A rational approach to increasing the quality of infant caregiving environments requires knowledge of the interrelationships among three major aspects of caregiving: the adult, the infant and the environment in which care is provided. This presentation focuses on desired traits of caregivers and on the needs of infants. In addition to warm personal qualities, caregivers should have a belief in the personhood of a baby, knowledge of the institutional system in which caregiving is done, a sense of humor, sensitivity to individual differences among infants, ability to play enthusiastically and be creative with an infant, an understanding of the necessity of firm and fair limits, receptivity to early talking efforts and a willingness to model language, and an ability to match performance with the developmental levels of individual children. Babies need satisfying attachments with the special people who care for them, floor freedom, learning experiences they can assimilate, the opportunity to learn social skills such as respect for the rights of others and helpfulness, and adults who are sensitive to their present levels of competence and who provide appropriate environements, experiences and toys. A baby whose learning is precious to the caregiver has a firm base from which to grow. (Author/RH)