Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of parent–infant interactions on child development during the first 18 months of life.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp to a convenience sample of 271 parents in Saudi Arabia. The survey collected demographic data and assessed parent-infant interactions, parental caregiving competence, and infant motor development at 6 and 18 months of age.
Results: The majority of respondents were mothers, and over half had infants aged 1-6 months. Approximately half of the mothers and fathers reported planned pregnancies. Mothers demonstrated higher levels of caregiving efficiency and daily interaction with their infants than fathers. Complete motor development was observed in more than half of the infants at 6 months and in nearly half at 18 months. Infant motor development at 6 months was significantly higher in infants whose fathers interacted with them on a daily basis. At 18 months, complete motor development was significantly associated with the child’s sex, as expected by the mother, and with having siblings.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the reciprocal relationship between parent and infant interactions and early childhood development. Strengthening parental engagement, particularly paternal involvement, and enhancing maternal self-efficacy may positively influence developmental outcomes.

Key words: Impact, parents-infant interactions, psychological distress, child development, milestones.