Are you passionate about knitting or crocheting? If so, it’s time to grab those needles and hooks! An initiative led by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and 14 other states is seeking volunteers to create purple hats for newborns, all in support of a crucial cause.
This effort is part of the Click for Babies campaign, which aims to raise awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and its devastating effects. Partnering with the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, health officials are committed to educating parents and caregivers about the dangers of forcefully shaking infants. According to estimates from the New York State Department of Health, between 1,000 and 3,000 children in the U.S. are affected by SBS annually, leading to serious long-term consequences such as brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and even death.
A significant factor that can lead to shaking is parental frustration during periods of intense crying, often referred to as the “purple” crying phase. This campaign seeks to empower parents by providing them with knowledge and support. Each letter in “PURPLE” represents a different aspect of infant crying that parents may experience, helping them feel less isolated during challenging moments. For instance, “P” stands for peak crying, while “L” signifies long-lasting episodes. New parents may be surprised to learn that babies can cry for up to five hours a day, and understanding this can help mitigate the risk of SBS.
Despite previous calls for volunteers yielding minimal responses, this year’s campaign has seen a surge in support. “We have received an overwhelming number of inquiries from across the country,” said Sarah Johnson, an adolescent health coordinator with OSDH. Oklahoma is one of 16 states actively participating in the Click for Babies initiative, and the organization is thrilled to see increased community engagement.
For those interested in contributing, the organization provides knitting and crochet patterns. The hats should be primarily purple, made from soft, baby-friendly yarn, measuring around 14 inches in circumference and 4 to 6 inches in height. Completed hats can be dropped off or mailed to designated locations. If you’re not a skilled knitter, consider hosting a crocheting gathering to rally support within your community.
The Click for Babies campaign will accept hat donations until October 1st, after which they will be distributed to birthing hospitals and public health offices, along with educational materials about the PURPLE program.
So gather your yarn and get started! And if you’re interested in family planning options, check out this resource on home insemination kits or learn more about the IVF process for additional insights into pregnancy and parenting. For more information on this important topic, visit Modern Family Blog.
Summary
Volunteers are urgently needed to knit purple hats for the Click for Babies campaign, aimed at raising awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome. By creating these hats, you can help educate parents about the risks of shaking infants and provide them with the support they need during stressful periods of crying.