Posted: September 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Baby hats for Queen’s Hospital newborns made by young professionals

By Mike Brooke Reporter Romford Recorder

Young professionals have been busy in their spare time knitting woolly hats for premature babies born at Queen’s Hospital’s neonatal unit.

The hats were made by members of Kiwanis Young Professionals UK which they handed to nurses at the labour ward in Romford.

It was part of their ongoing project to support vulnerable newborns and their families.

“Our volunteers meet regularly to knit and crochet these hats,” the group’s spokesperson Richardo Whyte said.

“It’s our way of showing families that they are not alone — that people in their community care.”

The idea was one of a series of community activities by the Kiwanis UK group in Dagenham.

It is part of an international movement of young professionals with 400,000 members in 80 countries, all in their 20s and 30s who are passionate about giving back through volunteering and community service.

Their handmade baby hats provide warmth for newborns and comfort to their families “during what can be a very challenging time”.

Neonatal paediatric specialist Shawnté James says: “Babies are born out of a warm and cosy environment into one that can be downright chilly. That’s why nurses immediately cover their tiny heads with those precious knitted hats.

“Newborns don’t need to wear a hat all the time when they leave the hospital, unless it’s cold outside.

“But feel free to keep one on if you think your baby looks adorable in a cap, as long as they seem comfortable and don’t get overheated.”

Babies should also not go to bed wearing a woolly hat, doctors advise.

They regulate their body temperature through their heads and overheating can increase their risk of sudden infant death during the night, parents are warned. 

The ideal sleeping temperature is said to be between 68 and 72 degrees.

Anyone interested in joining one of the Kiwani young professionals’ upcoming hat-making sessions or generally getting involved can find contact details at kiwanisypuk.co.uk.

https://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/news/25363548.baby-hats-queens-hospital-newborns-made-young-professionals

Last Updated: July 23, 2025 by rwhyte Leave a Comment

KNIT & SIP EVENT

🖐️ Whether you’re an experienced knitter or a complete beginner, this event is for everyone. We’ll teach you how to knit a basic wooly hat and bondig square. Looms and yarn will be provided, but feel free to bring your own materials! Traditional knitting methods welcomed!


🍷 Enjoy a glass of wine (Red/White/Rosé) while you stitch. (Let us know in advance if you prefer alcohol free)


💖 Most importantly, we’ll be making hats and bonding squares to support premature babies in hospital. This initiative raises awareness about the unique needs of these tiny warriors and the families who care for them.

A £5 donation will be greatly appreciated to help support our efforts.

Posted: July 28, 2024 by Leave a Comment

KYPUK Food Drive Challenge

We have launched a new club project aimed at tackling a growing concern here in the United Kingdom which is food Poverty, especially among children. Our aim is simple, lets gather what we can and help to make a difference in the life of someone in our community.

All club members are being asked to participate and we invite those who are interested in being a member of Kiwanis to join in as well. You will find information about how to participate in the flyer below.  Please reach out if you have any questions.

Feel free to have your friends and family members help out and make it a fun challenge for everyone, as we do our small part to make a difference in our community.

for more information or help finding your closest food bank, email us at [email protected]

Upcoming events

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