Volunteers are spending hours cuddling babies in the ICU at the Sierra Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo.
The cuddler program has 35 shifts a week, beginning at 4:30 a.m. through midnight.
Hospital staff say there are about 40 cuddlers who work each week.
Coordinators say the program is very popular, and they have many people applying for the opportunity.
"The doctors and nurses say that the more the babies are held, the faster they grow, the faster they heal and the faster they can get out of here to breath real fresh air and be with their families." says program coordinator, Debbie Wachtel.
Organizer say the program is so popular, all their spots are filled, and the waiting list is full.
