Quilts for Special Care Babies

Some of the project that Norfolk Quilters undertake to sew change from year to year; however, ongoing are the quilts for babies in Special Care Units at local hospitals.

All quilts for babies have to be washable, but they do not have to be boilable. However, it is always wise to prewash certain colours for colourfastness; if in doubt, prewash all fabric used. Do not use not buttons, ribbons, beads or any similar trim which would not be suitable.

At present, quilts for babies in Special Care but just out of intensive care - from 1.5 Kg in weight - need to be 21" x 17". Cotton or polycotton mix, 2 oz wadding is suitable, giving warmth without weight. These quilts are allocated to a specific baby and that quilt remains with the baby until he or she leaves hospital, which may be several months. In the sad circumstances that the baby does not survive, the parents are given the quilt to keep.

For other baby quilts, approximately 30" x 30" is a good size, but a guide only.

Also, some quilts are required by the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital for foster babies, to go to the new home with the babies. Again, 30" x 30" is a good guide. Some have been received with fleece backing which in these circumstances is perfectly suitable.

All projects can be handed to the Chairman at Norfolk Quilters' events, or at the AGM in October.