Wednesday, October 27, 2010

the little ones

I get asked a lot on what it is I actually do at the hospital when I go to photograph sweet little babies. Most of the time I am just there to photograph. I'm in the room as a silent guest, not part of the conversation or the goings on, unless I am asked to be. But there are times when I do more. I am able to help relieve the hospital staff from doing prints and molds. And then there are the times when I get to help bathe and dress the babies and those times are a little more sacred.
Most commonly, the babies are stillborn. Usually in the weeks of 20-34. Amazing people make gowns and outfits for these little babies because they are TINY and you can't buy clothes for them. The smallest diapers the hospital provides are way too big. Most of the time they don't put a diaper on the baby. It's difficult to take photos of the feet because they give the babies 'frog legs' and we have to undo the diaper to get the photos.
A good friend of mine who's daughter, Grace, died of the same thing as Olivia, Polycystic Kidney Disease, made her little Grace a diaper. She was born at 32 weeks and her diaper fit.
I had been trying to think of something more that parents can have to take home with them. I had searched the internet for doll diaper patterns, and nothing really seemed to fit what I was looking for. So I made my own pattern in 2 sizes and so far they have been perfect. the smallest if the diapers fit 20 weekers. the biggest fits 34 weekers.

When I have shown these to people in person, they are amazed that a baby can wear such a tiny diaper, but they do.
If you need a good service project, I recommend these. They are simple and easy to make and they will make photographing the tiny babies easier and give parents one more thing. I am happy to get you instructions and the pattern through email or leave a comment and I hope to post it on my blog as soon as I get the pattern scanned in.
(If you know of any places that sell tiny teddy bears, maybe 3-4 inches in size would you let me know? Yes? Awesome!)

89 comments:

Marnie said...

awesome. You are great.

what are the teddy bears for? Maybe I could knit some???

Emily Lyman said...

I would love to make some. Send me the pattern and I'll get to work! Oh, tell Matt to call Brett. He wants to talk to him!

Anonymous said...

I would love the pattern.
Try Build a Bear or Michaels.

Jillyn said...

This post makes me so happy Arah! I'm so happy you are doing so much with the diapers! It would make Grace happy :) it seems like your pattern is better than mine...more perfected :) care to share?

: ) Paula said...

You like to stay busy, don't you?!? These are amazing. So small. I'd love to make some diapers. What a great idea. And I'm officially on the lookout for small teddy bears. . .

The Barney's said...

Hello Arah- it has been far too long since I have blogged/been on any ones blog but 8 months late, I return :) I even posted on my blog!! So fun to read about your busy and talented life!! Sad as well. So sorry to read about your great niece but how special to have her buried with Olivia.

As I read, I came across the post about tragic death of Trevor and about the pain of loss, as you experience with little Olivia. His brother Matt, is Justin's best friend and Justin was very close with his whole family. A very sad time for all who knows them but it is amazing how strong the whole family has been. I love how you talk about service and that's what truly helps in those times of real need, as you described experiencing with Olivia. And you are so right. His bro Matt regular speaks to Justin of all the acts of service that the family has received and that it is honestly a big part as too why they've been able to slowly heal and also has been a testimony builder. Thanks for sharing your incredible thoughts.

These diapers are so tiny and precious. You have such a big heart!! You are so busy and yet always doing things to serve others. I'll let ya know if I see little bears :)

You produce such beautiful girls!! So fun to see them grow, even if over the computer. if you have a second, hop on my blog and read the update at the end our profile on the right side :)
Sorry this was such a long post but its been so long!!
Love Lori

Josh n Betsie said...

ive thought and thought and thought. I got this sewing machine sent to be from Grandma. I would love to make these diapers. We have a ton of hospitals around here and I am sure they have babies that pass. I wonder if they have a MISS foundation here? It also got me thinking I need to figure out how to take good pictures and get a good camera so maybe I can be like you and take pictures. Anyway that was just what I was thinking. Please send me the patter.

love ya
bets

Emily said...

