Ages 0 to 6 months

Frequent visits (up to three) throughout the week should be permitted, for short periods of time. This is more tolerable and beneficial for the infant, and doesn't disrupt their routine. Recommended amount of time is 1 to 4 hours to begin, and once established (parents are working well together), then one of the visits can be for up to 8 hours. Parents working together means they are sharing information about feeding, diapering, and napping routines, and are able to discuss the child's routine and preferences, and send familiar objects with the infant (blanket, toy, etc.).

               Ages 7 to 18 months

Frequent visits (up to three) throughout the week are recommended, for short periods of time. The goal is to build up relationships between the toddler and visiting parent. Up to 12-14 months, these visits should be a half day in length; after 12 months, visits can be extended to a full day

(8 hours), possibly both weekend days, with the child sleeping in their own bed at night in between. Parents need to spend time sharing information about the child's routines and interaction patterns. If there is a high degree of familiarity in both homes, longer visits or extended times may be tolerated by the toddler. It is not recommended that overnights occur due to the stress created by such a separation from the primary caregiver and the risk to disturbing the child's routines.

Ages 19 to 36 months

Frequent visits (1 to 3) throughout the week, consisting of up to eight hours of time are recommended. If there is no relationship established, shorter visits are helpful to help the transition. If the relationship is established, overnights may be tolerable for this age if the parents are coordinating the support of these visits: taking blankets/stuffed animals, talking about coming and going, taking a picture of the absent parent, discussing the child's behaviors and routines (eating/sleeping habits). Two weeks in between overnights are also recommended.

In all the age groups listed above, extended time (e.g. a week or more) away from the primary caregiver is not recommended. This is a level of separation which research has shown to cause distress for the child because the child has not yet developed the concept of object constancy, (knowing Mom/Dad will be there when they are separated), and need visual (seeing Mom or Dad) reassurances.

Notes:

	Consider daytime visits if the non-custodial parent works afternoons or evenings.
	These are guidelines. Each situation needs to be judged individually based upon what is in the best interests of the child(ren).