Why choose Ollie?
Research shows NICU octopuses help calm babies by mimicking the feel of the umbilical cord, reducing heart and respiratory rates and promoting a sense of safety.
Ollie helps parents bond with their baby during those tough NICU moments, providing comfort and connection when it’s needed most.
Each octopus takes about 2 hours to crochet, embroider, and package with care and love by a heart mum and ex-midwife.
Keep Ollie close to your heart before placing it with your baby, so they can feel your love and be soothed by your familiar scent.
Each tentacle is thoughtfully designed to mimic the feel of the umbilical cord. When your baby grasps it, they experience a soothing sense of calm, reminiscent of the safe, warm, and nurturing environment of the womb.
Made with durable, high-quality materials, Ollie the Octopus can be safely washed at 100°C, ensuring it's clean and hygienic for even the most delicate NICU babies.
Whether for a NICU family or a special keepsake, Ollie is the perfect gift to show love and support during life’s most tender moments.
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What are the benefits of a NICU Octopus?
- Mimics the umbilical cord, providing familiarity and comfort.
- Prevents accidental removal of medical equipment, reducing trauma.
- Helps stabilize heart rate and increase oxygenation.
- Doubles as a gentle support for intubation tubing.
- Grows with your baby, becoming a cherished companion and a super cute way to track growth milestones.
Do all hospitals allow NICU Octopuses?
While some hospitals have strict rules, many parents find Ollie becomes a cherished keepsake beyond the NICU journey.
Hospital policies regarding toys vary, and we cannot be held responsible if Ollie isn't permitted in your NICU.
What are they made of?
Our octopuses are handmade using the softest yarn available. It has passed the highest standard, suitable for direct contact with the most sensitive skin, even babies and small children.
Material: 100% Polyester
Can I return it if the hospital doesn't allow them?
Worry-Free Purchase: Concerned about hospital regulations? Our hassle-free returns policy ensures you can shop with confidence. If your NICU doesn't allow Ollie, simply return him for a full refund—no questions asked. While some hospitals have strict rules, many parents find Ollie becomes a cherished keepsake beyond the NICU journey.
Do they actually work to calm babies?
Proven through anecdotal medical research from countries around the world.
Study excerpt: "Parental impressions of the project were overwhelmingly positive as assessed by a postal survey. 100% of parents surveyed reported that they liked the project. All parents surveyed felt that the programme was beneficial to their babies and 100% reported that the programme helped improve their involvement in their babies care."
Can I purchase Ollie the Octopus if my baby is not in the NICU?
Absolutely! Ollie’s calming features and comforting design are perfect for all babies, whether in the NICU or at home. 😊
Ollie The Octopus vs Other Comforters
Ollie The NICU Ocotopus
Other Comforters
Designed for NICU & Medical Babies
Extra-Long Tentacles for Gripping (Mimics the Umbilical Cord)
Handmade with Love & Care
Machine Washable & Durable
Supports a Small Business That Gives Back
Customer Reviews
Can’t recommend these perfect little Ollies more! My waters broke at 16 weeks and these Ollies are the first thing I bought for baby knowing the chances of going to NICU is pretty high post birth for us as we are likely going to have a little perfect premie. They are so beautifully made from the literal softest most plush material and just feel so amazing I can’t even explain! Sharne is also just an absolutely wonderful human who cares so much about making a difference for medical mamas and you can tell in the quality of the octopus and also just from her beautiful encouraging messages. I’m so grateful this page came up on my Instagram at the right time! 🤍
Firstly, Sharne pours so much love into each and every order. Her messages alone got me through some pretty dark days in the NICU. We purchased 2 mini Ollie’s for our twins. Perfect quality and the softest touch touch! These are going to be used, loved and treasured for years to come. Highly recommend xx
I received my mini Ollie today for my baby due in June and my 2yr old has taken it as her own so I have to order more for bub. It’s so soft and the perfect size for her to hold and cuddle, I love that it’s hand made and it’s clearly made with love. She was a Premmie and spent time in special care and I wish I knew these were around back then. Thank you Sharne xx
After finding out at 20 weeks pregnant my baby had a congential heart defect, that he would need surgery and would be in the nicu straight after birth I decided to buy a mini Ollie, I snuggled with the mini Ollie 2 nights before his birth and while in labour and then it went with him to nicu and has been with him from nicu to picu after his surgery, Hugo is now almost 4 weeks old, and his mini Ollie is still by his side why he is still recovering
When my daughter was born 2 years ago I searched everywhere for something exactly like this as I’d read about the calming affects when you can’t be beside Bub and ended up buying an expensive branded octopus that didn’t replicate the umbilical cord well at all. While I didn’t need it for a medical reason I wanted to try it to help while I was driving and can’t be beside her to help comfort her all the time. Darne Creations mini Ollie is absolutely gorgeous and perfect size for in the car! And so much cheaper than the branded one I had previously brought and this one is hand made! The top quality and abundance of love that you can tell as soon as you pick it up that goes into Sharne’s makes it just perfect.
It would make the best baby shower present even if not for a medical baby!
Absolutely love mine!