I would love the pattern for these. There are a few photographers where I'm from that do NILMDTS. I would love to start making these and help her out at the same time. My e-mail address is jacksonink@hotmail.com

Thanks so much!

Susan G said...

We get tiny bears for our baby dolls at A.C. Moore and the sections in craft stores that have their own doll-making and bear making accessories.

Anonymous said...

I would love the pattern for diapers. It would be a nice R.S. project. Thanks!

Megan B ♥ said...

This is such a great project, and very close to my heart, as we lost a son at 28 weeks in 2008. We have taken this on as our Girls Camp service project this year!!!! Question: do they generally fit all sizes, or do you suppose I should try to make a medium-size diaper for those that are in-between 20 weeks and 34?

arah said...

Hi Megan. These diapers will fit all the weeks in between 20-34 weeks. I have found that by experience. Be sure to keep safety pins with the diapers or sew Velcro tabs on.
I also recommend staying away from fleece with babies between this gestation. Flannel has been the best material to use.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
You can email me also if that is easier :)

Courtney @ Ordinary Happily Ever After said...

Amazing project! I think my girls will enjoy helping with something like this!

Do you have a pdf of a pattern?

Nurse Heidi said...

A local angel family in my area made a bunch of these for me and my fellow NILMDTS photographers. I just used the first set last night on a little 20 weeker, and they were PERFECT! Thank you so much for creating these patterns - they fill an unmet need that I've been puzzling over for quite some time.

I, too, have a Potter's angel. You can read more about her at www.angelbabiesinfo.com.

Jaclyn said...

I would LOVE to have this pattern if you would be willing to share. I have identical twin nephews in NICU that were born at 31 weeks and are facing a muscle disorder and therefore will be there awhile. I would love to be able to make them some cute diapers to go with their little preemie smocks!

Ruby said...

I am looking to make at least a hundred of these for our local hospitals as a service project. This is exactly what I have been looking for. Can you send me the patterns? Fabfrankes@hotmail.com

craftymomboutique said...

Can you please send me the pattern,I would love to make some to donate in memory of my nephew. craftymomboutique@hotmail.com

jana said...

these are a beautiful idea. Could they be adapted for actual use? Have a friend with a preemie, 2 wks old tomorrow, & am looking for ideas for them.

Unknown said...

I would love the pattern for the diapers, as we just went through the loss of my granddaughter on January 22, 2017. LRUPP64@HOTMAIL.COM

The Hamill said...

Thank you for sharing your time and talents to help others in need of confort. Please e mail me the pattern, I want to make some and donate to our local hospital. Wearehamill@gmail.com

Amy J said...

Can i possibly get the pattern and instructions for this project? It is such a great idea!

Arah said...

Hello! I hope you got my email :)

Arah said...

Sending you an email right now :)

Arah said...

Hi Amy!
If you go to teenytears.blogspot.com
You will find all the information you need. Diaper pattern, do's and dont's, answers to questions and even connect with people in your area that also make the diapers.

Unknown said...

i am always looking for charity projects. could i get the pattern? thanks

Ruth said...

I would love to have the pattern. I'm looking for a project.

Anonymous said...

I would like to have the pattern please.

Anonymous said...

I am going in circles trying to get the pattern for these diapers. I really want to make these and donate. My granddaughter, Zoe, was born much to soon to be able to survive. A group in Tulsa, OK donated burial gowns for tiny babies that couldn't survive. I want to do my part, also. Can you email me your pattern so I can help? Sandym114@aol.com

Elizabeth said...

Hi I live in KY,and a nurse from our local hospital talked to me about the need for angel gowns and such,I would love to make some diapers also. Thanks so much for all you do. lizzbetp@sbcglobal.net

Janice (YaYa) said...

