Newborn Photo Cocoon & Hat

Make a soft crochet cocoon and a matching hat for a newborn photo. The cocoon is a pouch with a rounded foot and an open top, made from two panels and sewn at the sides and the foot. It has no ties, no snaps and nothing sewn on, and the hat is a plain beanie in the same colours with one small mist-blue star. Both come as charts you can recolour and change, with a written row for every row. The set is for a short photo with an adult holding or fully supporting the baby, and never for sleep.

You'll need:

• Sport or baby weight yarn in three colours (sage, cream, and a little mist-blue star on the hat): soft, smooth cotton or a washable blend (about 390 to 445 yards for the whole set, mostly the main colour)
• A 3.75 mm (US F-5) crochet hook, or the size that gives you the gauge
• A yarn needle, stitch markers and scissors, and a small ball or bobbin of the second colour for the moon

Important Safety Notes#

Photo props: Hold or fully support the baby and stay within arm's reach for the whole photo. Never leave a baby alone in or on a prop, never put a baby's head through an opening, and do not use it for sleep. Take the prop away as soon as the photo is taken.

Not for the sleep area: Keep this out of the crib, bassinet and play yard with a baby under 12 months, and do not use it for sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises a "firm, flat sleep surface" and a "fitted sheet only", with nothing else in the crib.

Cocoon: Lay the baby on the back on a firm, flat surface, with the top edge of the cocoon at the chest or lower and never at the shoulders, chin or face. Use it only for a baby clearly longer than the cocoon is deep, and measure your finished cocoon first. It is not a nest, bed or lounger. Do not pad it, stuff it or put anything in with the baby. Take the baby out if the chest feels hot or sweaty.

Room for the legs: Keep room for the legs to bend up and out. Never add a tight band around the thighs.

Hats: Hats are for outdoors and for moments when an adult is watching. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against hats on babies indoors once home from the hospital, and never for sleep.

No cords or ties: This item has no cords, ties, ribbons or drawstrings anywhere, especially at the neck, hood, face or waist. Do not add any.

Nothing dangling: Do not add pompoms, tassels, fringe, ribbons or bows.

Yarn and care: Use soft, smooth, washable yarn that does not shed or fuzz, and wash a swatch first. Weave in every end and check inside the finished item for loose strands, which can wrap around a baby's fingers or toes. Wash inside out.

Close stitches: Work a firm, closely stitched fabric. Gaps and lacy openings can catch small fingers and toes.

If you sell what you make: Children's products sold in the US must meet CPSC rules, including testing, a Children's Product Certificate and a tracking label. Start at cpsc.gov.