How To Become a Baby Cuddler for Your Local Hospital’s NICU

Baby Cuddler is a very real and needed volunteer position in many local hospitals. Babies who are born prematurely, have a serious health issue, or are suffering from some form of addiction will often spend considerable amounts of time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). During this time, they are often separated from their parents for significant amounts of time. Baby Cuddlers are a group of volunteers who spend time holding babies throughout the day so that they experience the physical contact and love that is needed during infancy. https://www.tiktok.com/@amyericho/video/7324132758949793067?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7322415507784255006 If this sounds like a calling for you, here are the keys to signing up as a volunteer baby cuddler in the NICU: Research Programs in Your Area Do a Google search for "volunteer baby cuddler programs" along with your city or region to find hospitals near you that offer this volunteer opportunity. Check the volunteer section of local hospital websites to see if baby cuddler positions are listed. Contact the volunteer coordinator at hospitals in your area to ask if they have a NICU baby cuddler program. Review the Requirements Each hospital has its own criteria that baby cuddler volunteers must meet, but common requirements include: Being at least 18-21 years old Passing a background check Committing to a regular volunteer schedule, usually a 2-4 hour shift each week Having prior experience holding and caring for babies Completing health clearances like vaccinations and TB tests. Some hospitals may have additional health clearance requirements for NICU volunteers Submit an Application Fill out the volunteer application form, providing details like your contact info, availability, relevant experience, and references Some hospitals may have a waitlist for their baby cuddler program due to high demand. You can ask to be added to the waitlist if the program is currently full. https://www.tiktok.com/@worthfeed099/video/7308502476985093418?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7322415507784255006 Interview and Orientation If accepted after applying, attend an interview with the hospital's volunteer services staff. Complete hospital volunteer orientation and training specific to the NICU and baby cuddler role. This usually includes topics like patient privacy, infection control, and emergency protocols. Learn about the special needs of premature and sick infants in the NICU. Get instruction on how to safely hold, swaddle, and comfort NICU babies Understand the medical equipment and monitors used in the NICU Sign a confidentiality agreement and agree to follow all hospital policies Volunteering as a baby cuddler is a wonderful way to provide comfort and care to vulnerable infants. With some research and by fulfilling the requirements, you can make a meaningful difference for these babies and their families during a challenging time. To get started in Fayetteville, contact Cape Fear Valley Volunteer Services at 910-615-6783 for more information. Providing love and comfort to these tiny patients is a highly rewarding volunteer opportunity.