Volunteering to Help Premature Babies

Each year, tens of thousands of babies are born prematurely in the UK. These tiny arrivals often spend weeks or months in neonatal units, while their families face an uncertain and stressful time. There are several meaningful ways to volunteer and support both the babies and their loved ones.

If you're unsure what level of check your neonatal volunteering role requires, you can get clarity using our free DBS Check Guide.

Before starting any volunteer role, check that you're covered by the charity's insurance policy, particularly if you'll be transporting medical supplies. Most organisations will also need you to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when working with vulnerable families, though they typically arrange and pay for this themselves.

Finding opportunities near you

Most premature baby charities operate locally or regionally. Your nearest neonatal unit is often the best starting point for volunteer opportunities.

Established charities like Bliss, Cherished Gowns for Angel Babies and Tommy's work across the UK and can direct you to local programmes. Many smaller groups operate through individual hospitals. Hospital volunteer coordinators can advise on current needs and application processes.

Some units have waiting lists for popular roles like baby cuddling, while others urgently need help with crafting or administrative tasks. Some charities have formal application processes with interviews and training; others operate more informally through local networks.

Making clothes and blankets

One of the most accessible ways to help is through crafting. Charities welcome volunteers who can knit, sew or crochet items for premature babies: tiny hats, cardigans, blankets and sleeping bags that provide warmth and comfort.

Items must be made to specific patterns. Premature babies have delicate skin and particular medical needs, so everything must be soft, washable and designed without buttons or ties that could cause problems. Most charities provide guidelines and approved patterns to ensure safety standards are met.

Some volunteers also make memory boxes, special blankets or burial clothes for babies who don't survive. This work requires sensitivity but provides comfort to grieving families who want their child treated with dignity.

Finished items are collected, professionally washed and quality-checked before distribution to neonatal units. You can usually drop off pieces at local collection points or post them directly. This volunteering suits people who enjoy crafts and can work accurately from patterns, entirely from home in their own time.

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Transporting supplies and supporting families

Specialist courier groups transport donated breast milk, blood products and medical samples between hospitals and milk banks. Donated breast milk is particularly valuable for premature babies whose mothers cannot initially breastfeed, helping strengthen immune systems and reduce infection risk. Rural hospitals especially rely on volunteer couriers.

You'll need your own reliable vehicle, a clean driving licence and good knowledge of local roads. Charities provide training on handling medical supplies safely, plus any necessary protective equipment and insulated packaging. Most courier work happens during normal hours, though emergency runs can be needed at any time.

Having a premature baby can feel isolating and frightening. Support groups bring together parents who understand what each other is going through. As a volunteer, you might help run group meetings, organise activities or provide administrative support. Some volunteers act as mentors, offering one-to-one support to new families.

This work involves listening skills and emotional sensitivity rather than specific qualifications. Most organisations provide training and ongoing supervision, plus guidance on data protection requirements.

Providing comfort through touch

Research shows that gentle human contact helps premature babies develop and stay calm. Some neonatal units run volunteer programmes where trained helpers spend time holding and soothing babies when parents need a break or cannot be present.

This involves sitting quietly with a baby, offering gentle touch, soft conversation or humming. It helps regulate the baby's heartbeat and breathing while giving parents respite.

These programmes aren't available everywhere, as they require significant resources and training. Each volunteer needs preparation on infection control, baby handling and recognising signs of distress, plus health checks and enhanced DBS screening. Units usually require regular weekly slots over several months to build trust with families.

Time commitments vary by role. Crafting fits around your schedule; support group work or cuddling schemes usually require regular weekly commitments. Most charities will discuss what works for both sides. Whatever type of volunteering appeals to you, the support you provide will be valued by families going through an incredibly difficult experience.

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