Please visit and join https://www.facebook.com/groups/octoforapreemieus/ for full pattern details. This United States Facebook group gives complete guidelines and support for US donations, which are very strict compared to other countries. OFAP-US Facebook members have access to pattern, tech support, and member support. Pattern was developed with help of NICU hospitals around the country. Crafted octopuses are sent to an OFAP-US ambassador for inspection, who in turn, sends the passing octopuses to NICUs across the USA upon request.

The reason why NICUs are using these octopuses is premature infants tend to run their hands through the curly tentacles (which are thought to mimic the umbilical cord in-utero); this has a calming effect and decreases the incidents of infants pulling out their tubes and wires.

Link to my octopus Pinterest board that contains helpful videos and photos: https://www.pinterest.com/frettybetty/octopus-for-a-premi...