While tradition has changed from years past and become less formal concerning christening gowns & suits for baby boys, there is most likley more to the "expected" ensemble than most parents or god-parents may be aware.

A christening will perhaps be the most involved ceremony, in terms of clothing, for the lives of most males. It is perhaps, a good thing, it will not be remembered by most infants. There can be an extraordinary amount of "fuss" to assemble the perfect christening ensemble for boys.

Most importantly is the main garment, either a boys christening suit or a traditional boys christening gown (many gowns are considered "heirloom" and can be unisex). While it may sound very strange for a little boy to wear a "gown", the christening gown is the most formal and traditional option the baby boy entering his first important passage through ceremony. While christening gowns for girls may be very ornate with lace, floral embroidery, and overlays, a christening gown for boys will be more simple in line, but very long, and usually with only a simple motif, not embroidery throughout. However, there may be small bits of lace. There is nothing unusual about tiny bits of what we now consider feminine details on a very traditional boys christening gown. Old fashion details are very much a possibility for family heirloom and vintage christening gowns.

A more modern option for families concerned with modern gender associations in the christening garment, is a christening suit or christening romper for boys. These items are very sweet, but very masculine, having pants that all can witness at the ceremony. Christening suits and rompers are usually simplified into one piece, a christening suit may have separate jacket or vest to "dress" up the one piece layette style romper or union suit. Such options are available in a wide array of style.

After your actual christening garment is selected, you will most likley need to consider a cap or bonnet. Bonnets will coordinate well with old fashion and very traditional boys christening gown. Christening suits and christening rompers will usually be adorned with a more modern cap of matching material.

The last items to consider for the boys christening layette are small detail accessories such as a christening blanket, bib, shoes and socks. Usually the blanket and bib are selected to coordinate well or even match the main christening garment. Many designers offer matching or coordinating christening blankets and bibs. Another option is these items will be purchased or created separately by a family member; usually as long as the color theme is consistent (most likely all white), some variation in texture and material is acceptable.

Shoes and socks should remain simple and in the same color. Shoes can be very classic white leatherette booties or shoes made from a similar, soft material to match the main christening ensemble.

Who knew there was so much dressy little baby boys???