SOFT BABY CARRIER USE AND MATERNAL VOCAL RESPONSIVITY AS MEASURED AT 3-1/2 MONTHS

Abstract

Forty healthy, full-term neonates and their mothers were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group mothers were given a soft baby carrier in which to carry their infants and the control group mothers were given a plastic infant seat. Data were gathered on the amount of infant and maternal vocalization at two days post-partum, two months of age and at three-and-a-half months of age. Maternal responsiveness was measured at two months of age and at three-and-a-half months of age. Results indicate that the pattern of maternal-infant vocalizations differed between the two groups. Experimental group dyads were found to share a more correlated pattern of vocalizations. In addition, the experimental group mothers were found to be more contingently responsive to their infants.