How it all started
Beth Morris, a neo-natal nurse from Warwickshire, had a passion for sewing since she was a child. She used to make clothes for her dolls and later for her own children. But it was not until she started working with premature babies and their parents that she realized there was a gap in the market for specialist clothing for them.
Premature babies need clothes that are not only small enough to fit them, but also allow medical staff to access wires, tubes and monitors. Most of the clothes available in shops are either too big, too tight or too impractical for these babies. Beth decided to use her sewing skills and experience to create clothes that would meet the needs of both the babies and the staff.
What is SuperDinky?
SuperDinky is the name of Beth’s company that provides custom-made clothes for premature babies. She launched it in 2023, after 13 years of working as a neo-natal nurse. She makes the clothes at her home, using soft and breathable fabrics that are gentle on the babies’ skin. She also designs the clothes with snaps, buttons and Velcro that make it easy to open and close them without disturbing the babies.
Beth offers a range of clothes, such as vests, sleepsuits, hats, mittens and blankets, in different sizes and colours. She also personalizes the clothes with the babies’ names or initials, and adds details like bows, flowers or stars. She sells the clothes online, through her website and social media, and delivers them across the UK and abroad.
Why is it important?
Beth says that her clothes are not only practical, but also emotional. She says that dressing their babies is a way for the parents to bond with them, and to feel that they are normal and beautiful. She says that many parents have told her that her clothes have given them hope and joy in a difficult time.
Beth also says that her clothes are empowering for the staff, who can provide better care for the babies without compromising their comfort or dignity. She says that many staff have thanked her for making their job easier and more enjoyable.
What are the challenges?
Beth admits that running a business while working as a nurse is not easy. She says that she has to balance her time and energy between her two roles, and that she sometimes feels overwhelmed by the demand. She says that she makes about 20 to 30 orders a week, and that she often works late at night or early in the morning to finish them.
Beth also says that she faces some competition from other companies that make clothes for premature babies, but she believes that her clothes are unique and superior. She says that she uses her expertise and feedback from the staff and the parents to improve her products and to create new designs. She says that she is always looking for ways to make her clothes more functional and fashionable.
What are the goals?
Beth says that her goal is to reach more parents and staff who need her clothes, and to raise awareness about the issues and challenges of premature birth. She says that she wants to support the neo-natal community, and to celebrate the lives and achievements of the premature babies.
Beth also says that she hopes to inspire other people who have a passion or a skill to use it for a good cause. She says that she never thought that her hobby would turn into a business, and that she is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. She says that her motto is: “A small spark can create a big fire”.