I would appreciate your pattern copy. My Bible study group has taken on 'Angel Baby ' clothing, diapers and wraps for our area.

Thank you for your gentle love for these precious angels!

Janet said...

I would love these patterns. I knit and sew forour local hospitals.

Margret Geurts said...

Please could you send me the pattern.
I do sew already for NICU here in the Netherlands.
So many thanks of you would like to share it with me.

kaartlady57@gmail.com

Thank you ever so much.
Gr.Margret

Unknown said...

I would love the instructions for these little diapers please and thank you

jeannetteterry99@gmail.com said...

I would love to receive your patterns I would like to do some of these for donating.

Ccharlan59@yahoo.com said...

I would love to have your pattern! I've beem crocheting red hats for the American Heart Assoc 'Little Hats Big Hearts!'for next February. I feel a calling to do something more. To pay my blessings forward.
I have been blessed with three beautiful and healthy grandchildren and my heart goes out to these families who lose their babies.

Unknown said...

Could you send me your pattern? Such a great idea!
Thanks!
falco@navasotaisd.org

Unknown said...

I would very much like to help with this beautiful, loving project. Please send the pattern for the tiny diapers.thank you!
Jmdanie@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I would appreciate the patterns for the diaper. I make the angel gowns now & this would add to the gift for the parents. Mitzikc2@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would welcome the pattern to make some diapers. Klkslp@aol.com. Thanks. Kim

Anonymous said...

I would like the diaper pattern to make some for the hospitals in my area.clquilting@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I would love to have the pattern to make some for our local hospital cno243@aol.com

Unknown said...

I have a friend at Tufts Medical Center in Boston and she thinks this would be a wonderful gesture. If you could email pattern I would be very appreciative. Mrseasha@comcast.net

Unknown said...

would like pattern for diapers..thanks

LadyBugVicki said...

I would love the patterns so I could include diapers with the Angel outfits I make. Ladybugvicki@frontier.com
Thank you!

Rebecca Kayne said...

I would love a pattern for these diapers. I would also love to hear how you started doing photography for these angel babies. I lost a baby born too early and my most prized things from his birth are the pictures taken by my nurse, and his little hand and foot molds. I'm a photographer and have thought about asking if I could be on call to take pictures of angel babies, but I'm not a nurse. Did you just volunteer at the hospital?

Becca.kayne@hotmail.com

Roxy said...


This is a project I would love to work on. We lost our little angel in
August at 20 weeks, he was so tiny. I know these diapers would be perfect.
Would you please send me your pattern? I think the hospitals would love to have them on hand when the need arises.
Thank you.

stitchinstudio236@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I forgot to leave my email. Shannamsinclair@gmail.com

sangeeta said...

Hi I am from Nagpur, India and i sew for children born to underprivileged mothers and preemies what a wonderful find for me - your pattern for preemie cloth diapers. please share with me
schhabra60@yahoo.com

god bless

Anonymous said...

If you are still sending your pattern, I would appreciate it, please. I want to start sewing these. My friend lost her precious angel a month and two days after my healthy baby was born. Thank you. koalamama@hotmail.com

Dwan said...

Please send your diaper [attern to me at danddelston@yahoo.com I would love to make these to go along with my preemie hat donations.









Anonymous said...

Hello if you are still sending patterns I would appreciate one.

Pacada@gmail.com

Thank you!

Unknown said...

Can I please have pattern or instructions to try and make these? Have you also made a video that also shows how to make these.

Unknown said...

Sorry my email is mightymousebll@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Sorry my email is mightymousebll@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Sorry my email is mightymousebll@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Can I please have pattern or instructions to try and make these? Have you also made a video that also shows how to make these.

g-ma said...

If you are still sending out the pattern, I would love one. We just welcomed a little peanut into our family.

dmmcgarvey@yahoo.com

#craftymomoftwo said...

Same, I would love the pattern. I'm going to teach my 10yr old to sew and a service project would be great. We are also going to make port pillows for cancer patients.

