Parent-infant Communication differs by Gender shortly after Birth

Mothers are more likely to respond to their infant’s vocal cues than fathers, and infants respond preferentially to mother’s voice, according to a new study. Researchers also found that mothers may be more likely to vocalize back and forth with female babies compared to male babies. “We know that talking and playing with an infant improves cognitive and language skills,” said senior author Dr. Betty R. Vohr of the pediatrics department at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. “Early conversations start in infancy and infants appear primed to communicate shortly after birth,” Vohr told. “Both mothers and fathers can play an important role in their infant’s developmental progress.”

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