| NEONATAL POSITIONING DEVICE (SNAKES) |
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| A Heavenly Snake. When the baby is placed into the isolette, this tube of fabric is curled around the infant creating an environment similar to the womb. This has a calming effect on the child, helps to eliminate heat loss, and serves as a support for tubes and monitoring device cables. They are in great demand in the NICU’s and help the baby feel secure and "tucked in". Parents are allowed to take them home when the baby ‘graduates" from the hospital. Since the item resembles a snake, we make it look like one too, and then baby has a toy when he no longer needs the comfort of the nest. |
| INSTRUCTIONS We make 2 sizes of our snakes, large and small. For the large snake, cut fabric (cotton or cotton blend) 9 inches wide and 45 inches long. The small snake is 6 inches wide and 30 inches long. Sew right sides together, curving the bottom part down like a tail. Do not turn the snake right side out. The biggest problem we overcame was getting the stuffing in to the snake. We found the perfect snake stuffer tool, thanks to Evelyn in Indiana. It's a plastic sleeve from the Catholic Church that holds candles. With the bottom cut off, it's a perfect fit. Slide the plastic sleeve in the sewn tube all the way to the bottom. Push the "tail" of the snake back down into the plastic sleeve. Start stuffing the snake at the tail with fiberfill being careful not to pack the stuffing too firmly. As you stuff the snake, continue to push it down through the plastic sleeve and when it is completely filled, your snake will be right side out, done in one step. Close the snake by sewing the opening either with a sewing machine or serger. If using a serger, please secure all the serger tails before cutting them off. Elastic on the snake's neck is not required. If you chose, you may put a face on the snake. Embroider the eyes by making a French knot or 'faux' French knot. Please do not "paint" the face on. |