In South Africa, many infants spend more time with carers other than their parents due to socio-economic demands on mothers. Carers thus play an important role in the infants' lives. This qualitative study explored child carers' knowledge and understanding of the 'first 1000 days' initiative and their perception of themselves as attachment figures. Seven home-based and nine creche-based carers working in Cape Town, South Africa were included. None of the child carers were aware of the 'first 1000 days' initiative. They did, however, describe themselves as being attuned and sensitive to the needs of the infants in their care, placing a high personal value on their work, and acknowledging their role as an attachment figure. Furthermore, these carers felt their role was underestimated by both parents and the broader public. Home-based child carers were particularly vulnerable as all spoke of their needs being overlooked by their employers.