[The capabilities of the newborn and the parent's role.].

T. Berry Brazelton's newborn behavioural evaluation scale is described here in a perspective of parental education with regard to the post-natal period. The presentation to the parents of the diverse sensory and motor capacities of their newborn infant, contributes to the development of an intimate understanding of the early signals of their child. Such an understanding can facilitate parent-child interaction and can increase the chances of the child's optimal development. In this regard, it is suggested that the Brazelton method be introduced in professional, medical and nursing training programs.