The comforting behaviors of nurses caring for four postoperative neonates were examined by analyzing 40 hours of videotaped caregiving. Using the techniques of qualitative ethology, 30 periods of distress were identified. During these periods, 98 episodes of direct tactile and verbal comforting occurred. The types and patterns of comforting touch are delineated. Observations revealed that comforting occurs in response to infant cues, comfort touch had limited effect in settling the infants, infants were often distressed for long periods without being comforted, and the infants were handled as normal infants without regard for their incisions. Suggestions for further research are presented.