The development and use of the Parent Behavior Progression (PBP), a method to evaluate parent-infant interactions, are discussed. Two forms of the PBP contain six levels, beginning with an affective base providing for parent-infant attachment, and concluding with a more cognitive or growth promoting orientation. Considerations in the use of the PBP are discussed in terms of parental self confidence, feelings, and the infant's effects on parenting. Legal and ethical issues concerning the use of the PBP with parents are briefly examined. Future efforts will be directed at making the PBP specifically appropriate for handicapped and at risk infants and at refining the instrument for program evaluation purposes. (CL)