What size should I pick?

It's honestly your choice! But here's some tips from what other Mama's are doing: We recommend a Mini Ollie for Premature & small NICU babies (it will look big for a long time). The regular size is perfect for term babies & toddlers. You can always upgrade in size as your baby grows. In the end its whichever you like best!

What are the benefits of a NICU Octopus?

Mimics the umbilical cord, providing familiarity and comfort. May prevent accidental removal of medical equipment, reducing trauma. Can 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.

Mini Bowie the Rainbow Octopus

Name: Mini Bowie the Rainbow Octopus
Brand: Darne Creations
Price: 84.97 AUD
Availability: InStock

For the Rainbow after the storm

handmade NICU octopus for rainbow babies or for mums who have had miscarriages or lost babies during pregnancy, or had a stillbirth.

$84.97

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

Buy ANY x2 Save 10% - CODE: buytwo

Buy ANY x3 Save 15% - CODE: buythree

TRUSTED BY 2900+ FAMILIES

Deisgned to honour our Rainbow Babies

Suitable for NICU/Hospital & at home use.

Absorbs parent’s scent for reassurance

Handmade in Adelaide

Helps reduce heart rate and improve respiratory rate for NICU babies.
Encourages bonding with parents through its soft, textured design.
Handmade with love by a heart mum and midwife.
Bowie becomes a part of your families story of loss and hope.

Every Bowie the Octopus is lovingly handmade to order just for you. We don’t mass produce — each one is carefully crocheted with comfort and care in mind.

Please allow 4-6 business days for us to make and pack your order before it ships. DURING BUSY PERIODS PLEASE ALLOW 10-15 BUSINESS DAYS TO HANDMAKE BEFORE SHIPPING.

Thank you for supporting small, meaningful craftsmanship.

Bowie: ~ 24cm long

Please note each Bowie is individaully handmade so each one may vary a little in size.

Enjoy $8.97 Flat Rate Shipping on all orders.
Usual turn around time 4-6 business days. Plus Shipping
Please keep in mind every Octopus is handmade to order.

Free Returns on eligible products within 15 days of delivery.
No questions asked.

Care for Hand Crocheted Items

Gentle Warm Machine Wash
Always use a Wash Bag
Dry Flat (no pegs as it will mark)
Do Not Bleach or Iron

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Created to celebrate our beautiful babies who arrive after loss, but also to honour the journey that came before them. 💔

Because behind every rainbow baby is a story of love, loss & hope.

And sometimes, a story that only another rainbow mama can truly understand.

Bowie is my little tribute to all of your babies, all of your families, and all of the emotions that come with loving a baby after loss.

Whether your rainbow baby is already in your arms, you’re expecting one soon, or you’re still waiting and hoping… Bowie the Rainbow Octopus is for you.

Our crochet Octopuses are specially designed for NICU babies and now loved by families both at NICU and at home around the world. Bowie is handmade by a midwife and heart mama with her small team of helpers, and offers a lifeline of connection, security, and love for the tiniest fighters and their families.

Why families love Mini Ollie & Mini Bowie:

Promotes calm and relaxation: Mimics the feel of the umbilical cord, helping to reduce heart rate and respiratory rate.
Encourages bonding: Provides a way for parents to connect with their babies during medical journeys, and at home.
Thoughtfully handmade: Each Ollie/Bowie is crafted with care for ultimate comfort and quality.
NICU-friendly design: Perfectly sized for tiny hands, using soft, baby-safe materials.
A gift with meaning: Loved by families and backed by real stories of hope and healing.

Bowie isn’t just a comfort item—it’s a heartfelt gift that makes a difference in the lives of babies and their families.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Why choose Bowie?

Deisgned for Rainbow Babies

Beautifully designed in a rainbow pattern to honour the ones we have lost and cherish the Rainbow's we have been blessed with.

Proven By Research

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.
They work just as well for babies at home too.

Promotes Bonding

Bowie helps parents bond with their baby during those tough NICU moments, and at home too. Providing comfort and connection when it’s needed most.

Handmade in Adelaide

Each octopus takes about 2 hours to crochet, embroider, and package with care and love by a NICU mum and her small team of mums.

How it works

Keep Bowie 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.

Hospital-Grade Cleanliness

Made with durable, high-quality premium Chenille, Bowie the Rainbow Octopus can be safely washed at 100°C, ensuring it's clean and hygienic for even the most delicate NICU babies.

Thoughtful Gifting Made Easy

Whether for a NICU family or a new little one at home, Bowie is the perfect gift to show love and support during life’s most tender moments.

Our signature Octopuses are loved by 2800+ families

FAQs

Absolutely! Ollie’s calming features and comforting design are perfect for all babies, whether in the NICU or at home. 😊

Over 50% of our customers use their Ollie's for their little loved ones at home.

Perfect for helping with settling, sleeping, prams, car trips, tummy time and more. Especially when you can't hold them all the time!

Ollie smells like mama, and the tentacles keep your little one calm.

And we all know a calm baby means a calm and happy Mama.

It's honestly your choice! But here's some tips from what other Mama's are doing:

We recommend a Mini Ollie for Premature & small NICU babies (it will look big for a long time).
The regular size is perfect for term babies & toddlers.
You can always upgrade in size as your baby grows.

In the end its whichever you like best!

Mimics the umbilical cord, providing familiarity and comfort.
May prevent accidental removal of medical equipment, reducing trauma.
Can 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.

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.

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

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.

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."