Familial allomaternal care exposure is predictive of infant development.

Abstract

This study assesses whether increased exposure to allomaternal care (AMC, or non-maternal care) is associated with improved infant motor and social milestone attainment. Typically developing infants aged 13-18 months (n=102) were assessed by their mothers using the previously validated National Center for Health Statistics' Motor and Social Development Scale (MSD). AMC exposure from birth to present was quantified using four AMC predictor components. Exposure to Highly Involved Familial AMC has a significant medium effect on MSD score, such that infants experiencing more of this type of care score higher. Familial AMC is associated with improved milestone attainment, suggesting that learning experiences are enhanced by these interactions, although further cross-cultural studies are needed. If future studies confirm the positive effects of AMC interactions on early developmental outcomes, this may help explain the selective pressures for extensive AMC.