Earlybirds Foundation
The foundation created the “Earlybirds” especially for the children in the neonatal unit. These are cuddly toys designed to give the babies a sense of security. Through volunteer photographers, hospitals, and requests submitted via the Earlybirds Foundation website, the cuddly toys are distributed to these vulnerable little ones—but only after they have been inspected, washed, and packaged by the foundation’s team.
Earlybird Crochet Pattern
When a baby is born far too early and, as parents, you’re at the mercy of the doctors’ knowledge and expertise, you feel like you’re on the sidelines. And even though they feel powerless, you can definitely lend these parents and their vulnerable little one a helping hand! Namely, with the most fun activity there is: crocheting. We’re asking you to get started crocheting an Earlybird and/or a Nicu. :) We’ll explain what those are below!
Earlybird
The Earlybird is a cuddly toy for premature babies with several garlands attached to its tail. These garlands remind the baby of his or her mother’s umbilical cord and help prevent the little one from pulling out the feeding tube and IV. The baby becomes calmer and feels safe—something we wish for him or her above all else.
Would you like to get started on the Earlybird Cuddly Toy? Click here for the pattern and here for the reverse pattern. Need a little more explanation about the pattern? Then take a look at this video first!
Nicu
The NICU cuddly toy is designed for the most vulnerable premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). These cuddly toys do not have any stuffing, but—just like the Earlybird cuddly toy—feature several strings that the baby can grasp onto. Together with the photo shoot, the cuddly toy serves as a lovely memento of a very special time: those first moments with your little one. Would you like to get started on the NICU cuddly toy? Click here for the pattern. Need a little more explanation about the pattern? Then take a look at this video first!
What kind of yarn do you use to crochet an earlybird?
Not every type of yarn is suitable for making an Earlybird. If you'd like to get started on an Earlybird or Nicu, the following yarns from our selection are suitable for this project:
- Yarn and Colors Must-have
- DROPS Muskat
- Durable Coral
- SMC Catania
- Scheepjes Catona
- Katia Capri
- Phildar Phil Coton 3
- Phildar Phil Coton 4
Where should I drop it off or send it?
Have you finished crocheting a cuddly toy for the Earlybirds Foundation? If so, please drop it off at our Yarnplaza Inspiration Center. You can drop it off during the Inspiration Center’s opening hours. The Inspiration Center is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information!
Safety
Since these cuddly toys are crocheted for an extremely vulnerable group, we’d like to ask you not to inspect, wash, package, or distribute the birds yourself. The inspectors appointed by the foundation will take care of this!
Want to learn more about Earlybirds?
On the Earlybirds Foundation website, you'll find more information about the foundation's work, cute labels you can attach to your Earlybird, Tips for removing loose threads, and a complete list of approved yarns.
So, are you still looking for a little crochet project to work on in your spare time? Then get started on a little cuddly toy for the Earlybirds Foundation! The little ones will be so happy to receive it!
