Baby Cuddlers Celebrate Be Kind to Humankind Week (Aug. 25-31)

In honor of Be Kind to Humankind Week (August 25-31) some volunteers will build homes for needy families, some will feed the hungry, some will mentor teens in dangerous neighborhoods. A few will stay indoors snuggled up with a blanket…and a baby. They're called Baby Cuddlers, and they spend their afternoons giving much-needed attention to newborns in hospitals and orphanages around the world.

Baby Cuddling programs grew out of the "crack baby" epidemic of the early '90s when many newborns were removed from their parents and placed in the temporary care of the hospitals. Researchers found that human touch was essential for these children to develop into healthy adults. Today's Baby Cuddlers also spend time snuggling with infants who must stay in the hospital for extended periods of time due to premature birth or other medical conditions.

"Baby Cuddlers make a lasting difference in the life of a developing infant" says Jamie Littlefield, Senior Editor of Children's Issues at CharityGuide.org. "It's an easy way for volunteers to help an infant grow into a happy, healthy child." Baby Cuddling is one of many flexible volunteerism ideas offered on CharityGuide.org.

Anyone that passes a background check and meets a hospital's age requirements can become a Baby Cuddler. Snuggling with new babies is a favorite of senior women, young married couples, and anyone who wants to spend a few hours a week bonding with a newborn and relaxing in a rocking chair. Hospitals with Baby Cuddling programs provide free training and assistance to new volunteers.

Volunteers interested in becoming Baby Cuddlers should do the following:

1. Learn the basics of Baby Cuddling programs. More information about Baby Cuddling can be found at: http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/baby-cuddlers.htm

2. Contact a local hospital volunteer line to see if they have a Baby Cuddling program in place. If not, encourage them to start one.

3. Undergo required T.B. testing and a background check.

4. Complete a basic training course.

To find more unique ideas for flexible volunteerism during Be Kind to Humankind Week visit: http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/child-protection.htm

###