In their second edition of this resource, the editors/authors of Developmental Care of Newborns and Infants, Carol Kenner, PhD, RNC-NIC, FAAN, and Jacqueline M. McGrath, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN, in addition to numerous interdisciplinary experts, continue to provide support for implementing developmentally supportive care measures across the continuum of the newborn and family experience in the NICU and beyond. The author's goal is to provide a resource for all members of the health care team who respond to the unique needs of the hospitalized preterm and sick newborn, as well as their family.

In general, the book is easy to read and understand and the contents flow in a logical progression and presentation of constructs. The revision of chapters and content strengthens the arrangement of information and increases its usefulness as a quick reference. Where appropriate, and new to this edition, the chapters are highlighted by the "Standards of Developmental Care" specifically covered in its content. Helpful in the layout are tables, figures, and boxes that emphasize pertinent information for quick review. In addition, toward the end of each chapter, a table recaps the practice recommendations of the content covered, and references are listed which are useful as a future resource.

Although the book is not organized specifically into parts, the information presented can be grouped into the following areas. The foundation of current research information and theories supporting the implementation of developmental care practices are defined and established repeatedly throughout each chapter and are consistent with the tenets of Family Centered Care. In addition, each chapter presents potential questions for future research. Several authors cite the need for more rigorous and scientifically sound research to evaluate both specific and general environmental changes and their overall impact on morbidity outcomes within this population.

The NICU environment is evaluated and presented in many ways including a revised brief history and evolution of the NICU care area. Within this perspective, continued focus for the bedside nurse includes maintaining developmentally supportive continuing education, requiring developmental care for basic NICU nursing competencies and also the reiteration of the context of emerging developmental care roles. Methods for design change of the NICU environment are addressed in multiple places, and also a review of challenges inherent to the process of change within facilities. A timely addition is the chapter devoted solely to implementing single-family room design and discussion of the challenges inherent to this design. Information regarding the NICU care area is essential to anyone interested in incorporating individualized, family-centered developmental care in their practice setting.

Facilitating a collaborative relationship with the parents as health care partners is a paradigm central to developmentally integrated care of the neonate and continues to be encouraged in this edition. Specific methods to support the parents and extended family unit in their individual NICU experience are contained throughout the text. A thoughtful addition to this edition is a chapter focusing on the challenge of providers to extend humanness in relationships with the infant, their parents, and extended families. A persuasive commentary encouraging further growth of interpersonal skills as a method to enhance the experience of the NICU environment for the infant and their family, as well as the collaborative care team, is provided.

Consistent in this edition, an overview of essential developmental periods remains, as well as a review of the potential impact of maternal, fetal, and environmental risk factors on the neurodevelopmental outcome of the neonate. Also included is continued information on the evolution of the sensory integration process and its potential impact within the NICU environment. Detailed focus continues in the chapters devoted to positioning, feeding, and pain management and is expanded on with the addition of focus on Kangaroo Care and infant massage. Included are multiple recommendations of specific measures to minimize morbidities, implement therapeutic interventions, and promote adaptive developmental responses in the sick neonate, as well as extensive recommendations for follow-up evaluation.

Lastly, the comprehensive index provides quick access to obtain specific information. This text is a useful resource for a variety of disciplines. From the hospital administrator to the developmental specialist, helpful dialogue, processes, and implementation strategies are inherent to the content. Whether beginning developmentally focused care in your nursery, updating your nursery design to reflect current practice trends, or using the text to thoughtfully improve your bedside care, this book has something for everyone interested in providing the best care possible to newborns and their families and is a welcome addition for NICU resources, developmental follow-up clinics, as well as the entire collaborative team.