In 1970, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital published groundbreaking studies. For the first time, research showed how important eye contact and physical closeness were for strengthening the emotional bond between child and parent.

Rainbow’s research had a rapid impact and inspired pediatricians all over the world. Young families began to receive information about the benefits of creating an emotional bond to their child as early as possible. Mothers were encouraged to carry their babies close and fathers to become more involved in the care of their newborns.

One of these pioneering pediatricians was Dr. John Lind of Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. At the time, he was considered radical because he talked to new parents about the importance of touch and emotional closeness before they had even left the maternity ward.

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