This personalized approach to the baby promotes positive self-esteem (Bettelheim, 1987) and develops the baby’s body awareness and social responsiveness (Gerber, 1979). “An infant who is encouraged to actively participate in his or her care will be challenged to master his own care as he grows older” (Gerber, 1979, p. 38). Allowing babies to be included in their care influences how they develop in later life.
