Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) is partnering with Legacy Emmanuel Children’s Hospital to promote the “Click for Babies: Period of Purple Crying” Campaign by knitting purple baby hats to be given to parents of newborns.

The effort is to educate parents about the difficult stage of parenting where every baby goes through “purple crying”. Doctors call it this when your baby appears to be unable to be soothed, and almost constantly cries. This stage—which usually happens from the time a baby is a few weeks old up until they are three months old—is when parents are most apt to have a momentary loss of control due to their frustration and possible put their child at harm.

All community members who enjoy knitting are being called on to knit purple baby hats. Legacy hopes that these hats will serve as a constant reminder to parents that infant crying is normal, and it is never ok to shake or harm a child.

Debbie Corah

With the help of Debbie Corah, wife of PF&R’s Public Information Officer Paul Corah, and her “Knit Night” ladies the challenge of making hundreds of purple baby hats by October 26 is already underway. 

This group of women knitters and crotchetier meets at least every month to enjoy the relaxation of knitting together, chatting, and showing each other’s completed projects.  When approached with this project, they were ecstatic. 

Middle Photo: Carolyn Miller

Right Photo: K.C. Marshall

Most have older children and remember the stressful times when they first came home with their newborn.  They all agree this is a wonderful way to prevent “shaking baby syndrome” and to let parents know they are never alone in the feelings of frustration. 

If you want to join in the “Click for Babies” Campaign, drop off a purple knit baby hat to the third floor of PF&R’s Station 1 Administrative Office located at 55 SW Ash Street or send completed hats to:

The Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel

c/o Thonna Vela, Volunteer Services Coordinator

2801 N Gantenbein Ave #1073

Portland, OR 97227

All hats are due by October 26^th.

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   July 29, 2011

Follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube