This is possibly the sweetest thing we’ve heard in a while! This local organisation is working to cheer up preemie babies with a kind gesture. Meet Octopuses for Preemies Malta, run by Tracey, Francesca and Jo, that is helping premature babies develop in the sweetest way.

Octopuses for Preemies Malta is a voluntary group joining people from all over the island to help premature babies by knitting and crocheting adorable octopus soft toys. The toys are donated to preemies at the NPICU at Mater Dei Hospital, providing a little comfort and sense of safety to these little ones.

Why an octopus?

“The tentacles of the octopus mimic the umbilical cord in the womb that the foetus grabs onto for support,” the organisation says in a poster in a Facebook post. “Danish research has noted that this simple gesture improves breathing and heartbeat rates, promotes higher levels of oxygen in their blood, makes them less likely to pull on the tube and cords around them, and makes them feel safe.” Now isn’t that just the sweetest?

All the octopuses are made of cotton yarn and synthetic filling. They’re knitted or crocheted tightly so no stuffing can fall out. They’re little octopuses sized for infant safety and can even be washed repeatedly.

Get involved!

If you know how to knit or crochet you can contact Octopuses for Preemies Malta who will come and collect any little octopuses you make to be given to the NPICU. The Facebook page provides knitting patterns for the octopuses and tips on how to make the toy safe for the babies.

However, if like us, y’all don’t have such a skill and risk poking something out with a knitting needle, you can either buy 100 per cent cotton yarn for the organisation or make a donation by cheque or sending money to the organisation’s Revolut or PayPal accounts.

For more information, you can contact Octopuses for Preemies Malta on [email protected] or 9962 8353

Octopuses for Preemies Malta / Facebook