The NICU is in need! If you need a service project idea, or summer activity for your kids, look no further. The following ideas will not only benefit the lives of other babies and families, but will directly help our little Emmalynn and us! I encourage you to get involved as much or as little as you can.
IDEA #1:
Blankets! The NICU is always in need blankets. They not only swaddle babies, but they cover their isolates to keep them dark, and line their bedding with them. You can purchase blankets, make them, or donate ones in good condition. You can even just donate fabric! The only fabric not accepted is fleece. They LOVE flannel as it is so soft on the babies skin, however, the blankets that go on top of the isolates are usually 100% cotton. Lets talk sizes. They need all sorts of sizes. Receiving blankets are the most common size which are roughly a yard (36 x 36). They like a few smaller ones too so they can swaddle the micro preemies, about 16 x 16. The ones on top of the isolate vary. We have seen rag quilts and tied quilts, which are usually 4ft x 4ft. There really are no rules as the NICU is just so grateful for the donations. If you do want Emmalynn to have a specific one that only she will use that's okay, you just need to let us know and it will only go in her drawers and laundry.
IDEA #2:
NICU approved smocks!
These really are so simple! The pattern is found HERE. These are great because preemie clothes are very expensive and don't always allow the doctors and nurses quick access to the babies. They prefer flannel and if you are serious about making some but need fabric, just contact me.
IDEA #3:
Hats!
These crazy adorable hats were made by my talented friend Valerie for Emmalynn and her NICU friends. If you know how to crochet, you can find micro preemie patterns HERE, but of course they need other sizes too as some babies in the NICU are full term.
Emmalynn is so tiny that the hats don't fit her yet, but we did find a size that would work for her. Can you believe that this hat is made from a pair of socks?! Too cute right?! HERE is the tutorial.
As with the other projects, if making these items is too hard or you don't have time, you can always buy them and donate them.
IDEA# 4:
Parent Packages! This idea was submitted by the nurses and we quickly realized why. When you have a preemie and you helplessly sit by your child's bedside, it really is more for your peace of mind. The nurses and monitors do the work at this point for these precious little ones. Parents need things to do to pass the time. Here is a list of items that we are including in the packages. You can donate these items, or just donate money for us to purchase the items.
pen
notebook (for journaling the events)
game/puzzle book (word/sudoku)
hard candies
gum
kleenex
IDEA #5:
Books/toys/puzzles/games! They have a cute little family center where we can step away for a break or during a procedure. The family center needs a few more items to keep little ones busy.
As many of you know, Phillip reads a story to Emmalynn each night. This is such a good thing for these preemies because they know mommy and daddy's voices. We always bring in our own books, but this is why it would be nice to have a better collection in the family room so other parents can read to their babies.
IDEA #6:
Mommy Smell Squares! It is so important for these little ones to know their mother's smell, especially when some of these babies aren't held for weeks. The mommy smell squares are worn by the mom, then placed on the babies head or next to their face.
This idea only takes scrap fabric! They accept all different sizes, the most common being 5x5 and 4x8. That being said, they really aren't measured and anything would work. They ask that you either zig zag stitch of surge around the edges to keep the squares from fraying. These can be 100% cotton or flannel.
IDEA #7:
Scrapbook supplies!
When a baby gets admitted to the NICU they are made a cute name banner and a scrapbook page.
On certain holidays, cute little cards are made for the parents and families.
All these items are made by the nurses and staff. They could use not only donated scrapbook items to create these things, but they would also love pre-made items.
If you want to and/or are able to help with any of these ideas, feel free to email me with questions about how and where to donate items. Fabric items need to be washed in a special detergent, which I have, so again just contact me. Thank you for everyones love and support. We are hopeful that others will help us pay it forward to the amazing NICU that is taking care of our little one.
2 comments:
I love this! You are awesome! We, too were the beneficiaries of many of these wonderful acts of service. You are such an awesome example! We definately want to help! Thanks! :)
I've been following your journey and our prayers are with you. You are such a wonderful example in your time of need finding ways to help people serve not only you but others in need. Thanks for keeping so many people involved. You are amazing.
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