Maternal handling and motor development: an intracultural study

ABSTRACT

Citing a distinction between informal and formal routines used by mothers in handling their infants, we examined formal handling routines, in which the caregiver acts as in a pedagogical manner; these routines are widespread in many non-Western countries. We hypothesised that formal handling servs to facilitate gross motor development during early infancy. To examine this hypothesis, the effect of a Jamaican formal handling routine on a broad range of developmental outcomes was examined. Results showed that the effects were specific to early gross motor development an in particular to postural control along the vertical axis of the body. Information is also provided on other aspects of Jamaican child care. It seems that the handling routine forms part of a folk (developmental) medicine system and may serve not only to promote child health but also as a sort of developmental neurological examination. (AU)