An Octopus's Garden

Now I've got your attention, and worse still, for those of a certain age, planted that ear worm, I can tell you about this little fella.

My wife is a co-ordinator for a group of people who make these little chaps. They are crocheted Octopuses that are used in a very worthwhile cause. Many maternity units around the country use these chaps to help premature babies overcome their difficulties in early life. 
They are often placed in incubators to be fed with oxygen also with tubes for feeding etc. It is a heartbreaking sight to see. 
A normal reaction is that they grasp and pull the tubes which is obviously not wanted. 
These Octopuses are placed such they grip the tentacles and provide some sensory feedback.
There are groups of many people who make them, but, of course, there has to be very high standards regarding their making. Indeed, there is a recognised national standard that defines the size, length of tentacles, stuffing used, allowable defects, colour fastness of the yarns and a number of other things. Approval for them to be used has to be very exacting because of the potential consequences.
They then have to be thoroughly cleaned and dried, and in these Covid days, they have to be subject to high infection control standards.
It often takes many attempts for someone to achieve the standards.
A large number never make it to the hospitals because of defects. They don't go to waste though. Many of them instead go to help dementia patients - they are great for providing sensory feedback and something to hold and play with.

In addition to the Octopus, the parents who, often at great emotional expense have to leave their child in hospital also receive a little crocheted heart to provide a tiny link with their baby.

They cannot be sold because they would need full CE testing. They are not categorised as toys for the same reason. The people who make them take it very seriously.

So, this is in thanks and recognition to all those who produce these little things.