caregiver-infant interactions

• reciprocity - “shared” / “mutual”


  In infant-caregiver interactions, reciprocity refers to the back-and-forth exchanges that happen between a baby and their caregiver. These exchanges are essential for building a strong emotional bond and supporting the infant's development.
• examples of reciprocity

  • Smiling and gazing: When a caregiver smiles or makes eye contact with a baby, the baby often responds by smiling or making sounds. This back-and-forth interaction helps the infant feel secure and connected.
  • Talking and cooing: Caregivers talk to infants, and the baby might respond with cooing or babbling. This gives the infant a sense of being heard and valued.
  • Physical touch: When a caregiver picks up, rocks, or holds the baby, the baby often relaxes or calms down in return, reinforcing the caregiver’s actions and creating a secure trusting relationship
• Interactional synchrony 


  This refers to the coordinated, rhythmic interaction between a caregiver and an infant, where their behaviors and emotions mirror each other. This synchronization plays a crucial role in building emotional bonds, communication, and social development. Here are some key examples of interactional synchrony in caregiver-infant interactions: to the coordinated, rhythmic interaction where the caregiver and infant mirror each other's behaviors. For example, when a baby smiles, the caregiver may smile back, creating a sense of harmony and emotional connection.
• What is an example of interactional synchrony involving facial expressions?

  Mirroring facial expressions between infant and caregiver
• How does mirroring facial expressions benefit infants?

  It helps infants recognize their own emotions
• What happens when an infant shows a frown?

  The caregiver reflects a concerned expression
• What is turn-taking in vocalizations?

  • Babies make cooing sounds
  • Caregiver responds with similar sounds
  • Mimics a conversation
  • Both take turns making sounds
• What do babies often make to initiate turn-taking?

  Cooing sounds
• How does turn-taking in vocalizations relate to communication development?

  It mimics conversational patterns for infants