Other ways you can get involved
Volunteers are an extremely important part of our team and are vital for the continued support of neonatal families.
Calling all crafty folk!
Looking for something crafty to do? Got a friend or family member who’s keen to support or learn a new skill? You can do this and support some of New Zealand’s tiniest and most vulnerable babies at the same time!
You don’t need to be an expert, there are plenty of easy, simple projects for all abilities, dimensions and patterns for the below items are available to download in our PDF.
Material and Sizing
Scent hearts
Scent Hearts are given to parents whose babies are cared for in some Neonatal Units in New Zealand. The hearts are made in pairs to give to mum to wear in her bra or dad to wear on his chest whilst they are apart from baby. The second heart is placed near baby so they can smell each other and feel loved. The hearts are then swapped frequently to help maintain a bond.
Note: Nurses in the Unit will further instruct parents on the use and handling of the Scent Hearts.
Incubator covers (Isolette covers)
Incubator covers are 1mx1.2m. The outside fabric can be any pattern of your choice and preferably a plain darker colour on the underneath side so as to protect baby’s eyes from light and visual stimulation. They don’t necessarily need to be quilted but preferably double weighted so they don’t slip. However, if you do decide to use batting, please ensure it is machine washable so it doesn’t shrink in the industrial wash. No embellishments please e.g. buttons or ribbon
Cot sheets
Please make these from 100% brushed cotton (flannelette), measuring approximately 110x70cms
Muslins
100% cotton muslin measuring approximately 90x60cms with a simple overlocked or bound/hemmed
Quilts
Quilt fabric should be 100% cotton and measure approximately 80cm x 80cm
Please use machine washable batting so it doesn’t shrink in the industrial wash and no embellishments e.g. buttons or ribbon
Wool is great for neonatal babies
Did you know 100% wool is a beautiful natural fibre that importantly is breathable? (unlike synthetics and acrylics, which can cause a baby to sweat and overheat). Babies born early cannot regulate their own body heat and the use of wool is key to ensuring their body can focus on growing and developing.
We have some free patterns are available for you to download, but you are welcome to use your own patterns too!
Babies love wool!
While 100% woollen items of all shapes and sizes are gratefully accepted, if you are considering knitting, please be aware that we often go through periods of time with an abundance of certain items, and much less of others. It’s also important to note that babies generally don’t wear anything whilst they are in an incubator, it’s not until they get into an open cot when they’re a bit bigger that they are then able to wear clothing. For this reason, please aim for closer to a new born sized garment.
What should I knit?
At the moment we have a very large supply of smaller booties and beanies. The following items we have less of and would be greatfully received:
- New born size cardigans
- Cot / Bassinette size blankets, approx. 60 x 65cm in size
- New born size singlets
- Squares approximately 10cm x 10cm in size. These can then be sewn together to create blankets by our volunteers
Where should I send it?
Garments can be posted to one the following addresses. We will then, as part of our co-ordination, distribute to the units most in need of the particular items:
- The Little Miracles Trust, 9 Staithes Drive North, Whitby, Porirua 5024
- The Little Miracles Trust, NICU Auckland City Hospital, Park Road, Auckland 1023
- The Little Miracles Trust, 27 Mansel Avenue, Hamilton, 3216
- The Little Miracles Trust, NICU Christchurch Hospital, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 4710
Do you accept crochet items?
Yes absolutely! As long as it’s made from 100% wool, we will gratefully receive crochet items
A massive thank you to all who knit to support neonatal families and their babies! Be proud that your support helps to make a difficult start to life that little bit easier for families going through the stress and anxiety of a neonatal journey.
