This crochet designer points out that while the crochet octopus is particularly good for NICU preemies, it's also a good toy for other babies as well. It promotes motor development and sensory stimulation, which every baby benefits from.
Preemie Octopus 6-Inch Crochet Pattern, $4.50, Etsy
Emil, the Preemie Crochet Octopus
Meet Emil, the cute preemie octopus crochet pattern. Do you crochet for charity? Have you heard about preemie octopus before? They're cute little amigurumi octopus (or jellyfish) suffed toys. Yes, they are adorable but that's not all. Scientific research has shown they actually help preemies get better. “The purpose of the crocheted octopuses is to promote comfort and development for the pre-term babies while in the hospital. The tentacles of the soft octos mimic the feel of the umbilical cord in their tiny hands and have been found to soothe the babies and help prevent them from pulling on wires and tubes.” Octopus for a Preemie-US Project Ambassador Randi Palm of Lonsdale Emil is an easy, beginner-friendly plush crochet octopus pattern. Only single crochet stitches are used throughout the pattern. Guidelines on size and construction were followed to be sure you can donate your crochet octopus to charity.
Free Crochet Octopus Pattern for Preemies
When Cheryl learned about how crochet octopuses were helping preemies, she wanted to contribute. However, she didn't love any of the crochet octopus patterns out there. That's why she created her own. It has a slightly oval head, which is true to the real creature. She also has some great notes in the article about using safety eyes and checking for specific requirements at the hospital where you donate.
Cute Crochet Octopus Pattern
This adorable crochet octopus pattern has a head that's a little bit reminiscent of the cute ghosts in Pac-Man. Even without the tentacles, it's a great toy. Of course, you want to add the tentacles if you're donating them to heal preemies in the NICU, because that's the part that calms them most.
Preemie Crochet Octopus Free Pattern
This free crochet octopus pattern is unique from the others because the designer provides you with three different ways to finish off the toy. This allows you to create several different styles, which is fun for you as the creator and also makes the gift a little more special for the family.
