The non-custodial parent and his infant

Infants perceive divorce as a violation of the routines of everyday life. They are forced to cope with the collapse of their most familiar unit of caregiving frame, which is vital for proper growth and development, which may cause developmental arrest or regression in the infant. Although many factors, related to both parents and infant are involved, this paper aims to describe the special needs of infants and toddlers in relation to their non-custodial parent (usually the father). Despite the dearth in empirical research data, there has been a growing recognition among professionals of the vital role played by the non-custodial parent in the postdivorce adjustment of the infant. The paper refers to the empirical field research, mostly with older children. To promote a better adjustment of an infant caught in the midst of divorce, some guidelines for visitation arrangements are suggested in view of the normal developmental milestones. Parental conflict and other parental factors, which might influence the non-custodial parent-infant relationship and are potentially hazardous to a smooth and proper development, are also discussed briefly.