Baby nests are a touch of genius
Crafters’cosy bumpers give comfort to premature babies
A group of nifty crafters are always thinking of others.
And the latest project that Paisley’s Laugh ‘n’ Craft undertook was to create a batch ‘baby nests’.
The little nests are used to help the development of premature babies at the town’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, which at any time has an average of around 14 such children in its care.
Linda McQueen helps organise Laugh ‘n’ Craft.
She said: “These are little nests for premature babies.
“Seemingly, when they are just born, having a bumper, or a buffer, makes them feel as if they are still in the womb.
“The nests are perfect for this. It gives them a feeling of security.
“These are put in the incubators with them.”
Laugh ‘n’ Craft heard about the need for baby nests through a member’s daughter who works at the RAH.
“So, she just asked her mum if our group could make them,” Linda said.
“We made our own pattern, sampled one and got a wee production line going.
“And we’ve now made 20.
“There were quite a lot of us involved in it.”
The completed nests are a wonderful array of colours and patterns.
This is not the first time Laugh ‘n’ Craft has done work for the premature baby unit at the RAH.
In the past, they have knitted hats and blankets.
And their latest efforts have been warmly received by RAH staff.
Lois Moffat, designated senior charge nurse at the unit, said: “It’s absolutely tremendous. I’m totally blown over by them and just how amazing and professional they look.
“They are absolutely gorgeous. They are so vibrant.”
Ms Moffat described how the nests work.
“Basically, they act as a boundary,” she said.
“So, if we have babies who are born a bit early, they can sit inside and their legs kind of sit at the side.
“It mimics a little of what the mummy’s womb is like.”
Babies aged from 29 weeks and above are cared for at the RAH, and the nests are a real help.
“They help with all of the developmental care of the baby, including their brain development,” Ms Moffat said. “They’re just great. “We’re absolutely thrilled.”