NICU Bonding Hearts

Bonding hearts are paired, fabric hearts, usually made of cotton flannelette, that help to transfer scents between parents and babies, especially those in a NICU. One heart is worn by the parent against their skin to absorb their scent, and the other is placed with the baby. The hearts are then regularly swapped between the parent and baby to maintain the scent connection during separation, providing comfort and aiding in the parent-child bonding process.

To prepare bonding hearts, please use the following guidelines: Please use ONLY soft cotton flannelette material, pre-washed in unscented detergent.

Instructions:

1. Make a heart-shaped template, about 7.5” sq.
2. Use the template to cut 4 hearts out of the same pattern flannel.
3. Place the right sides of 2 hearts together and sew around the edge with a ¼ inch seam, leaving a 2” inch opening on the lower side.
4. Repeat step 3 to sew together the second heart.
5. Turn the hearts right side out and gently iron flat.
6. Top stitch around the edges of each heart.
7. Roll each pair of finished hearts and tie with a ribbon.
8. Place in a ziplog bag with printed instructions for parent and baby to each “wear” the hearts for at least an hour before swapping.