If you have the love and the time, you may find that your special calling in the world is being a “baby cuddler” at a local hospital. I’m going to tell you what that means and how you can help.
What Is a Baby Cuddler?
It is exactly what it sounds like. Volunteers go into NICU units in hospitals around the country and hold babies.
Sometimes babies in the NICU don’t have parents there with them 24/7. It’s understandable that Mom and Dad have to go home to be with their other kids, or go to a job, or just need to get some much-needed sleep. Having you stand in the gap and love on their baby when they can’t be there will give those parents so much solace.
Some babies are born of drug-addicted moms who may be neither willing nor capable of giving the special kind of love babies need. Those babies can suffer all sorts of horrible problems that fall under the heading of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
NAS may mean that a baby is born prematurely, or that it has seizures and/or birth defects. Some babies have tremors, tight muscles, vomiting, sleep problems, and trouble eating and breathing. Babies from moms who abused drugs are also prone to high-pitched, excessive crying.
If I’m being honest, it’s hard for me to even write about. Picturing those tiny, precious angels suffering from such violent and ugly problems hurts me so badly, I can barely think about it. You probably feel the same way.
Before I go any further, if you or someone you love is pregnant and addicted to drugs or alcohol, there is help for you. Talk to your doctor right away and click here to find help through your state.
As a baby cuddler volunteer, your job is to give babies what doctors say is so very important – skin to skin contact and human comfort.
You don’t walk around with the baby, nor do you feed it. You’ll sit with it and simply be present. You can sing, or talk, rock or pat. Doesn’t matter so long as that fragile treasure feels loved and safe in the arms of someone who cares.
The hospital where you volunteer will train you, but you already know the most important part.
Your love is genuinely healing.
When a baby is swaddled safely in the arms of someone who cares, science has proven again and again and again that healing is happening.
There is no higher calling than to love one another, and loving a baby is a legacy we can leave that could potentially last for generations. An infant who is loved can grow into a Mom or Dad who has children and then grandchildren.
How to Become a Baby Cuddler
Don’t expect to show up at a NICU and pick up a baby. For good reason, that’s not the way volunteering as a baby cuddler works.
Each hospital has its own rules and needs. Sometimes hospitals will call upon the public via TV interviews or on hospital websites. I would suggest that you call the hospitals in your area and speak to someone in charge of volunteer services.
You can also visit Born to Kuddle where you’ll find a state by state list of volunteering opportunities.
Would you like to be a baby cuddler? Have you already volunteered in a NICU? Please share your ideas and experiences in the comments. If you have additional info that would help folks find a way to help, tell us about it.
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297 comments on “Please Volunteer to Be a NICU Baby Cuddler”
Would love to volunteer my time to help someone out Who needs to cuddle.
I have been looking for a volunteer opportunity that fits me since I retired. I really would love to do this!
I would love to volunteer to Cuddle Babies.
 I have recently moved to Arizona from NC.Â
I have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren living out of State.
 My husband and I are both disabled but we would love to help with the Cuddle Babies, we have back and knee pain that keeps us from being able to work publicly.
 Our names are
Connie Sue Holzman and William R. Holzman
928-978-6266 or 336-301-7960Â
Please give us a callÂ
Hi …I owned 2 Childcare Centers….plenty of experience. Â I am retired now but still have lots of love to give. Â Any need in the South Georgia area?
Yes l can help
Hawkesbury Hospital Windsor NSW Australia
Hi!Â
My name’s Sue Griffiths.Â
I’m at the stage in my life where I need to do something worthwhile. My children are older and doing their own thing, and I need to give something back.  I would love to help. Many thanksÂ
Would luv to b a baby cuddle. They say I give the best hugs anyway ha ha. I luv my grandchildren & have more luv n hugs to give. I work full time but could spare at least 2 hrs a nite for sure or on w’end. I don’t sleep much either . I live in Adelaide. I’m 60
Are there hospitals in South Africa who has needs for these Volunteers ?
Baby cuddles do such a worthwhile service.
I’m wondering if a y Auckland hospitals require this help?
Hi I am a retired nurse of 3 years and would love to be a cuddle mum.
Would love to get more details as to what is required of me.
Regards Julia Noble.
I have been trying to cuddle for years- I call and never hear back from the hospitals.Â
I would love to be baby cuddle
Are there any hopitals in area of Rome, Syracuse, Mohawk Valley that need baby cuddles?
I want to be a baby cuddler.
I live in Western Massachusetts. On disability and have plenty of time..is there a hospital near by? I would do this in a heart beat!
Just retired as a NICU nurse after a total of 45 years in the field. I was always drawn to the babies who had been exposed to drugs in utero. I told my colleagues that I am going to be a baby cuddler when I grow up. Time to make that dream come true.
I would love to hold the babies or one baby. Do u have any in Ocala Fla. Or in Gainesville Fla
I want to be a part of thisÂ
I would love to do this !!!
I would love to come in love a cute lil baby. Please tell me were to sign up at
I would love to be a part of these babies life.
Ive always wanted to do this. Charlie in Maryland
I would love to be a baby Cuddler for a few hours a week
I would love to become a NICU KuddlerÂ
I live in Bronx NY and I drive I have 5 children 3 are grown and I have plenty of time on my hands
I would love to volunteer
I would love to do this. Please tell me where I can sigh up ,
I would love to be a cuddler and help these precious babies!
My life would be completely fullfiled to be able to hold precious babies!!! Unfortunately, in my area I’ve not been able to find any..