This work aimed to analyze the holding provided by nurse aides, nurses, mothers, and fathers to infants newborn hospitalized at the middle risk neonatal unit of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo. This is a qualitative descriptive study based on Winnicott's theoretical framework. Data were collected by means of videotaping. Results demonstrated that there are some professionals who fail in providing holding, whereas others provide it satisfactorily. Although parents provide adequate holding, at times they fail to do so. We believe that it is necessary that the caring practice must be reevaulated, so that all members of the team, and also mothers and fathers are able to provide adequate holding for the infant's development.
Child development; Child care; Infant newborn