As babies develop in the womb there is limited stimuli around them, they will see changes in light, hear muffled noises and explore themselves and their surroundings through touch. One of the most significant objects they interact with is the umbilical cord. 

Ultrasound images have captured babies touching, squeezing, and even playing with the umbilical cord as early as the second trimester. This tactile exploration is an important part of their sensory development and may help them feel comforted. The soft, smooth texture provides something to hold onto, which can create a sense of security and calmness. In this way, the umbilical cord becomes the baby's first comfort object.

When baby is born, this familiar object is lost. Recognising this, here at Oscar the Octopus we wanted to provide baby with something that replicated the feel of the umbilical cord, and offered continuity from the womb. Oscar's front tentacles are designed to be soft, smooth and curl like the umbilical cord, offering a sense of familiarity and reassurance to newborns, helping the transition from the womb to the world.

This concept echoes the success of the Danish Octo Project, which has gained global attention for its impact on premature babies in neonatal care. In this initiative, crocheted octopuses with soft, spiral-shaped tentacles were provided to premature babies in neonatal intensive care units. The tentacles act a replacement to the umbilical cord and make them feel connected to the womb. Research found that premature babies holding the crocheted octopuses showed significant improvements in their well-being, with more regular breathing patterns, improved heart rates, and better sleep. Parents and staff observed that the babies seemed more relaxed, and many infants stopped pulling at medical tubes and wires, focusing instead on gripping the octopus tentacles.

As research continues, objects like Oscar are proving that sometimes the simplest designs can have the most profound effects. Whether in a special care baby unit or at home, providing babies with a familiar, comforting object is a gentle way to ease their transition into the world and offer them a sense of calm.