Bereavement

Mission

The Preemie Project Bereavement Division recognizes that the loss of a child is a profoundly sad experience. We seek to provide solace to families who are grieving a loss by providing bereavement remembrance items.

Items Needed for Infant Bereavement Packages

Knit Sleeper Sacks
Sewn Bereavement Gown
Early Loss Burial Bunting
Knit and Crochet Blankets -White, light pink and light blue
Memento Bracelets

Bereavement Crafting Guidelines

Bereavement Garments

Colors

Soft, pale shades of pink and blue are most requested by the nursing staff at the hospital we support. Less amounts of gender neutral colors are needed for gown/dress/buntings (mostly in the 1-1.5 and 2-3lb sizes).
Do NOT use bright or dark colors.

Yarn Choices

Soft baby yarn is preferred
Use DK weight or lighter. See our List of Suggested Yarn
Use solid color yarn only in the knit gowns. Do not use multiple colors in a gown
DO NOT add stripes or multiple colors to any of the knit gowns.
Do NOT use variegated yarns. All knit gowns should be solid color only. Simple is best.

Fabric Choices

Sewn Bereavement Gown should be made from soft flannel.
The sewn gowns are lined with the same flannel as the outside of the gown or white flannel.
Small subdued prints are best (polka dots, stars). Use velcro in two places to hold the front closed- at the top and halfway down.

Other Guidelines

DO NOT use a knitting or crochet pattern that is excessively holey.
Gown must be long enough to cover the feet.
Knit Sleepers should open all the way down the front and close with buttons, not ribbon.

Sizing a Gown or Sleeper

When sizing a gown or sleeper, please refer to our Measurements Guide. Measure the chest first, because the chest measurement places the gown in the correct size range (ie. 1-3lb, 3-5lb, etc). Once you have the correct size range, check that the sleeve length and garment length are also within that size range. A bit longer is always better than too short.

Bereavement Blankets

Colors needed: White, pale pink and pale blue. Solid color yarn only please!
Sizes needed: 15 inch x 15 inch up to 36 inch x 36 inches.
See our List of Suggested Yarns
You are free to use the knit or crochet pattern of your choice. Please make these blankets special for this sad occassion with a nice pattern and pretty border