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Premature babies gain comfort from crocheted octopuses, that volunteers are now struggling to keep up with the demand.

The octopus are made by volunteers as part of a worldwide movement called Octopus For A Preemie.

“The tentacles on the octopus actually resemble the umbilical cord,” Bianca Green, co-founder of Octopus For A Preemie Tasmania, told John X on ABC Radio Hobart.

“So they play with these tentacles and it stops them from pulling out their cords or jostling them.”

Ms Green became involved with making octopuses alongside Andrea Carey, and the pair have found they just cannot keep up with demand.

But a recent call to help on the Octopus For A Preemie Tasmania Facebook page has garnered a massive response, with a number of extra volunteers and crochet groups now offering to help.

“The therapeutic value isn’t just for babies,” Ms Green said.

What a fantastic idea! Well done to everyone that chips in, such a comfort to the precious bubbas.

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  • Absolutely adorable and vital too!

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  • yeah after reading this article, i can see why these are comforting to the newborns. What an innovative yet simple idea!

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  • In SA Handknitted teddies are used for premature or sick babies in hospitals. Occasionally they will be given to a child whose Mum has been rushed into hospital and the child is so distressed the nurses don’t which way to turn. THey have to treat the patient but if there isn’t anorgwe adult with the child it makes it very difficult. They are also use them in Ambulances when transporting babies/toddlers. It comforts them, also keeps little hands occupied at the same time they are able to do treatment without risk of hurting hands which can suddenly get in the way. Teddies which go to the Ambulance Service are checked at HO to make sure nobody has accidentally left a needle or safety pin in from sewing them up.

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  • I wonder if these aren’t a bit dangerous. I had a wee prem baby myself and there were no object with loose strings allowed. Even when we made headbands for kids with cancer and bears for kids in the hospital we had to follow strict instructions.

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  • These cute little octopuses are just sweet and adorable – wonderful toys.

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  • As the mum of a prem who spent months in the nicu this is an awesome idea….

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  • Lovely idea. What a great keepsake too. Wonderful when you see evidence of people having their heart in the right place.


    • There really are so many kind people in this world. :)

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  • This is so lovely… If it works, great.

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  • They’re used for bubs in the NICU and under constant supervision. I wouldn’t leave a little one alone with one either.

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  • Very clever idea – best regards to those that thought of it and put it into practise.

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  • I have never heard of this before but I must say I think it’s wonderful. Well done.

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  • I love this what a great way to give the bubs something that smell of their mummy !

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  • What a beautiful idea! Great job guys!

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  • What a fabulous idea! Well done to all involved!

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  • That’s awesome. My son got a beanie when he was born that was knitted by someone for the hospital.

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