Introduction: Developmental care is a combination of interventions that focus on the adaptation of the neonatal environment to support the development of premature infants. Background: Although the concept of developmental care comes from psychology, its application is integrated into the nursing care of premature infants hospitalized in neonatal units. Objectives: A principle-based analysis of the concept of “developmental care” has been carried out in order to establish the theoretical foundations and to propose a conceptualization from a nursing perspective. Method: This article presents the results of the principle-based analysis of the concept of developmental care. Results: A conceptualization of developmental care from a nursing perspective is suggested using the results of the principle-based analysis of developmental care. Discussion: The identification of the theoretical basis of the concept of developmental care is the first step toward the theoretical integration of this concept that comes from psychology in the nursing discipline. Conclusion: The results of this concept analysis and the proposed conceptualization contribute to the development of nursing knowledge. They can guide the practice of nurses working in neonatal units and who provide daily care for premature infants. They can also guide teaching and research on developmental care in nursing.