CROCHETED AND KNITTED OCTOPUSES FOR PREEMIES

Crocheted Octopuses for Preemies originated in Denmark at the Aarhaus University Hospital.  There are now instructions for both knitted and crocheted octopuses.  See the quotes below stating the benefits of placing a knitted or crocheted octopus with a preemie.

“When a crocheted octopus was placed with the preemie, “some babies in the NICU experienced better breathing and more regular heartbeats, leading to higher levels of oxygen in their blood.  The hospital also noticed that preemies who cuddled their octopuses were less bothered by the various monitors and IVs around them.” “Research shows the soft, curled tentacles mimic the umbilical cord and evoke the comfort and safety of the womb.”

You can help by knitting or crocheting an octopus (or several), which we will donate to Children’s Hospital in Boston.  When contacted, the Certified Child Life Specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s Hospital responded with the following: “we would LOVE some octopuses for the NICU! We use these frequently with our babies, but they are certainly tricky to come by, so this would be great”.

If you are interested in helping, free patterns can be obtained via the links below for both knitting and crocheting the octopus.  It is highly recommended that the yarn is 100% cotton, preferably not mercerized (treated with sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda) before being woven into fabric), and with no fluff or sparkles.  Polyfil is available at church. There are also many YouTube videos on the internet available for viewing that will provide additional guidance.

Also, there will be printed copies of the patterns available at church on the designated tub in Harris Hall and instructions are available via a link on the St. Andrew’s website. 

Please bring your completed octopuses to church and place them in the designated tub in the Harris Hall.  We will make a delivery to Children’s Hospital when we have several octopuses to send.  If you have any questions, please contact Carol Esbig via text at (508) 361-4112 or via email @ c.esbig@gmail.com.