ABSTRACT
In a comparison with full-weight babies, their behaviors were seen as significantly different on days 1, 3, 5, and 10 in motor reflex behaviors, but more importantly perhaps to parents, in scores of attractiveness, use of external stimuli, and the interactive measures of visual, auditory, and tactile communication. Over years of experience in assessing newborn babies, parents have been struck by the pronounced individual differences between them. These differences affect both the way an infant will participate in early interaction, and the way parents will respond. Parents seem to be programmed to look for and value the individuality of their particular baby. The more that fathers and mothers can be encouraged to use this powerful psychological energy for recognizing characteristic responses and strengths in their babies, the firmer their early relationship will be. The most fortunate families are those who enjoy a fit between the baby's individuality and the family's capacity to nurture.
