Developmental care, which includes sensory minimization, has been the predominant model of care in the NICU since the 1980s, because the bright and noisy environment, which exceeds sensory standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is understood to adversely affect growth and development of the preterm infant. In support of developmental care principles, NICU staff makes efforts to reduce modifiable stimuli to the high risk infant in the NICU. However, developmental care has mixed results. There is emerging research on the positive effects of sensory stimulation for preterm infants in the NICU.