A simple c2c pattern for bonding squares for the NICU.

Bonding Squares - Are small squares/ mini blankets for preemies. They go back and forth between the baby and mom. They try to give nicu families 2-4 of them. When mom has the square, ideally at first it smells like the baby. This smell helps with location and milk production and allows them to pump more milk without being around their baby all the time. Then the blanket will stay with the parents and ideally pick up their scent. Then when it goes back to the baby, they sometimes use it as a blanket or just fold it in the incubator and the scent of mom helps comfort the baby. Studies show that babies that have these bonding squares are more calm and soothed, have improved brain development by helping their sense develope and helps create a bond between the baby and mom. Some hospitals do sewn bonding hearts out of flannel and cotton as well.

Many hospitals accept blankets 8x8 and up, made of dk or lighter yarn in acrylic or soft cotton ( for allergies) with no lacey designs (so that no fingers or toes get caught). If you plan on donating, please make sure items are smoke and pet hair free (again allergies and delicate skin). Baby yarn is best for the littles snuggling under the blankets. Items must be washed with unscented baby laundry soap. Please check with your local hospitals as every single one has different rules and protocols. These are just the rules for my local ones that I donate too.

Gauge does not matter as much because of how small the blankets are and what they are used for.

You can make a few blankets out of 2 skeins of yarn and just flip the colours on them, it’s also great for scrap busting as well.