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.
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.
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.
