This research was commissioned by Pampers ® to support Positive Parenting Week and the re-launch of its new Active Fit nappy. Positive Parenting Week is supported by Tumble Tots.
The researchers based their study on information collected during the first three years of the Children of the 90s (ALSPAC) project, based at the University of Bristol. This unique, on-going, study is following the health and development of 14,000 children born in 1991/92.
The research found that parents of babies aged six months naturally increased stimulation (through singing, physical play and cuddling) but there were no significant differences in the amount of stimulation a baby received according to whether or not the mothers stayed at home or worked. Babies who were placed in day care were as active as those who stayed at home with mum all day.
Professor Dieter Wolke, child psychologist, member of the Pampers Institute and part of the ALSPAC study team who led the research project commented, "Over 60% of mothers now go out to work, compared with 21% 20 years ago and this trend is likely to increase. Most mothers experience some guilt about leaving their babies, however comfortable they are with their day-care arrangements, so will be reassured by our findings.
"We found no significant differences in how mums actively played with their babies according to whether or not mums worked or stayed at home. Interestingly, both sets of mothers played and talked with their children to a greater extent than their partners did - dads still have some catching up to do!"
Jenny Ashmore, from Pampers, said: "Whether to work or not is a personal choice for all parents, driven by choice or necessity. These results are great news for all mums but working mums will feel particularly reassured. The study has shown the importance of physical, "active" play in encouraging baby development."
Pampers is delighted to be working with Tumble Tots to support 'Positive Parenting Week' which runs from 12th to 17th May 03. 'Positive Parenting Week' was launched by Tumble Tots six years ago to cheer parents on their most important role in life. The week focuses on parenting in a positive manner in order to nurture children's personality traits of confidence, self-esteem and other social skills to give them the best start in life.
¹The research was compiled from the results of the first three years of the 'Children of the 90s' study also known also known as Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). This has been ongoing in the Bristol/Avon area since September 1990.
For full details of the research programme visit www.alspac.bris.ac.uk