This book shows professionals who support the families of newborns how to strengthen the infant-parent relationship through use of an observational tool and information on child development and infant mental health. The Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) system is an individualized infant-focused, family-centered observational tool designed to be used by practitioners to describe an infant"s competencies and individuality. Its goal is to strengthen the relationship between parent and child and to promote the development of a supportive relationship between clinician and family. This book presents the NBO system (a set of 18 items), its content and uses, the theoretical framework on which it is based, and a set of clinical guidelines for its use as an educational tool with families beginning in the newborn period.