Beanies4Babies warms hearts and heads in neonatal units across South Africa

IN A HEARTWARMING initiative that shines a light on community support and compassion, Beanies4Babies recently launched its project at Osindisweni Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, enveloping the tiniest patients in warmth and hope.

This non-profit organisation is dedicated to combating a critical issue that affects premature and low birthweight infants: hypothermia (a body temperature below 36.5°C). 

The project, founded by Dr Johané Palko and Clarette Alfond, began in Bloemfontein in 2018. As a fourth-year medical student at the time, Dr Palko saw the urgent need to protect premature and low birthweight babies (2.5kg) from the dangers of cold exposure.

Why are these babies at such risk?

 Their heads make up a large proportion of their body surface area.

 Their skin is thin and delicate.

 They lack sufficient fat stores to generate heat.

 Unlike adults, they cannot shiver to keep warm.

"This makes them especially prone to hypothermia and it is our shared responsibility as a community and as healthcare workers to keep them safe and warm," said Dr Ashmika Dowlath, the branch coordinator for KZN.

She launched Beanies4Babies at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital in August 2025.

Today, Beanies4Babies operates across four provinces and 12 hospitals, distributing more than 1 500 hand-made items each month to facilities nationwide.

She appealed to communities to support this project, so babies can protect against hypothermia.

"As a non-profit organisation, Beanies4Babies rely entirely on community support - both volunteers and financial donations. Volunteers assist by knitting or crocheting beanies and socks, and by helping with packaging."

The organisation provides the wool, patterns, and packaging materials.

Patterns are freely available on their website: https://beanies4babies.org/patterns/

If you would like to get involved or make a donation, please reach out to Dr  Dowlath or connect via the Beanies4Babies website.

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