Hospital staff have dressed poorly babies in “ugly jumpers” for Christmas – to try and bring a smile to their parents’ faces.
Workers at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare in Florida knitted comfy tops in bid to lift spirits during the festive period.
They said they wanted to do something fun for both their patients and their families – for whom having a baby in intensive care can be very stressful.
The cute costumes were made by hard-working night nurses and the photos were sent home to delighted parents.
As the babies will be unable to spend the festive holiday at home, the team hoped to “normalise the NICU environment and keep families’ spirits high”.
Heather Dahmer, director of children’s services at the hospital, said: “Having your baby stay in the hospital for a holiday can be very stressful for families.
“When a holiday comes and goes without their child at home, parents feel like they’re missing out.
“Our incredible NICU team goes above and beyond to create memories and make the holidays extra special for our families.
“It allows families to look past all the alarms and cords and have a sweet, special memory of their baby’s first Christmas.”
The hospital advises parents against allowing babies to sleep with items placed on top of them in the crib – and said the costumes were purely for photos.
