Lengthy or repeated hospitalization in infancy. Issues in stimulation and intervention.

Given that environmental stimulation is inevitable, the role of intentional stimulation programs for infants in hospitals should be to modify the environment to provide adequate and appropriate developmental opportunities. Given the discomforts that are inherent in hospitalization and illness, maximizing comfort is of primary importance. For infants who are particularly at risk, maximizing their motivation as active learners and their parents' sense of competence and control supersedes any other stimulation agenda. Reinforcing areas of health in the infant and the infant-family relationship should be a focus during the vulnerability of hospitalization.