Research Analysis on Family Caregiving for Infants and Toddlers Aged 6–36 Months in Tianhe District, Guangzhou

Objective: To understand the current status and influencing factors of family caregiving for infants and toddlers aged 6–36 months in Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, with the aim of better comprehending the physiological and psychological needs of infants and toddlers, and assisting families in developing effective intervention measures and support strategies. Methods: In November 2024, a random sample of 311 infants and toddlers aged 6–36 months from the permanent resident population in Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, was selected. Caregivers were surveyed using a questionnaire regarding family caregiving practices for infants and toddlers. The Kruskal-Wallis’s test, Mann-Whitney test, and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to examine the influencing factors of family caregiving for infants and toddlers. Results: The findings indicate that the quality of family caregiving is significantly influenced by the educational level of the parents (p < 0.001) and the annual household income (p < 0.001). Work-family conflict showed a significant negative correlation with the quality of family caregiving (β = -0.239, p < 0.001), while family atmosphere demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the quality of family caregiving (β = 0.225, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, the quality of infant and toddler caregiving is determined by a combination of key factors, including annual household income, parental educational background, work-family conflict, and family atmosphere. These elements collectively form the core determinants of caregiving practices for infants and toddlers.