Click for Babies

The Period of PURPLE Crying

If your baby was born in BC in the past few years, you probably received a DVD with information about the Period of PURPLE Crying. Its message is simple – sometimes babies cry a lot, even when they’re totally healthy. And sometimes nothing that we try to soothe them helps. But no matter how you respond, you must never shake a baby.

Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome

If your baby is crying and nothing helps, it’s normal to feel frustrated. In fact, it’s normal to feel extremely frustrated. If you find yourself in this situation, Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome BC wants you to know that it’s okay put your baby down in a safe place and take a break. Once you’re calm yourself, you’ll be in a better position to help calm your baby. Nobody likes to hear their baby cry, but by giving yourself a time out you’re ensuring you don’t react impulsively, and helping to prevent shaken baby syndrome.

Knit and Crochet for Babies

In order to help spread the message the people behind Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrom BC have launched the Click for Babies campaign. They’re inviting people to “click” their knitting needles together to make purple baby caps. Knitters and crocheters across North America knit the caps and the campaign organizers distribute them to babies born during the month of November. Last year was the first year, and the response was overwhelming. I knit three caps myself, and I plan to do so again.

Drop Off Your Caps

If you’d like to participate, you need to finish your caps by October 26, 2011. Then send them to:

Claire Yambao, Provincial Program Coordinator
Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome BC
BC Children’s Hospital
4480 Oak Street, Room K1-201
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4

Or, if you prefer, there are also two drop-off locations in Vancouver:

Gina Brown’s Yarn
3424 West Broadway
604-734-4840

Three Bags Full
4458 Main Street
604-874-9665

By helping to spread the message, you can ensure that every baby in BC has the chance to grow into a happy, healthy child.