A group of orphanage-reared children received extra interaction in 5-min daily sessions for 6 weeks. Their mental and psychomotor development (Bayley Scales) were compared to a matched group of infants who were subject to routines at the institution during the same period. Between-group comparisons revealed improved scores for the experimental group. Within-group comparisons indicated that the experimental group had a greater rate of improvement from pre- to post-test than the control group. The differences were present to some extent after a 6-month follow-up. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.