This study aims at investigating developmental changes in the patterns of mother-infant interaction, at early stages of the baby's development. A mother-infant dyad was observed and video recorded at home at four moments of the baby's development: 02, 10, 15 and 21 weeks. The modifications in the nature of the interaction, in the partners' activities (e.g. vocalization, speech, smile), in the kinds of stimulation promoted by the mother (e.g. directed to herself or to objects), and in the different interactional contexts were examined. Results were consistent with the literature in the area and have expanded it. It was possible to identify interactions as reciprocal processes of engagement which became gradually more frequent and complex. Mother-infant interactions were identified since early stages. They were characterized and illustrated the differentiated nature of activities of the partners and interactions at distinct moments of the baby's development.
Interaction; mother-infant interaction; infant behavior
