The quality of care during the first months and years of life has important implications for a child's development. A baby is completely dependent on a caregiver to fulfill the basic needs of food, comfort and safety. Nurturing fulfillment promotes optimal development and facilitates a secure attachment relationship between caregiver and child.

However, maltreatment such as abuse or neglect may compromise development and cause social, cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems as the child grows. Children who experienced maltreatment early in life may suffer from a condition called attachment disorder.