Filmed were interactions in a variety of situations of approximately 150 infants from three groups: a preterm respiratory distress syndrome group, a postterm postmature group, and a normal term group. Videotapes were made of interactions involving the infant, mother, father or sibling, a raggedy ann doll, and a mirror. Among findings were that the…

Father involvement with first-born infants in caretaking, affective proximal, and social activities was observed in a naturalistic home setting with mothers also present. Fathers were more involved in social activities, particularly play with the infant, than in physical caretaking. (Author)