It’s amazing how far NICU units have come and how drastically the outcomes have improved for premature babies. As medical professionals look to find better ways to care for preemies, one measure that is taking hospitals by storm is the use of a simple crocheted octopus. That’s right, an octopus is making it easier to care for premature babies.
Where the idea for crocheted octopuses began
One of the challenges of having a preemie is that they need specific interventions and monitoring at all times. These tiny humans often have breathing tubes, feeding tubes, heart rate monitors, and oxygen sensors in addition to warming beds and eye coverings. This is a lot of tubing coming from one small person. Since they just came out of the womb, their tendency is to pull at tubes because in utero, they had an umbilical cord.
The idea for a crocheted octopus was a happy accident. A father in Denmark asked for a crocheted octopus to give to his child in the NICU. What the nurses and doctors observed was amazing. The baby stopped pulling at all the tubes and grabbed the soft octopus tentacles instead. It appeared to remind the child of grasping an umbilical cord.
The benefits of crocheted octopuses
After witnessing the calming effect of the crocheted octopus, hospital staff started to give all premature babies an octopus. What they noticed was even more incredible than just a distraction from pulling on their tubes. The octopus also appeared to provide these babies a level of comfort. It’s scary being in an incubator all alone without much human contact. While it keeps babies warm and safer from germs, it also causes a lot of stress to tiny babies.
When a crocheted octopus is introduced though, premature babies experience a comforting sensation. This is observed through a normalized heart rate and regular breathing. It calms and soothes preemies in a very stressful situation. Additional benefits include better physical gains and outcomes in contrast to infants in hospitals who don’t use the octopuses.
Where to buy a crocheted octopus online
Since handmade octopuses with their curly tentacles and soft texture are so unique, the best place to buy them online is through a reputable Etsy seller. You can choose from a variety of colors and slight design
differences to find something truly special. You need to watch out for eyes though, as some sellers add them and they can be a choking hazard. The best eyes are the ones that are crocheted onto the octopus. Additionally, if you’re in the UK, you can buy one from Octopus Pals (https://octopuspals.co.uk/buy-a-crochet-octopus/).
Where to find patterns to make your own crocheted octopus
Don’t want to buy one, but you’d love to create one? Are you good with a crochet hook? Than maybe you can join the movement to create the perfect sized octopuses for preemies. There are tons of options online with free patterns.
We know the eyes make the octopus look adorable, but they can be a choking hazard if done wrong. Some patterns call for sewing a hard plastic eye onto the face of the octopus. While it’s rare that a preemie could pull them off, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Many people choose to either crochet the eyes, or skip the eyes altogether to ensure safety for preemies. We’ve compiled a list of five patterns for you that don’t include hard eyes.
1. We love the unique bow on the top of this octopus pattern from Crochet for Babies. It makes a sweet addition to this simple pattern. This tutorial also includes a video, which is amazing! ( http://crochetforbabies.com/2017/02/13/octopus-preemie-free-crochet-pattern-octo-project/)
2. The sweet sleepy eyes and collar make this crochet octopus from Your Crochet a fun change from the more basic patterns. Customize it using your favorite colors. (https://yourcrochet.com/sleeping-octopus-for-preemies-free-crochet-pattern/)
3. This octopus pattern is seamless. No stopping and re-starting on this one. Check out Happy Amigurumi to see detailed images of each step. ( https://happyamigurumi.blogspot.com/2016/07/amigurumi-free-octopus-pattern-diy.html)
4. Since the start of the octopus for preemies movement started in Denmark, it would only make sense to try a pattern from that area. The American instructions for it are here ( http://mynomadhome.com/octopus-for-a-preemie-osmiorniczka-dla-wczesniaka/) thanks to My Nomad Home.
5. Love Crafts has a cute octopus design with eyes that are opened or closed. The details are what make this octopus design special. (https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/p/octopus-crochet-pattern-by-denizastoysjoys)
Proof these crocheted wonders help
The benefits of a crocheted octopus haven’t been officially studied, but early observations are promising. More and more hospital staff members are hearing from parents and observing positive outcomes for their tiny patients. Parents of one infant shared that the octopus seems to keep their baby company and soothes them. (https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/27/health/premature-babies-crochet-octopus-nicu/)
When one nurse gave an octopus to another preemie who was scared, it calmed her right down. This is especially helpful when a preemie is too tiny to be held. (https://www.littlethings.com/premature-crocheted-octopus-toys/2)
In Denmark, where the idea originated, there is now a group of people who donate crocheted octopuses to the NICU. They love to be part of a movement to help babies in the NICU grow, develop, and feel safe. ( https://www.marthastewart.com/1511402/you-can-crochet-octopus-toy-help-comfort-premature-babies)
A mom in the UK had premature twin girls. The hospital gave each of her daughters an octopus to hold onto. This mom was astounded at how much her babies loved their octopus friends. They each grabbed the tentacles tightly while they slept. (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-this-crocheted-octopus-is-changing-the-lives-of-preemies_n_5898c331e4b09bd304bcab5e)
The use of 100% cotton improves the use of the crocheted octopus because of its ability to absorb smells. Babies who can smell their mothers do even better in the NICU. One hospital in Australia is using these facts to their advantage. They have mothers first hold the octopus for their baby to add their unique scent to it. After that, they introduce the toy to the baby. When the baby smells his or her mom, they have an improved bond later on. It also helps them to find comfort with the octopus while they are away from their moms. (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4781006/Volunteers-make-octopuses-comfort-premature-babies.html)
It’s always inspiring when people do things to help others out. We love that this movement has inspired crafters from all over the world to create crocheted octopuses for preemies. While the octopuses have many benefits, we’ve yet to find any real downsides to giving a sweet octopus to a preemie. The only cons we could find is not having one at all or having one with pieces that could pose a choking hazard. Join the movement in your community today.
