CLICK for Babies Campaign - Period of Purple Crying

Do you remember those radio and television commercials with bold, black and white lettering and a stern, deep male voice ordering you to "NEVER, EVER shake a baby!!"?


CLICK for Babies is a handmade, more gentle reminder to parents. 

"CLICK for Babies is a North America initiative to help educate caregivers about normal infant crying, how to cope with crying and the dangers of reacting to crying in frustration by shaking or harming an infant."

-CLICK for Babies website

CLICK for Babies is one of my favorite charities to knit beanies for since they spread the word through purple baby beanies! 

an example of a CLICK for Babies P.U.R.P.L.E. beanie, the Purl Bumps Hat

There is a good reason those beanies are purple, too. 

They remind parents of the Period of PURPLE crying (see the link for more thorough information). Sometimes babies cry, and there doesn't seem to be a reason. The PURPLE acronym (and the purple beanie!) helps parents remember that crying is normal, and while it can be heart-wrenching to hear, it is alright for them to walk away when they are frustrated. 

You can help spread awareness and reduce Shaken Baby Syndrome through knitting or crocheting!

This year, the CLICK for Babies campaign says they are getting requests from parents for more "boy-friendly" beanies. I guess that means darker purples or stripes with other colors. 

They also reminded knitters/crocheters that a lot of value yarns (I'm looking at you, Red Heart Classic!) are way too scratchy for newborns. 

Caron Simply Soft (worsted weight) and Lion Brand Hometown USA (super bulky weight) are good options. Both cost around $3.00 at Wal*Mart and get even softer when washed in gentle detergent. 

I can normally get at least four beanies out of a skein of Caron Simply Soft, and I can get two out of the Lion Brand Hometown USA with a little left over for stripes in a multi-color beanie. 

I'm planning on designing a few new patterns for beanies to send to our local collection center here. I'm going to have to remember to shoot for more "boy-friendly" patterns. Be sure to look for those in the future!

We have until October 1st to knit or crochet those beanies! That's plenty of time to buy some soft, inexpensive yarn and crank out a few beanies for a good cause! 

Be sure to check out the CLICK for Babies website for more information about the campaign and local drives near you!