A Crocheted Octopus Is Changing Lives Of Preemies

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The lives of preemie patients at a hospital in England has changed with the help from some crocheted octopus friends.

In November 2016, Poole Hospital in England, announced in a that it’s premature babies were seeing beneficial effects from simply just cuddling a crocheted octopus. Matron of neonatal services at the hospital, Daniel Lockyer, said moms and dads are thrilled to see their preemies find comfort with the little crocheted friends.

Lockyer said: “Parents are already telling us their babies seem calmer with an octopi friend to keep them company so we’re looking forward to continuing with the project in the future,”

Rosie Ryves-Webb, Poole Hospital’s media and communications officer, told The Huffington Post that the hospital decided to test out the project after hearing about the positive effects other hospitals had seen with the crocheted design.

The idea has stemmed from “The Octo Project” in Denmark it seems and according to Poole Hospital’s press release, the octopus’ arms remind preemies of the umbilical cord, which basically reminds them of their mother’s womb, making them feel comforted.

Kat Smith, a Mom who welcomed her twins at the hospital at 28 weeks, agreed with this sentiment and said her girls “absolutely love” their octopus friends.

“When they are asleep they hold onto the tentacles tightly,” she said. “Normally they would be in the womb and would play with the umbilical cord so the octopuses make them feel grounded and safe.”

When the hospital made it public that it was using the crocheted toys, it shared the pattern for the octopus and requested donations for the preemies. The response has been overwhelming and more than 200 of the crocheted toys have been received.

“It’s incredible that something so simple can comfort a baby and help them feel better.” Lockyer said