Premature babies at a neonatal intensive care unit in the UK are receiving a special companions to help them feel safe: crocheted octopuses.
Families at Poole Hospital in Dorset have been using the crocheted toys in the NICU.
This idea is from Denmark, where the Danish Octo Project began in February 2013. From this time, the project has spread around the world - including Australia.
Why an octopus? The multi-tentacled creatures are said to remind the babies of the umbilical cord when they were in the womb. Premature babies would still be in the womb with the safe familiarity of the umbilical cord. The tentacles of the octopus make them feel grounded and safe due to it familiarity.
Poole Hospital told Prima.co.uk that for safety considerations, octopuses need to be made from 100 per cent cotton so that they can be washed at high temperatures. Tentacles should also be no longer than 22cm when extended.
There is a need for these octopus to be made to help more premature babies feel safe, so this is why I am trying to bring this to attention. I may not know how to crochet, but hopefully some one that is reading this knows how to or know some one who can and wants to help.
United States hospitals are not accepting this, but there are hospitals in United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, and other countries.
This link has directions for anyone interested:
http://mynomadhome.com/octopus-for-a-preemie-osmiorniczka-dla-wczesniaka/
If anyone wants more information just type in on Google: Premature babies octopus crochets or visit: http://www.marthastewart.com/1511402/you-can-crochet-octopus-toy-help-comfort-premature-babies
Thank you for reading and commenting.