The aim of the Fairy and BLISS 'Support 1 in 8' campaign in 2007 was to help empower parents of premature or sick babies and to support them in becoming more confident to care for their special care baby. BLISS, with Fairy's help, commissioned innovative research into different techniques that enable mums and dads to become closer to their babies, right from the start.

We're lucky that in the UK, hospitals are well equipped with all the latest technology to give premature babies the best possible chance of survival. However, previous research has shown that it is often difficult for parents of special care babies to bond with and care for their new arrival. Due to physical barriers such as incubators, it is often the case that parents are not able to be as 'close' with their baby as they might like, and this can have long-lasting effects on their relationship with each other.

The research looked into the immediate benefits that touch and closeness can have on babies' wellbeing and the adult's experience of being a parent.

The research and campaigns, have signaled the next step in the Fairy and BLISS commitment to helping improve the lives of premature or sick babies and their families.

Visit BLISS News for more on this and other topics affecting premature babies and their families.