This adorable baby toy will make a precious gift for babies and toddlers alike. Adapttions and notes are included to make this project suitable for NICU donations, to best fit the particular needs of these tiniest of patients. The curlicues of the design are just right for tiny fingers to grasp, and bright colors have been found to stimulate vision development.

2 gauges are provided in the pattern, one for NICU models, and one for regular models. However, if one chooses to make this design for older toddlers, there is more leeway allowable in your construction. The key will continue to be to keep the project dense (as with amigurumi projects).

Cotton, or cotton blends, are preferred when making this for babies, and required for NICU, for softness and durability. You will need approximately 55 yards of the main color, and 15-20 yards of each remaining color (6 colors in total),as well as 1-2 yards of black size 10 crochet thread or embroidery thread, to make this project as shown.

NICU models should be made with #3/ DK weight yarn and a 2.5 hook, to improve your likelihood of meeting donation requirements.