In this article, we discuss the care of newborns and infants in day nurseries. We approach childcare within an historical perspective, emphasizing the current childhood situation. Based on the present conceptions of care and caring, and the Lei das Diretrizes e Bases da Educaçao Nacional n. 9394/96 (Brazilian Guiding and Bases Law for the National Education no. 9394/96) we discuss the childcarers' qualification for attending children up to two years old in day nurseries. Considering the education level currently held by nursing professionals, we consider them qualified for the role of providing day care. In this sense, we identify the day nursery as an important social and political space for nursing.