Crochet octopus for premature babies

In 2018, I was approached by a few of my friends asking me if I made crocheted octopuses for premature babies.  I had never heard of this initiative, so I researched more about this and since then, have made over 200 crocheted octopuses for premature babies in the neonatal intensive care units all over the twin cities (NICU).

Here is a brief synopsis of the history of this amazing initiative.

The initiative, Octopus for a Preemie (OFAP), was initiated in Denmark in 2013 and spread quickly to other countries worldwide. In the UK an organization was set up to collect tiny crochet octopuses which were given, free of charge, to babies in the NICU in August of 2016.

The tiny octopuses or, octopals, as they were referred to, acted as calming aids for these tiny bundles of joy. The tentacles replicated the umbilical cord, which when held, provided the babies a sensation of being safely tucked in their mom’s womb.

The tentacles also prevented the babies from pulling out cords of essential monitoring tubes and cables thar are attached to the baby.

Researchers have noted that babies in the NICU experienced more effective breathing and thus higher concentration of oxygen in their blood as well as being less bothered by monitors and IVs around them, when they are given an octopal to cuddle with.

Here are some FAQ about this great initiative.

What kind of yarn to use?

I use 100% cotton yarn to make sure that the acrylic fibers do not irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. Click on the image below to purchase the yarn.

Size of the hook to be used?

Use a size 3.5mm hook to make sure that the stitches are nice and tight so that the polyfill does not escape and irritate the baby as well as making sure tiny little fingers are not caught between the stitches. Click on the image below to purchase the hook

Type of filling used

I use the best quality polyfill that is safe to wash in the machine.  Cotton is not recommended to be used as stuffing as it will clump after washing.

Eyes??

Either embroider the eyes or leave them without eyes.  Do not use safety eyes or buttons.

Safety:

Please do not make these little octopuses if you are a smoker or live with someone who smokes.  The smoke embeds in the yarn and polyfill fibers and is irritating to little babies.  All octopuses are washed prior to being distributed to the recipients.

Pattern

Here is a free pattern to get started on your first little octopal

Start with a magic circle – see this video to learn how

Round 1- 6sc in the MC. Sl st to beginning, ch1= 6sc

Round 2- 2 sc in each sc Sl st to beginning, ch1= 12sc

Round 3- (2 sc, 1 sc)X6 .Sl st to beginning, ch1= 18sc

Round 4- (2 sc, 2 sc)X6 .Sl st to beginning, ch1= 24sc

Round 5- (2 sc, 3 sc)X6 .Sl st to beginning, ch1= 30sc

Round 6- (2 sc, 4 sc)X6 .Sl st to beginning, ch1= 36sc

 Round 7-11 – sc in each st. Sl st to beginning, ch1= 36sc

Round 12- (sc dec, 4 sc)X6 st. Sl st to beginning, ch1= 30

Round 13- (sc dec, 3 sc)X6 st. Sl st to beginning, ch1= 24

Round 14- (sc dec, 2 sc)X6 st. Sl st to beginning, ch1= 18

Round 15- (sc dec, 1 sc)X6 st. Sl st to beginning, ch1= 12

Now, you will be starting on the tentacles

Chain 40.

Sc 3 in the second ch and each chain until the base of the octopus.

slip stich in the same space as the chain.

Repeat this for 7 more tentacles (skipping 4 stiches on the base of the octopus, evenly)

Base

Round 1- 6sc in the MC. Sl st to beginning, ch1

Round 2- 2 sc in each sc Sl st to beginning, ch1= 12sc

Stuff your octopus firmly so that it will not suffocate the baby.

Using a tapestry needle, attach the base to your octopus with small tight stitches.

Embroider eyes and a smile if you want to or gift it as it is.

Please check with your local hospitals to see whether or not they are accepting the octopals in their facilities before dropping them off.

Here are some of my little octopals in use with tiny little babies