Thanks for this,

lovemytotes14@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I also would like to have this pattern is possible.
Eeburt5@gmail.com
Thank you
Eddie

Anonymous said...

Is it still possible to get the pattern? I would like to get into doing something like this for grieving parents. Thank you
mimikellar@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I would love to make these little diapers. Can I please have the pattern. Thank you in advance. v.valente@att.net

Monica said...

Does anyone have the actual pattern to share. I can't print it from this site. Thank you.

Kris said...

I would love to have the pattern. Skwheatley.55@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Please send me the diaper pattern. Thank you so much.
newman1731@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Can you please send me your diaper pattern? Both sizes please. I want to contribute to our local hospital.
Thanks.

Colleen said...

Please could you send me the pattern for a teenie tiny bubs many thanks in advance. It would be greatly appreciated colleennow@gmail.com thank you kindly

Coleen said...

I am looking for a pattern for premature babies. CO\ould you please e-mail the pattern for the diaper? Coleen at coliemark@gmail.com

Barbara H said...

Could you please send me your diaper patterns. Thanks.email stevebarb70@gmail.com.

The Hamill said...

Hello there:
This is amazing work! Thank you for dedicating your personal time in the service of others. Your la or if love is contagious. If you are willing to email me the patterns for the tinny diapers I can help as well around my area. Labor and delivery wards are always in need of tinny everything for babies. Thank you.
Eager to help and sew some more;
Leslie

Holli said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Holli said...

would love the pattern. I'm always looking for projects to donate to the hospital. palaaiiki@gmail.com Thanks.

Unknown said...

Would love the pattern

Patt said...

I would love to have the pattern— bless you for making it. I am making fetal demise gowns for our local hospital from my fabrics “saved” from many years of sewing wedding gowns and attending outfits.
Thank you once again.
Hugs, Patt pattsew4u@hotmail.com

Chickpea said...

Thank you for making this pattern available by request. It will keep my hands busy as my 32 week preemie grandson is growing.🙏

Winnie said...

I would love the pattern. My nephew just lost his 21 week little girl. They are out of state so I couldn’t do anything for them but would love to donate to a local hospital. Emails is mustanghoni13@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Karen said...

Our church sewing group is starting to make bereavement clothing for babies list too soon. I would love to get a copy of your diaper patterns because they’re difficult to find. We have no budget and work with donated fabrics or we buy them out of our own pockets. Thank you so much.

Unknown said...

I would love to have this pattern if still available

Liz said...

I would love to get this pattern please, in the process of making tiny blankets for the NICU unit now and would love to add these as well..
Sevens_enuf@yahoo.com

Liz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brandy said...

I too would love this pattern to make some for our hospital! Please forward if possible to smiley_cubs@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I make Angel Gowns through Angel Gowns of Iowa and would love to make diapers for the gowns. My email address is brousseau.cathy@gmail.com. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I would love this pattern. I make bears for a local charity but they are between 4"-8". My email is frogcrazy3@aol.com. Thank you

Anonymous said...

I would love to have the diaper patterns.would like to make for angel babies at our local hospital. Scoresby mom@yahoo.com thank you, Gloria

Anonymous said...

I am making NICU items for a hospital in Pittsburgh PA and would like the pattern please. hwhite173@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I would appreciate the pattern. Lisapsshort@gmail.com. Thank you

Joni Otto said...

I do a lot of charity sewing here in southwestern Missouri for local NICUs (Springfield and Joplin). I would love to have your pattern to add to my collection of things I already make. I had been looking for something new to make, and I found it. joniann.otto@gmail.com. thank you

lsds_46815@yahoo.com said...

I would also appreciate the patterns. This would be a great way to use up small pieces of flannel. thank you lsds_46815@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to make these can you send me the pattern please mariefinechina@yahoo.com

Kylie said...

Hello can I please have your pattern these are so awesome