Hospital Hugging Programs
Doctors and nurses are discovering human touch and skin-to-skin hugs play a vital role in a baby's development and some hospitals are accepting trained volunteers to act as baby huggers.
Huggies® funding has helped these hospitals set up the facilities and equipment necessary for volunteer huggers to rock, cuddle, sing and hug, sometimes for hours at a time, providing a human touch whenever parents can’t.
No Baby Unhugged Hospitals
Currently, No Baby Unhugged programmes have launched in some communities across Canada and we're working hard to continue rolling it out at others all over Canada.
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Programme since
December 2019
Funding was spent on
Expanding volunteer coverage to offer more hugging within the NICU, orientate volunteers and purchase equipment and materials such as whiteboards for the patient rooms, smocks, and soothing aides like sound machines.
Michael Garron Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
Programme since
December 2019
Funding was spent on
Promoting hugging and skin-to-skin within the NICU, including rocking chairs, positioning devices, recruitment and training for new huggers and more vital equipment to support the comfort and development of our tiniest patients. Within the hospital, specially trained volunteers are available from 9:00a.m. – noon p.m. every night.
Markham Stouffville Hospital
Markham, Ontario
Programme since
November 2018
Funding was spent on
Extending volunteer hugging program hours from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every night, books for families to read to their baby during their stay in the NICU, as well as music stations in baby areas
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Programme since
January 2018
Funding was spent on
Growing the program and providing rockers to ensure more babies are getting the proper hugs they need. Additionally, the hospital purchased a sofa bed for those families wishing to stay overnight and be closer to their child.
Victoria General Hospital
Victoria, British Columbia
Programme since
April 2017
Funding was spent on
Volunteering training, chairs to hug and rock babies, supports to hold babies, volunteer uniform so they are easily identified in the hospital, and communication materials for families.
Cape Breton Regional Hospital
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Programme since
January 2016
Funding was spent on
Extending volunteer hugging program hours from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every night, books for families to read to their baby during their stay in the NICU, as well as music stations in baby areas
Southlake Regional Health Centre
Newmarket, Ontario
Programme since
April 2015
Funding was spent on
Expanding the programme from three to five volunteers, breast-feeding equipment, including breast milk fridges, and Hug Care chairs for hugging.
How can we help you?
By supporting No Baby Unhugged, you're showing your belief in the power hugs for your baby and all babies in Canada. When you sign up, we’ll thank you by sending you FREE Huggies® newborn diapers and wipes. Conditions apply*.
