[MaryGlynn]

GENERAL CRAFTING GUIDELINES:
Please read through the following guidelines before you begin working on items for HAIN.

• All yarn and material used must be soft and washable.
• All items must be washed before you donate them, see below for our washing instructions.
• Be sure to label all items you make, that way hospitals and parents know who to thank if they wish.
• Place finished items in a plastic bag to keep germs and unpleasant smells away.
• Make sure you fill out donation forms whenever you send a donation.
• Please make items with lots of love, be sure it is something you would be happy receiving.
• Many hospitals prefer open back gowns, makes it easier to dress the baby (Call them for specifics)
• No metal zippers or snaps, these can get hot in isolette beds and burn the babies skin.
• No long ties in the neck area of any items made for living babies.
• Be careful using velcro on premature baby items, their skin is very fragile.
• No large buttons on preemie clothing, they lay alot and this would be uncomfortable.
• Wash items first, and then add any decorations afterwards.
• Please don't use elastic in the arms of the baby gowns.

WASHING INSTRUCTIONS:
One of the most important steps is making sure that you wash every item that you make.

All volunteers must make sure that all items made are washed. Whether you smoke, have pets or not our homes still accumulate odors and we need to make sure the items we are sending out are free of those odors. Some babies and children have allergies and cannot be exposed to such odors or pet hair.

Hospitals and our other requesters are happy to receive items, but if they smell like smoke, food, or contain pet hair they may not use the items and they could get tossed or the hospital staff may have to wash the items, and we want to avoid that. So please use these simple steps ensuring that your hard work will not be wasted and that we do not put babies and children at risk.

When washing your items use a fragrance free, dye free detergent (such as Dreft, All Free Clear, Purex Free & Clear) Please do not use dryer sheets or fabric softener, if you wish to use a fabric softener, use vinegar it will soften the fabric as well as remove unwanted odors. Place the items in some sort of plastic container or bag once it is out of the dryer to keep it clean.

Thank you for taking the health of the babies and children seriously.