Registered midwife Kylie Fraser said all newborn babies at the hospital had a woollen hat put on them soon after they were born.
When babies were born they could lose heat "really super quick" and lost most of their body heat through their heads, she said.
The hat went on as soon as the baby was dry and helped them stay safe and warm.
Wool was the perfect material for newborns, as the breathable material helped them retain their body temperature without the risk of overheating.
It was not only practical, but also served as a memento for the parents to keep.
"Some of them (the parents) are so overwhelmed with gratitude."
They were also given a ribbed singlet and other knitted goodies, such as booties.
The maternity centre had a regular stream of community knitters. However, the lockdown had disrupted the flow of clothing and the centre was running low of clothing fit for full-term babies, she said.
"Our supplies have been getting quite low . . . we only have enough for a week or two left."
Staff members shared the message that stock was low on social media and the centre had already had a few packages dropped off outside the hospital.
"It’s a really lovely thing that the people of Dunedin are able to provide the new mothers," she said.
The centre could not accept any secondhand clothing, as the risk of infection was too high.
