Volunteers Needed for Hat-Making Initiative to Raise Awareness About Shaken Baby Syndrome

self insemination kit

In a concerted effort to combat Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), an organization is seeking individuals skilled in knitting or crocheting to contribute by crafting purple hats for newborns. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is partnering with 14 other states to collect these hats as part of a significant awareness campaign, Click for Babies. This initiative aims to educate parents about the dangers of forcefully shaking an infant, which can lead to serious brain injuries.

Health authorities have reported alarming statistics: approximately 1,000 to 3,000 infants in the United States are affected by SBS annually. The consequences of shaking an infant can be dire, including brain injury, cerebral palsy, blindness, and even death. Tragically, one in four victims do not survive, and a substantial portion of survivors experiences lasting damage. The campaign seeks to alleviate parental stress, particularly during the “purple” crying phase, where infants may cry excessively, potentially leading to frustration.

The acronym “PURPLE” represents critical phases of infant crying: “P” for peak crying, “U” for unexpected, “R” for resists soothing, “P” for pain-like expressions, “L” for long-lasting, and “E” for evening crying. This knowledge aims to empower parents and help them recognize when they might be reaching their limits.

Past efforts to recruit volunteers have met with limited success; however, with renewed social media engagement and redesigned materials, the response has been overwhelmingly positive this year. “We’re excited to see the increased interest,” said Dr. Sarah Mitchell, an adolescent health coordinator with the OSDH. “We hope to gather enough hats to meet our goals.”

For those interested in contributing, the organization provides knitting and crocheting patterns. The hats should primarily be purple, made from soft, baby-friendly yarn, measuring about 14 inches in circumference and 4 to 6 inches in height. Completed hats can be dropped off or mailed to designated locations. Additionally, individuals who may not knit can still participate by hosting a crocheting party.

The Click for Babies campaign will collect hats until October 1st, distributing them to birthing hospitals and public health offices, which will subsequently provide them to families along with educational materials about the PURPLE program.

For families considering insemination options, resources such as Make a Mom offer innovative solutions, including the first reusable at-home insemination kit. You can also explore their guide on how at-home insemination works. To boost fertility, consider visiting Make a Mom’s fertility supplements. For comprehensive information on reproductive health, the CDC’s infertility FAQ serves as an excellent resource.

In summary, by engaging in the Click for Babies initiative, volunteers can play a crucial role in raising awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome while supporting new parents in navigating the challenges of infant care. Whether you knit or simply want to learn more about fertility and insemination options, there are abundant resources available to assist you.