Is there an outfit or baby gown that has been passed down in your family? Little treasures like that are so meaningful, especially when you think of all the little babies before yours that enjoyed them. If your child needs a special occasion outfit, here are four tips to help you make a decision.

• Look for quality of construction that will stand the test of time. You want this to be a piece you can pass on to your children.
• Look for classic styles and colors. While orange may be trending this season, it may be something you’re not going to be happy with later. You want this to be an outfit that can be pulled out for future portraits, baptisms, parties, etc. Babyish colors like soft white, blue and pink are almost always a good bet, and they photograph well. Plus, a lighter color won’t “fight” for attention and steal the show from your baby’s cute face.
• Consider your child’s age. If the star of the show is an active two-year-old, a romper or bubble suit is more practical. For girls who are standing or walking or running, make sure the dress is not too long. If you’re photographing a newborn, on the other hand, a longer gown always looks stunning, no matter what the gender.
• Consider the setting. If this is an outdoor event or photo shoot, your child might need a bonnet or sweater or socks during cooler weather. Think about how the outfit will look in a picture, and choose the style accordingly. For close-ups, understated details like smocking, pin-tucks and embroidery are lovely to look out, yet they won’t distract from the subject.

Feltman Brothers makes heirloom-quality clothing just like I’ve described for newborns up to size 4. Their extensive selection of gowns, dresses, rompers, hats, sweaters and bonnets makes it easy to find just the perfect outfit to suit your little one’s style and personality. The classic colors and styles are timeless and worthy of being passed down and loved over and over again.

This summer they added the “Leaf Bow Collection” and sent a little dress for us to try out on Ingrid in exchange for an honest review. The Leaf Bow dress is white with delicate embroidery and puffed sleeves. It retails for $61.85 and is available in sizes newborn to 4T.

Our Leafbow dress is a 65% poly/35% cotton easy-care blend that always looks crisp and fresh. It’s hand-embroidered and made in the Philippines. Ingrid is 12 months old, and small for her age. I chose the 12 month size because I wanted to make sure it would fit just right and not get in the way of her standing and taking her first steps. I would suggest going a size up if your child is above average in size.

The 12-month Leafbow dress is 17.5 inches long with a neckline diameter of 4.5.

The pure white of this sweet dress, with the delicate pastel embroidery and tiny little pintucks look lovely on little blonde-haired Ingrid. Then again, a white gown or suit is really a classic look on any child. You just can’t go wrong with something this exquisite.

We have several other outfits from Feltman Brothers and can attest to the outstanding quality and photo-worthy appeal. They are perfect for portraits, church, christenings, birthdays and other special occasions.

It’s easy to shop at Feltman Brothers online and you always get free shipping on orders of $95 (no code needed).

Do you love heirloom baby clothing, too? Tell me about your favorite gown or outfit!