We all know how dangerous a preterm birth is for babies. The weight of most of them is around 500g (that’s half a bag of sugar or 5 standard chocolate bars!!!), and it means their systems are not fully developed. Feeling the closeness of parents has a significant effect on their baby’s recovery and growth.

However, parents are not able to hold their children close to their body all the time.

When a baby arrives unexpectedly the parent’s world stops to focus on the little one. There are so many things to sort out that are important and part of everyday life. It is full on, and parents need a break too.

A short break to catch their breath and to have a little rest so they can carry on looking after their little bundle.

And here is where the octopuses come in very handy!! These little octopuses make babies, and their parents feel calmer and safer. The babies play with their tentacles as if it is their mother’s umbilical cord.

At the same time, parents can have the deserved little break, knowing their tiny precious ones feel more safe and calm with the tentacles in their little hands instead of pulling those life-saving tubes and cables out.

This charity project first started in Denmark and then extended to Spain, Ukraine and continued in Poland, UK and more recently Austria.

We are a registered UK charity – Octopus for a Preemie UK 1180950