The Baby Cuddling Programme
Because Every Baby Deserves To Be Held.
A free programme from the Joss Stone Foundation helping hospitals safely introduce Baby Cuddling Volunteer Programmes through practical training, real-world experience and compassionate care.
While travelling, Joss Stone discovered hospitals where trained volunteers were helping comfort babies in neonatal units. She also realised many hospitals wanted to introduce similar programmes but lacked the guidance and practical framework to do so safely.
Working alongside Cheryl Allmon, Director of Volunteer Services at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the Foundation created this free programme to help hospitals bring the same compassionate, structured approach to neonatal care.
✓More comfort for babies
✓More support for families
✓More help for NICU teams
✓More impact for your hospital
WHY IT MATTERS
Human Touch. Proven Impact.
Research shows that gentle, responsive touch can support medically vulnerable babies by promoting neurodevelopment, reducing stress and strengthening parent–infant bonding alongside expert clinical care. Around the world, hospitals have introduced Baby Cuddling Programmes, allowing trained volunteers to comfort babies when parents cannot always be present. Not as a replacement for nurses. As an extension of compassionate, family-centred care.
Nearly 20 years in practice.
Cheryl Allmon has led the Baby Cuddling Programme at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital for almost two decades, training volunteers, supporting NICU teams, and comforting thousands of babies along the way. This programme brings that same experience to your hospital, right from the
A PROGRAMME DESIGNED FOR HOSPITALS
Everything you need to take the first step. Whether you’re exploring the idea for the first time or looking to strengthen an existing volunteer programme, this training has been designed to support you through every stage of implementation.
Two learning pathways. One shared purpose
For Hospital Teams Build and manage a sustainable Baby Cuddling Programme. A practical pathway for volunteer coordinators, managers and NICU leaders responsible for implementing and overseeing the programme. ✔ Planning and implementation ✔ Volunteer recruitment and screening ✔ Safeguarding, governance and compliance ✔ Long-term programme sustainability
For Volunteers Prepare to comfort babies with confidence. A heart-led training pathway that prepares volunteers to work safely alongside healthcare professionals within the NICU. ✔ Understanding the NICU environment ✔ Safe cuddling and hygiene ✔ Communication and professional boundaries ✔ Supporting babies and families
What’s Included
✓ Self-paced online learning
✓ Downloadable templates and implementation guides
✓ Certificate of completion
✓ Free access for hospitals and volunteers
HOW IT WORKS
FAQ
Is the programme free?
Yes. The Baby Cuddling Programme is provided free of charge by the Joss Stone Foundation. Hospitals and approved volunteers can access the training, resources and supporting materials at no cost.
Does it replace nursing care?
No. Volunteers complement, not replace, clinical teams. They provide comfort and compassionate support within clearly defined boundaries, always following each hospital’s policies, procedures and clinical guidance.
Can we adapt it to our hospital?
Absolutely. Every hospital is different. The programme is designed as a practical framework that can be adapted to your organisation’s existing safeguarding, infection prevention, volunteer management and governance procedures.
Who should complete the training?
The programme includes two learning pathways:
• Hospital Teams – for volunteer coordinators, NICU managers, administrators and leaders responsible for implementing and managing the programme.
• Volunteers – for approved volunteers preparing to support babies safely within the NICU. Each participant completes the pathway relevant to their role.
Will volunteers receive certificates?
Yes. Participants receive a certificate of completion once they have successfully finished the training, recognising that they have completed the programme. Any additional onboarding or approval requirements remain the responsibility of the individual hospital.
Is the programme evidence-based? Y
Yes. The training is informed by current evidence on neonatal care and compassionate touch, and has been developed in collaboration with experienced healthcare professionals. It also draws on nearly two decades of practical experience implementing a Baby Cuddling Programme at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
