Praiseworthy Bear Set: A Gender Neutral Christian Baby Outfit

If you need a baby outfit and don't know whether it's a boy or a girl, the Baby Praiseworthy Bear Set ($58) is the easy answer. It's a warm oatmeal sweatshirt and jogger set with a little bear rowing a boat, guitar in hand, and it comes from Philippians 4:8: "whatever is praiseworthy, think on these things." Sizes run 0 to 3 months through 12 to 18 months, and like everything we make, it's hand pressed in our Burbank studio.

What's in the set

The top is a soft oatmeal crewneck sweatshirt with the illustrated bear in his boat. The bottoms are matching oatmeal joggers with a drop crotch, which leaves room for crawling, cruising and either cloth or disposable diapers. The oatmeal color works for a boy or a girl and looks good in photos against fall leaves or a cream nursery.

Why it works as a gender neutral gift

Gender neutral baby clothes don't have to be plain. This set has a real illustration and a verse behind it, and it still works whether the baby turns out to be a boy or a girl. It's also easy to hand down from one sibling to the next.

What "praiseworthy" means for new parents

Philippians 4:8 ends a list of good things with "if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." It doesn't ask anyone to pretend the newborn months are easy. It asks you to look for what's worth celebrating anyway: a first smile, a good feed, ten quiet minutes. Writing the verse in the card is a nice way to pass that along to the parents. We wrote more about it in Philippians 4:8 and positive living.

Sizing and care

Sizes are 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months and 12 to 18 months. The 12 to 18 month size works for a first birthday. If you're buying before the baby arrives, sizing up one step means it fits for more of the coming months. Machine wash cold, turn it inside out to protect the bear graphic, and air dry or tumble dry low.

Good occasions for this set

• A baby shower where the gender is a surprise.
• A baby dedication or baptism, for the lunch or party afterward.
• A first birthday, in the 12 to 18 month size.
• A friend in the newborn weeks who could use a reminder that what she's doing is praiseworthy.

Want the matching toddler piece? The Toddler Praiseworthy Bear Tee ($25, 2T to 5T) has the same bear for a big brother or sister. See more gift ideas in our Christian baby gifts collection or our Christian baby shower gift guide. 10% of every order goes to Love Life, a ministry that supports moms and babies.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Praiseworthy Bear Set gender neutral?

Yes. The oatmeal color and bear design work for baby boys and girls.

What sizes does it come in?

0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months and 12 to 18 months.

What Bible verse is it based on?

Philippians 4:8, "whatever is praiseworthy, think on these things."