Refers to the ability of the parent/caregiver to notice, understand, and respond to their child’s signals in a timely and appropriate manner. It is considered the foundational component because responsive caregivers are better able to support the other four components. Responsive caregiving includes observing and responding to children’s movements, sounds, gestures and verbal requests. It is the basis for: protecting children against injury and the negative effects of adversity; recognizing and responding to illness; enriched learning through enjoyable interactions; building trust and social relationships. Before young children learn to speak, their engagement with their caregivers is expressed through cuddling, eye contact, smiles, vocalizations and gestures. These mutually enjoyable interactions create an emotional bond, which helps young children to understand the world around them and to learn about people, relationships and language. These social interactions also stimulate connections in the brain. Responsive caregiving interacts with all other components and is essential for achieving good health, adequate nutrition, security and safety, and early learning. It includes responsive feeding, which is especially important for low-weight or sick infants.