title: Developmental care of the preterm infant.
abstract: The infant, both term and preterm, has remarkable abilities for interacting with the environment. Infant care has changed as we have learned more about the infant's capabilities and needs. Preterm infants experience both sensory overload and sensory deprivation in the typical NICU. In the past, care models based on minimal handling or infant stimulation were developed to meet the needs of the NICU patients. Current knowledge has led to the development of comprehensive "developmental intervention" programs, which combine the best of the two previous models and provide optimal developmental care for the preterm or at-risk infant. Parental involvement in the developmental plan is essential. The neonatal nurse can have a positive influence on the preterm infant's outcome by staying informed of current developmental findings, implementing techniques to minimize detrimental stimuli, and providing appropriate stimuli. The most powerful influence on the outcome is support and education of the parents.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lott
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000523:psychology*; D009359:Neonatology; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D013041:Specialties, Nursing