CHOOSING GODPARENTS OR SPECIAL ADULTS

In children’s story tales, a fairy godmother makes an appearance just when she’s needed most. With the wave of a wand, she can make everything right. Godparents - also called mentors, special adults or supporting adults in non-religious ceremonies – might not have a magic wand, but their role in your child’s life can have a magical effect.

But choosing godparents – or supporting adults – is not always an easy job. They are meant to be people who provide religious (if required), moral and practical guidance to your child as they grow. They are the type of people who you would, in theory, be happy to have looking after your children if you died (even though being a godparent wouldn’t make them legal guardian of the child).

In an ideal world, a godparent or supporting adult will develop a close relationship with your child so that as they grow, they have an adult who they can turn to when they don’t want to approach mum or dad – or perhaps just want another point of view. They should be able to combine the right mixture of fun and games, with discipline and learning.

Church of England
The CoE suggests you have at least three Godparents – two the same sex as your child and one of the opposite sex. They can be family or friends but they should all be 16 or older and be baptised. Some priests require that they’re also confirmed and practicing Christians. Others are more relaxed. Either way, the Godparents will be asked to make solemn religious promises and they should be comfortable doing this.

Catholic Church
In Catholic baptisms, one Godparent is sufficient but two are allowed. If you have two, you should have one man and one woman and neither is allowed to be the parents of the child. They will need to be 16 or older, be baptised and ideally confirmed, although speak to your priest as some are more relaxed on this point. Non-catholics cannot be Godparents but they can be Christian Witnesses.

Naming Ceremony
As this is a secular ceremony, you can choose who you like and how many people you like to act as supporting adults. Like the Thanksgiving Service, they are not called Godparents, rather special adults, supporting adults, sponsors, mentors or guides. The statements they make during the ceremony are customisable but usually centre on providing guidance and support to the child and its family. NOV 2008

HOW TO CHOOSE A CHRISTENING GOWN.....

The christening gown represents a special treasure that is a keepsake signifying an important occasion for your child. When it comes to choosing a christening gown there's a huge range of gowns to look at. It's probably the second most important, piece of clothing, a mother will buy - the first being her wedding gown. Therefore you would surely want to choose a quality christening gown that will last through the generations to provide you with a long lasting treasure of nostalgic memories.

It's not difficult to find exquisite christening gowns, the problem is in finding the christening gown that suits you, your baby, your situation and that fits your budget! Therefore you should make your decision carefully.

The style of the christening gown is an important choice. It's a matter of tradition and personal taste. Do you want your baby to wear the christening gown that you wore when you were christened? Or do you dream of the latest style, perhaps a little tuxedo style outfit for your little man? Choose a christening gown or christening outfit that will have your baby looking beautiful, and yet not having you worrying about comfort throughout the ceremony.

Pay attention to the fabric. Choose all-natural fibres that breathe well and are comfortable to the child. Fabrics like 100% cotton, linen and raw silk are good fabrics for christening garments. These classic fabrics have been used for generations in the making of infant christening gowns and outfits.

White is the most popular choice for christening gowns, but that does not mean you are restricted to that one colour. You can choose any colour of your choice depending on what you want to symbolize for your child. White, however is the preferred colour for a christening gown as it symbolizes purity and youth.

You will want your baby to be as comfortable as possible on his/her special day so make sure baby has enough room to move around without constriction. When choosing the size of your baby's christening gown make sure the garment has enough room to move around without the cutting into his/her skin. Watch that the material is soft against the skin and doesn't cause itching.

Christening gowns can be plain or fancy, but should always be made of the finest material and stitching. Christening gowns or outfits should also be elaborate and beautiful as well as soft and as comfortable as possible. OCTOBER 2008

WHY DO SO MANY BABIES HAVE OLD PEOPLE'S NAMES?

As if by magic, the Floras and Doras of Britain are no longer just the ones hanging out in bingo halls. They're in playgrounds, prams and pushchairs, proudly bearing the monikers of their grandmothers and great-grandmothers. The older Georges and Alfreds and Stanleys of the world now have miniature namesakes, little grandsons and great-grandsons named in their honour. And with Alfie the 22nd most popular boys' name in 2005, Emily at the top of the girls', new parents all over the UK are showing that "old-lady chic" and "grandad cool" have well and truly arrived.

Just like flares and hairstyles, baby names seem to come and go in cycles. But why should this be? Names our own parents might never have dared inflict on us: geeky, awkward ones like Edith, Reggie or Florence: have emerged from the charity-shop box of names, transformed, with a definite whiff of vintage glamour. SEPTEMBER 2008