mamabird3

A friend of mine just became a first time Grandma. Baby is very premature and weighs less than a pound. She is doing better than the doctors expected. I was thinking of sending a small quilt for her. Does anyone have any suggestions on what size I would make it or any special do's or don't s for something like this? Any suggestions and prayers welcome!

wvdek

Preemies still grow up so make it bigger than you think.
36 x 36 will probably be just fine or there abouts.

amma

When they are that small, and if you are making one for her in the hospital, I would call the ICU and ask them what size would be best for her isolette. They are usually considerably smaller. :D:D:D
OR ask if they would allow you to make an isolette cover. It really makes for a bright spot in her ICU area. They can tell you what size is needed for that also. For my grands, it was a oblong shaped quilt :D:D:D

amma

Also, make sure it is heavily quilted, it will get lots of washes. Sew the binding down so that there isn't a lip on the edge. I like to blanket stitch them down, this is to keep the IV lines and clips on them from catching on the binding.
Wash the quilt with a non-fragrant laundry soap, same with fabric softener, little preemies can't tolerate scents very well.

I go To The Sea To Breathe

I was told to make the preemie quilt 18x18, to have no stitchng on the inside that would touch the babies skin as their skin is so fragile. that was for making donation quilts for the neonatal unit. Our prayers are with the little baby and family,,

sewcrafty

When I was in a quild, we made these for the local hospitals. We wouldn't do anything bigger than a 24x24. Also, used low loft batting.

Oklahoma Suzie

I agree, they need to be made small.

pollyjvan9

Be sure you contact the hospital. There are special rules pertaining to items that go into the ICU's. I don't really know what and each hospital may be different. My grandson was in the NICU and the ICU many times and when he was older they let him have his favorite blanket most of time.

purplemem

Also, don't use "invisible" thread, the nylon fishing line stuff. It will cut the baby.

justwannaquilt

I would go with 36 or 38 inch square. They use this size to cover the isolette that the baby is in.