Suggesting that if children are treated respectfully from birth, they may have a better chance of gaining confidence and developing good judgment, this book aims to help parents and those who work with babies and young children to understand the children. This goal is accomplished by teaching or "sensitizing" educarers to young children, since basic patterns of life such as trust, endurance, and optimism develop at an early age. Part 1 of the book summarizes RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy, examining what is meant by respecting your baby and the baby respecting you, and explaining in detail the philosophy's basic principles and evolution. Part 2 takes an in-depth look at how to observe infants and how to apply RIE's basic principles in everyday situations. This section also examines the early developmental stages infants go through, from the newborn period until the baby takes his or her first steps. The section discusses issues such as crying, sleeping, safety, and play and how to use the RIE approach in handling them. Also included is a chapter on RIE's benefits for children with special needs, a chapter written especially for new parents, and a chapter on how to choose the best child care situation. Part 3 continues discussing developmental stages, ending in the early toddler phase. Recurring issues such as sleeping and eating are examined, as well as new issues such as toddler behavior, discipline, and tantrums. Each chapter contains comments from parents, stories from the author's work with families, and anecdotes from RIE parent/infant guidance classes. (Contains 14 references and a list of available RIE material.) (EV)