If you’re a knitting or crochet enthusiast, it’s time to pick up those needles and hooks! An initiative is underway to gather purple hats for newborns, and your skills are needed. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), along with 14 other states, is collecting these special hats to support a vital cause.
In collaboration with the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, health officials aim to prevent serious brain injuries that can occur from forcefully shaking an infant. The campaign, known as Click for Babies—which references the delightful clicking sound of knitting needles—seeks to raise awareness about this critical issue.
Statistics from the New York State Department of Health reveal that between 1,000 and 3,000 children in the U.S. are affected by shaken baby syndrome (SBS) each year. This tragic act can lead to various severe consequences, including brain injury, cerebral palsy, blindness, hearing loss, and even death. Alarmingly, around 25% of those who are shaken do not survive, and 80% of survivors face permanent damage.
One significant factor that can lead to the shaking of a baby is frustration due to excessive crying, particularly during what is known as the “purple” period—a time when infants may cry for extended periods. The campaign aims to educate parents on this phenomenon, helping them recognize triggers and understand that they are not alone in feeling overwhelmed. Each letter in the word “purple” represents a different aspect of this crying phase; for instance, “P” stands for peak crying, while “L” signifies long-lasting episodes. Many new parents may not realize that babies can cry for up to five hours a day. Arming them with this knowledge can significantly reduce the risk of SBS.
Despite previous calls for volunteers yielding limited responses, Amy Johnson, a health coordinator with the OSDH, noted that the 2017 campaign has seen a surge in public interest. “This year we revamped our materials and boosted our social media efforts, leading to an inspiring response from across the nation,” she shared with enthusiasm. Oklahoma is one of 16 states participating in the Click for Babies campaign.
If you want to contribute, the organization offers knitting and crochet patterns. The hats should primarily be purple, made with soft, baby-friendly yarn, measuring 14 inches in circumference and standing 4 to 6 inches tall. You can drop off or mail your creations to designated locations. Not a knitter? Consider hosting a crocheting party with friends to get involved!
Click for Babies will continue collecting hats until October 1st, after which they will distribute them to birthing hospitals and public health offices. These organizations will pass on the hats to families in participating states alongside educational materials about the PURPLE program in November and December. So, get crafting!
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In summary, the campaign to knit purple hats for raising awareness of shaken baby syndrome is a crucial initiative that needs your help. Whether you knit or crochet, your contributions will provide support to new parents and help prevent tragic outcomes associated with SBS.