A sketch of some of the major advances in the field of infant development precedes a discussion which points out five policy implications of the research findings and explores the paradox that public policy lags far behind the current improved state of knowledge. Reasons for societal lack of attention to the needs of infants and for the worsening conditions to which infants are exposed are specified, as are encouraging signs of increased attention to problems facing infants. Listed are concrete examples of such changes, including conferences and publications providing examples of early prevention and intervention programs, statewide publicity efforts, and cover stories on infant day care in nationally distributed magazines. Concluding remarks focus on what researchers can do as advocates in order to move policymakers to take action, and to influence the impact of an amendment to the Education of the Handicapped Act (PL-99-457), and federal legislation, called SOBRA. This legislation allows states to offer Medicaid to families with children up to 2 years of age whose incomes are less than the national poverty level and who do not receive welfare services. (RH)