Toddlers who have strong bonds with their parents appear to make better playmates, a new study suggests.

US researchers monitored the progress of 114 toddlers aged two years and nine months. The children's attachment to their mothers was assessed and parents also reported on the children's temperament, such as being fearful in social situations and being prone to anger.

When the children were aged three years and three months, they were paired off with each other and observed on three different occasions over a one-month period.

The researchers found that securely attached children were more responsive to their new playmate during their first meeting, even if the playmate was prone to anger.

The securely attached children continued to be more responsive during subsequent meetings if their playmate did not get too angry. If they were very angry, the securely attached children did not tend to react favourably.

Securely attached children were also more positive in their interactions overall.

"Securely attached children are more responsive to suggestions or requests made by a new peer partner. A child who has experienced a secure attachment relationship with caregivers is likely to come into a new peer relationship with positive expectations," commented Prof Nancy McElwain of the University of Illinois.

These children were also more likely to make requests and suggestions when playing with another child, rather than making commands or behaving intrusively, such as by grabbing a toy off someone.

The researchers concluded that children who feel securely attached to their parents are more likely to be responsive and positive playmates.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, Developmental Psychology.