Residents of northern B.C. can stitch a memory for a new family by donating a handknit or crocheted purple cap for newborns.
Northern Health’s campaign accepts hats year-round – however, hats donated after the end of February will be saved and handed out next year. Once the handmade caps reach the central location in Prince George, they are shared in maternity units and child health clinics across the north, serving as a potentially life-saving reminder for new parents.
“The purple cap campaign is a campaign to raise awareness about the period of purple crying – it’s a normal phase of development where a baby can cry inconsolably for a long period. We share evidence-based tips for parents and caregivers to help them navigate this,” said Dr. Diana Bark, a medical health officer at Northern Health.
Anyone with knitting know-how is encouraged to participate in the program.
“We also, as Northern Health, invited crafters – people who craft and knit in northern B.C. – to make their own baby caps and send them over to us,” said the doctor.
“What we are asking from the donated caps is that it’s made from soft, washable yarn,” Bark continued.
“The cap should be around 14 inches, or 35 centimeters, in circumference and about 6 inches, or 15 centimetres, in height. Please avoid adding buttons or strings or removable decorations.”
Participants are also being asked to keep their home smoke-free while they work on the caps. The caps are washed before going to their new homes, but the smokiness is unsafe for the little lungs of these recipients. Caps should also be at least half purple.
The choice of colour was intentional. It serves as a visual aid reminding caregivers of the Period of Purple Crying Program for new parents in the north.
“What we do year-round in Northern Health is (have) our staff speak with families of newborns and young infants in maternity units and the two-month child health clinic visits about the period of crying,” said Bark.
“Babies can cry for a long, long, period during this time, which can be frustrating and overwhelming. So, it’s really important that parents and caregivers know about this period of time, and how to prepare for it, and how to cope with some of the negative feelings,” she continued.
“It’s okay to walk away. If you can, lay the baby down in a safe place, walk away, (and) take a few moments to calm yourself. It is very important to remember to never shake or hurt an infant.”
Bark suggested carrying and walking with the baby or speaking to them as soothing methods.
