.

The dry cleaning company had washed it in a washing machine!

It is wise to know your dry cleaners.  Not all know to use the right processes with silk.  If you experience a problem, you should hold the cleaners responsible for damage they cause.

Our manufacturers carefully select the finest silks on the market.  Proper dry cleaning will NOT damage our garments.

And yes, this really applies to ALL garments made in silk, whether for infants, children or adults. 

THIS IS EXCITING NEWS!

A whole new series of baby suits, baby dresses and Christening gowns are arriving.  You can see them in our Newest Additions department as well as going to our Baby & Christening Department styles.

These new styles are:

• Made in the USA
• Gorgeous, made of rich fabrics and classically styled
• Available QUICKLY!

We think that’s a recipe for success, don’t you? 

Our staff is working feverishly to add all the new styles as quickly as possible.  You’ll find them available with wonderful accessories too!

Some are traditionally styled while others are innovate.  We hope you check them out - and would love to hear your comments about them!

Baptism - Christening - Dedication - Blessing Ceremonies

Baptism is a sacrament in most Christian denominations.  In many it is reuqired of a candidate for church membership.

John the Baptist baptized Jesus himself in the River Jordan.  The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove as He emerged from the water and the voice of God the Father spoke from heaven declaring Jesus to be ‘my well-beloved son’.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize believers.  The rite of baptism has been exercised ever since including today.

Various baptismal rites were developed in the early Church, all designed to bring some or all of the body into contact with the baptismal waters.   In earlier times most involved immersion. 

As time went on, baptism of infants became the custom with many.  This is frequently called a Christening. It usually involves sprinkling the child with water rather than full immersion.  In times of high infant mortality, the Christening was done within days of birth — often while mother was still recuperating in bed at home. 

Today, however, and with much lower infant mortality, a child is often baptized at a much older age - 6 months, 9 months, 12 months or more.  The Greek culture, for instance, typically baptizes around age 2-3.  And in many locations it’s simply a matter of having to wait to get a date on the church schedule.

Many believe that a child cannot go to heaven if not baptized, though this is not supposed in the Scriptures.  However, Baptism is cleary described as an act of obedience for the true believer, so it is understandable how many see it as required for salvation.  Many passages in Acts teach that baptism must be preceded by faith and the confession and renunciation of sins. The water is the visible sign of God’s grace washing the sins away.

The many churches who require the candidate to be of an age of understanding prior to baptism often exercise the tradition of the family presenting the child to God - a dedication.  This is a beautiful time where the family and friends get together to ask God’s blessing and guidance in raising the child to honor Him.  Some choose to use traditional Christening gowns for this dedication - or blessing - ceremony.  However, less formal attire is frequently chosen as well.

Many Hispanic cultures exercise the tradition of the Presentation - presenting the child go God.  This is very similar to a Dedication and is a very important day for both the child and family.  The Presentation is often done around the age of 3.

   Snazzy new baby styles have arrived!         

New Baby boy styles are plentiful - rompers, tiny suits and a new boy’s convertible Christening gown. 

What is a convertible Christening gown?  It’s a romper with a button-off skirt so it can be converted back and forth from “pants” to “gown”.  It’s perfect to please today’s modern Dad!  

And don’t over look the specifically Bris ensemble . . . .

Baby suits are shown in fabrics from rich silks to gaberdines in styles from simple rompers to jacket sets to sailor styles.

But not just baby boy styles are arriving - GORGEOUS new girls’ Christening gowns and baby dresses have arrived too!  From classically styled with smocking to modern with leggings for the coming cooler weather - you’ll find just what you love for your baby here at The Perfect Pear Children’s Special Occasion Clothing Boutiques.

After all - with a baby, every day is a Special Occasion! 

To see all the new styles quickly, click here .

It’s true that most clothing today is not made in the USA.

But we’re proud to say that we do carry a line that IS made in the USA - in Brooklyn, in fact!  You can find their baby dresses, baby suits and Christening gowns with the “LPC-” prefix.

We have worked with them extensively this summer and can say that these are WONDERFUL people!  And, their baby apparel is made absolutely BEAUTIFULLY.  We can unabashedly recommend these styles to you.

We hope tha tyou do check them out!

Fall is on its way.  Cooler weather is setting into much of our country.  While our buildings and vehicles are well heated these days, many parents still prefer to have this event before really cold weather sets in, and understandably so.  For one thing, it’s easier for family members to travel and it’s also before the big multiple-holiday season before us sets in. 

There’s always a big rush this time of year for Christening gowns and little baby suits - and we’re here for you with plenty of selection! 

While long sleeves become more popular this time of year (and we certainly have them!) short sleeves are traditionally used throughout the year.  Simply - we have the broad selection you’re looking for to choose your baby’s Christening Gown or Baptism Suit.

Our staff works diligently to keep availability as up to date as humanly possible for you.  Keep in mind that you do have to allow time to have your order processed, shipped and delivered.  That means that you should place your order no later than Noon on Monday with expedited shipping for the weekend. That’s for delivery in the continental USA, of course. But really, isn’t that cutting it way too close for comfort? 

Things can happen.  Like what?  Well, a couple of years ago a train derailed and took a Christening order with it.  A freak incident?  Of course, but it surely caused a problem for the parents of that child. It’s best to allow at least a couple of weeks.  At least order 8-10 days before the date to insure delivery in plenty of time.  You’ll be able to breath deeply and have far less stress.

Some of our styles are by special order - and those take longer yet.  And, shipping outside the continental USA will take even longer.  How much longer?  We can’t predict that.  Packages can fly through customs or sit without warning or explanation.

Simply - the more time you allow, the more wonderful choices you will have and the less stress you will experience!

Another favorite - darling - baby dress returns to us.  And yes, this one too is exclusive to The Perfect Pear Children’s Special Occasion Boutique!

It’s style #WB-16640 in white with lots of gorgeous hand work, lace inserts, embroidery - really, everything that makes it a true heirloom baby dress. 

Available in sizes 3M - 6M and 9M (while they last, of course).

Why did we bring it back?  Because you loved it so much - and so do we!

This dress is perfect for so many things - new baby gifts, coming home from the hospital, Naming Ceremony, Blessing/Dedication, after the Christening or for an actual informal Christening . . . . really, what baby doesn’t need such a wonderful, gorgeous dress?