Making a case for studying the ecologic niche of the newborn.

A major focus of theory building in nursing relates to further conceptualization of human-environmental interaction and multidimensional systems that support or do not support health. There is a growing body of knowledge regarding the newborn and his skills, and the transactions and interactions between the newborn and his environment. The newborn cannot be considered in isolation from his environment for it is this interaction with the environment that provides opportunities for organization of his behavior, physiologic functions, and regulatory processes. The caregiving environment and the newborn's interactions with this environment form the ecologic niche of the newborn; one that will enhance or impede the infant's behavioral differentiation and organization, early adaptations, later development, and the infant's interactions with his parents and other caregivers.