NYU Langone Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Preemie Octopuses for the NYU Langone Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• Acrylic or cotton yarn

• Octopus pattern link at bottom of this page

• #3 yarn or #4 yarn ( #3 yarn size is better for the smaller babies)

• The eyes or faces must be embroidered with yarn (no plastic eyes)

The idea originated at Aarhaus University Hospital in Denmark, where it was found that octopus power can help improve a preemie's breathing and regulate his heartbeat and blood oxygen levels. Babies are also less likely to pull out the essential tubes and monitors that keep close tabs on them. Infants in the womb are frequently holding the umbilical cord and it is believed that the octopus tentacles provide comfort to the infants when they are grasped.

At NYU Langone we have been providing Octopuses for our premature infants in the neonatal ICU as part of developmental support for our tiny patients. As a 50 bed unit it is difficult to supply all of our infants with an octopus and this is why we have asked for the help of the NYU Naughty Knitters group. In just a matter of weeks they have  donated 18 octopuses.

Below is a pattern that I use but there are many free patterns on the internet. It's important not to use any plastic pieces. The face or just eyes are embroidered. Acrylic and cotton yarns #3 or #4 are the best choice. They will be washed by our department prior to distribution to the infants.

Here is a link to the pattern page

https://www.serendipity-as-always.com/post/280508682659/nicu-octopus-a-free-crochet-pattern