Effects of a sibling acquaintance program on subsequent toddler behavior

Twenty-one women who had uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and who had toddlers less than 4 years of age were interviewed in order to evaluate the effect of a program designed to enhance family participation on a postpartum unit. The incidence of regressive behavior in toddlers participating in the sibling acquaintance program allowing direct sibling contact was compared with toddlers who participated in a program not allowing direct sibling contact. Regressive behavior scores were less for toddlers participating in sibling acquaintance, but the difference was not significant with the exception of toileting behavior at Time 1. Significant differences were found for age and sex. Interaction effects for age and group were noted for sleeping and toileting. Mothers whose toddlers participated in the sibling acquaintance program reported greater satisfaction than mothers whose toddlers did not participate. Bonding between siblings in the sibling acquaintance program was hypothesized to have contributed to the decrease in regressive behavior.