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The Power of Staying Close
In 1970, physicians at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital published landmark research showing the power of early bonding between parent and infant. For the first time, they demonstrated how simple eye-to-eye contact helps build the bond that supports a baby’s development. Jonathan Fanaroff, MD, JD—Neonatologist, Director of the Rainbow Center for Pediatric Ethics, and son of Dr. Avroy Fanaroff (a pioneer in neonatal care)—highlights how babywearing supports this bond.
Dr. Jonathan Fanaroff
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Dr. Jonathan Fanaroff has been committed to improving the lives of the tiniest babies during his entire career as a doctor. He is a neonatologist at UH Rainbow, and professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland. He spent his early days in life in the very same department, where his father, Avroy Fanaroff, was a professor as well. They are both great believers in the importance of closeness for babies. Jonathan Fanaroff is also the Director of the Rainbow Center for Pediatric Ethics at UH Cleveland Medicine Center.
Rainbow’s Babies and Children’s Hospital
At Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, which UH Rainbow’s Babies & Children’s is an affiliate, a groundbreaking study explored the importance of physical closeness for newborns and showed that babies thrive when they experience skin-to-skin contact and emotional bonding with their caregivers. The study also showed health improvements such as better weight gain and reduced stress in babies.
Dr. Avroy Fanaroff was a member of the medical team that conducted this influential work, which helped shape modern neonatal care, emphasizing the critical role of nurturing touch and parental presence.
Why baby carriers help
According to Dr. Fanaroff, a front-wearing baby carrier with a secure, close fit is well-suited for nurturing the parent–infant connection. In their first months, babies face their parent, benefiting from visual contact and body warmth—which helps them adapt to life outside the womb. Baby carriers also provide ergonomic support for a baby’s spine, hips, and head.
More than comfort
“The parents’ natural movements help calm babies and ease stress,” explains Dr. Fanaroff. “Newborns can be carried facing inward for closeness, and as they grow facing outward to safely explore the world.”
A trusted perspective
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s is consistently ranked among the top U.S. children’s hospitals for newborn care. Based on decades of research on bonding, the hospital supports the use of front-positioned baby carriers, such as those from BabyBjörn, to help families keep their babies close from the very beginning of life.
“Parents’ natural movements calm babies and ease stress—carriers keep little ones close from the start.”
Dr. Jonathan Fanaroff’s Insights on Bonding
• Early closeness helps babies feel secure and supports healthy development.
• Front-facing babywearing nurtures connection through warmth, touch, and eye contact.
• Gentle motion and physical contact can calm babies and ease stress for both parent and child.
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