Affective tone in a toddler measured during transitions between multiple caregivers

The transitions between multiple caregivers, and to sleep, were observed in a male toddler of separated parents. Transitions between five caregivers were rated on a five‐point Likert‐type scale as to affect displayed by the toddler. An analogous scale was used to rate the toddler's affect at the time he was going to bed. Results indicate that transitions involving the toddler coming into the care of his parents are less disturbing than those involving his coming into the care of other caregivers (grandparents, babysitter, daycare). No correlation was found between daily events and bedtime affect. A significant difference found between scores given to transitions involving the toddler's going from and coming into the care of his mother is interpreted as indicating that the mother is the most essential caregiver. The findings are in disagreement with recent research which has suggested that divorce and nonmaternal daycare can be damaging to the child's attachment and general socioe‐motional well‐being.