SIZE

Don't put too much emphasis on trying to perfect the size of a preemie garment. there is such a variation between premature baby sizes that an item of any size will be suitable for at least one baby.

Premature babies head circumfrances is approximatelty the same as their chest circumfrance

The average premmie chest measurements ar 8"-14" . However clothes of all sizes are required for preemies, so no matter how big or small your items is it will most likely fit at least one baby.

For preemie sizing measurements please click on this link for a table of average measurements at each gestational age (link takes you offsite):

Premature baby sizing chart

COLOURS

Pastel colours are the most popular. Apart from the obviously baby pinks and blues other colours which may be used are: Lemon, Cream, White,Mint green, Peach, Lilac and Aqua.

As a general rule bright and dark colurs should be avoided as they often make preemies look frailer.

When knitting burrial garments its best to use colours auch as white or cream and to avoid pinks,blues and liliacs which as they arn't suited to the colouring of a stillborn baby.

YARN

Premature babies have very delicate  skin and can often be allegic to wool, therefore it is best to avoid garments made with a wool mix, acrylic yarn is more suitable when knitting for preemies.

Preemies have very sensitive skin so do not use harsh or scratchy yarns for their garments.

Ideal wool to use for preemie knits is baby double knit or 4ply yarn. Most preemie patterns will use these.

FASTENINGS

As a general rule it is best not to use ribbon as a fastening near the neck. easy of dressing is vital for preemies and ribbon can often be fussy to tie on a garment so small.

Plain flat 1/2 inch buttons are best to use for fastening

Avoid nylon and metal fastenings as they get very hot under the incubater heaters.

Do not use velcro as a fastening, it is very scratchy on the hook side and also damages knitted garments when they are laundered.

GARMENT TYPES

1.Cardigans

These are the most frequesntly used preemie garment.

V-Necks or round necks are the best to knit for 'give' and ease of dressing.

Cuffs and shoulders should have plenty of'give' to make dressing easy, Strechy knits such as garter stitch work best

As a general rule, arm holes shold be half the depth of the overall garment.

Stockingette stitch provides the smoothest knit for the babies to lie on and is the most durable when laundered.

2.Blankets

Lacy patterns or ones with large holes in can be dangerous for little finger that can get easily caught in them.

Anything from 15" (45cm) upwards is the average size suitable for preemies.

3.Hats

The best type is the ventilator hats as they allow the babies to have head scans without removing the hat.

Keep the designs simple and preferablly without any ties and fastenings

4.Booties

Garter stitch is the best to use for booties as it is strechy which makes it easier to put the booties on.

It it better to knit shaping at the ankle to provide grip rather than use tie or cords.

TOYS

Toys are a personal touch to be giving to the parents of preemies. They can be used by bereaved parents as a momento of their little angel. They can also be givien to older siblings of the preemies who are visting the SCBU often.