Sew Face Masks for the NICU
As part of keeping the precious babies safe in the current environment, RPA requires all visitors to wear a mask when entering the NICU. We ask for your support in making masks for our families. Please refer to the photos for examples and instructions using the NICU approved pattern. You can also view the tutorial on Youtube If you are able to help or have any questions, please contact us. Let’s help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and give the babies a fighting chance. Remember to wash or sanitise your hands regularly and practice physical distancing. Be kind to staff who are working hard to care for the babies and families.
Host an event
We are often asked how people can help in their own way, particularly when they can't make our events. So perhaps you can turn YOUR next event into a fundraiser for Little Wonder. One of your family members having a birthday party, office morning tea, school mufti day, sausage sizzle or garage day sale? A great way you could help would be to request donations to Little Wonder in lieu of gifts. Contact us for more information on how we can help you with flyers, invites and posters.
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Sewing & Knitting
We are always in need of the below items for use in the Newborn Care unit. These items are always in demand due to the large volume of babies the RPA NICU cares for each year.
Please note:
- All items are required to be cotton.
- Synthetic fabrics cannot be used.
- Bright colours are requested where possible and all sewing machine stitched for safety.
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General Sewing Details
- Hemmed Sheets: simple cotton rectangles 70cm x 60cm
- Hemmed Dribble cloths: for under baby’s head: 30cm x 20cm
- Hemmed Belt: 70cm x 10cm.
- Peanut Pillows (see pattern below)
- Scent Hearts (see pattern below)
Scent Hearts
In May 2019 we shared a new initiative to provide NICU families with 'Scent Hearts'. Scent Hearts are given to mother’s whose newborn infants have been admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. The fabric heart is worn against the mother’s skin so that the fabric absorbs the scent of the parents. The heart is placed with the baby in the isolette or crib, so the mother is always with her child.
- Each family is given 2 hearts in a packet.
- 2 hearts are given so 24 hours later the mom can take home the 2nd heart and use it as a scent from the baby while at home. If you would like to make some, please note:
- All projects must be completed in a non-smoking environment or home
- All hearts must be washed in unscented, non-dyed detergent
- Individual Preemie Packets are distributed via the NICU
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Peanut Pillows
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- These peanut-shaped pillows are used to support baby's head in the centre position when awake and lying on their back for nappy changes, dressing or undressing and drying after a bath.
- Must be cotton
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Sponsorship/ Corporate donations
If your business is interested in sponsoring Little Wonder or making a corporate donation, please contact us for details. This could be services, materials or a cash donation.