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.
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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.
