National statistics show that the single greatest cause of infant deaths is premature birth which accounts for one half of all infant deaths in the first month of life. As pediatricians well know, the tragedy is that many of these infant lives could be savedif given the specialized care needed. Despite the fact that at least 1 in 20 babies is born prematurely, a great many practitioners have little specialized training in the care of these infants and little knowledge of their particular problem.