Make an Isolette Cover
There are two main isolettes used in NICUs in the US. If you're interested in donating your time to make a cover or want to make one for your own hospital, we have created the instructions below for each. Please reach out with any questions! We will update as we create covers for more types of isolettes.
A note on fabric selection: the top side of isolettes can be anything - we prefer patterns that will brighten and bring hope to a scary time for NICU families. The bottom must be dark, solid fabric to create a womb-like environment for babies.
A note on stitching: these covers will go through industrial washers at the hospital. For this reason, I reinforce my stitches and machine bind on both sides.
Draeger Isolette 8000
The Draeger Isolette 8000 is a free-standing isolette. We have included a flap on top to allow the use of a bili light, which is used to treat newborn jaundice, and two flaps on each side to allow cords to be passed through or a single side to be opened at a time.
Making a Draeger Isolette 8000 Cover
1. Cut fabric or quilt to the following pieces:
A (1): 20"x70" with an 8"x18" hole in center
B (2): 16"x20"
C (2): 16"x16"
D (1): 10"x20"
Optional: I like to round the corners that will be flipped often in the hospital (all 4 corners of A and 2 each of B and C).
Quilt with any batting and use a dark, solid color for the backing to make a womb-like environment for the baby.
2. Machine bind:
A (1): 19" up on each long side and the short ends, 3 sides of the hole (leave the short side unbound)
B (2): 3 sides. Leave the long side unbound.
C (2): 3 sides.
D (1): 3 sides. Leave the short side unbound.
3. Add velcro to three sides of piece D and around binding of hole A to match. Reinforce.
4. Sew pieces together in order:
1. B to A
2. C to A
3. D to A
5. Send to Evie G's Sunshine Factory for distribution (or bring to your local hospital):
615 22nd Ave NW
Minot, ND 58703
