General News
25 June, 2025
Knits for early babies
No knitting job is too big – or small – for the ladies who make up Nyngan’s Tuesday craft group.
Seven group members have knitted more than 60 tiny beanies which will be given to premature babies born at the Dubbo Base Hospital.
Group member Louise Battye saw a call out for knitted beanies on Facebook and suggested the craft group put together a bundle. Dubbo Hospital has the highest-level maternity service in the Western NSW LHD, and provides pregnancy and antenatal care, labour and birth from 32 weeks.
Beanies help premature babies by providing crucial warmth and helping them regulate their body temperature.
Nyngan craft group member Wendy Clissold said the Nyngan consignment was made of both acrylic, which is easy to wash and keep clean, and wool which is known for its warmth.
“Premature babies have difficulty maintaining their body heat and a large portion of heat is lost through the head,” she said.
“Every premature baby born at Dubbo Base is given a beanie which the family can take home with them.” The Nyngan Craft Group meets weekly at the Bogan Shire Youth and Community Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend, and bring their own projects to do whilst enjoying company.
“The more the merrier,” said Mrs Clissold. “If anyone wants to learn to knit or crotchet, there are some very good teachers in the group who would be willing to get you going.”
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