Plunket baby's gown

This hand-made baby gown was made from the standard issue Plunket pattern sold by the Plunket Society in the 1960s. It is indicative of the style of baby clothing recommended by the Society in the 1960s.

From as early as the 1920s the New Zealand Health Department in conjunction with the Plunket Society set up free ante-natal clinics around New Zealand to try and counteract New Zealand's high rate of maternal mortality. In addition to advice on diet, exercise, rest and general care for pregnant women, the Plunket Nurse advised on suitable clothes to make for the baby. Plunket kept a supply of patterns in their clinics for many years, but they could also be bought from local shops and ordered from the Plunket headquarters in Dunedin.

Barbara Gibson made this gown for her first child who was born in 1965. The gown was also worn by each of her following two children. As recommended by the Plunket Nurse she made three gowns - one for use, one in the wash and one spare.