Hazards in infant care may occur in an institution, day care setting or family day care home whenever caretakers disregard the individual needs of infants. Whether group care of infants becomes a mental health hazard or a resource depends upon several factors. In such situations, an infant may fail to establish the close ties with a single mothering person basic to the development of trust and dependability. Adequate protection for the infant from accidents and infection presents another hazard. Another consideration is that a baby can be bombarded with too much stimuli. Also, in a group setting, a baby may lack exposure to sufficient and appropriate toys. If caretakers are too busy or preoccupied to respond to the infant's first babblings, his language may not develop adequately. When there are too few caretakers to provide physical contact, cuddling, and playtime, the infant's growth and learning may be delayed. However, when the caretaker recognizes the individual need of each child and tailors a varied and interesting program to him, healthy development can result. Parents, too, may benefit from education and support in their task of raising children. (WY)