When do babies show attachment

For attachment as it pertains to adoption , readers can consult the entry in this encyclopedia on adoption. Attachment theory is based on the idea that the bond between an infant and his or her primary caregiver is the crucial and primary influence in infant development and as such forms the basis of coping, the development of relationships, and the formation of personality. If the mother is absent or not available, a primary caregiver serves the role usually assumed by the mother.

Attachment refers to a relationship that emerges over time from a history of caregiver-infant interactions. As adults nurture and interact with infants during the first year of life, infants organize their behavior around these caregivers. Attachment is a phenomenon involving physiological, emotional, cognitive, and social processes. The baby displays instinctual attachment behaviors that are activated by cues or signals from the caregiver.

Therefore, the process of attachment is defined as a mutual regulatory system, in which the baby and the caregiver have an influence on one another over time. The caregiver's presence provides a feeling of safety and security for the infant. Once this relationship is established, the preference tends to remain stable, and a shift of attachment behavior to a new or strange person becomes more difficult. Some theorists believe that the attachment system evolved to ensure that infants and caregivers remain physically close, and that the infant is protected.

Thus, in order to survive, an infant must become attached to the primary caregiver, who is stronger and wiser regarding the dangers of the world. The caregiver is a safe refuge, a source of comfort and protection, and serves as a secure base from which the infant can explore.

Research has shown that babies and caregivers demonstrate an instinct to attach. Babies instinctively reach out for the safety and security of the safe haven they have with their primary caregiver, while parents usually instinctively protect and nurture their children. Children who start their lives with the essential basis of secure attachment fare better in all aspects of functioning as their development progresses.

From a behavioral perspective, attachment is represented by a group of instinctive infant behaviors that serve to form the attachment bond, protect the child from fear and harm, and aid in the infant's protected exploration of the world. These behaviors include:. All of these behaviors assist in facilitating the maximum physical and emotional development of the child. These particular behaviors may vary from one culture or society to others, but the attachment relationship appears to be universal.

From an emotional perspective, attachment is the development of a mutual bond in which the primary caregiver positively influences infant development through the interactions and relationship that person has with the child. Babies are unable to regulate themselves and become overwhelmed by their emotional states, including those of fear, pleasure, and sadness. Babies are unable to keep themselves in a state of equilibrium, as they lack the skills to control either the intensity or the duration of those emotions.

In an attached relationship, babies rely on their primary caregiver to help them navigate the world. The primary caregiver serves as a secure base that is used for exploration and learning. At the same time, the infant forms the necessary skills of self-protection and intimacy. Other important functions that a secure attachment between an infant and his or her caregiver serves for the developing child include the following:.

Children will display distinct attachment styles, which can be loosely defined as either secure or insecure. Secure styles show a child consistently connected to the primary caregiver, with a firmly established sense of trust and a nurturing response; however, insecure styles of attachment have features of instability.

Several milestones occur over the course of their first year as infants form an attached relationship with their primary caregiver. These milestones include the following:. From 12 to 18 months, as they start to walk and crawl, children use their attachment figure as a secure base from which to go out and discover the world and as a safe haven to which to return when frightened or alarmed.

Children with secure histories have been shown to be more determined, enthusiastic, and competent in problem-solving as toddlers. During this time, the attachment relationship is characterized by an increased tolerance for separation and an ability to cooperate with others. The child is learning to balance his or her need for independence, self-discipline, and exploration and the need for love and protection from the primary caregiver.

However, as preschool approaches, children are still susceptible to a variety of dangers. Therefore, attachment behaviors, such as wanting to stay close to the primary caregiver and displaying occasional separation anxiety are adaptive processes, not regressive ones. Western culture has often portrayed this type of behavior as controlling or attention-seeking. What makes attachment secure , rather than insecure, is the quality and responsiveness of the interaction with your baby and a willingness to notice and repair a missed signal.

Parenting is frequently touted as the hardest job you will ever do. It is amazing how one tiny being can require so much work. But no one is able to be fully present and attentive to an infant 24 hours a day.

Every parent needs help and support in order to stay relaxed, calm, and engaged. The kind of multitasking required to care for a baby while simultaneously interconnecting emotionally with the infant can be harder for fathers information travels more easily across the part of the brain known as the corpus callosum in women, making multitasking of this nature easier.

However, with a little more effort, dads can still achieve the same results. Ideally, a secure attachment bond develops without a hitch. But if either you or your baby is dealing with a problem that interferes with your ability to relax and focus on one another, a secure attachment bond can be delayed or interrupted.

Most babies are born ready to connect to their caregivers, but sometimes babies have problems that get in the way of secure attachment. These include:. The sooner more challenging problems are identified, the easier they are to correct. For help, you can turn to your pediatrician, an infant mental health specialist, or someone trained in early intervention.

Parents who themselves did not experience a secure attachment bond when they were infants may have trouble emotionally connecting with their babies.

Other challenges that can get in the way of your ability to bond with your baby include:. Jeanne Segal, Ph. Bonding with your Baby — Why bonding is important, how your baby interacts, and ways to get support.

Developmental Milestones — Detailed list about developmental milestones that relate to bonding. Learning, Play and Your Newborn — Play is the chief way that infants learn how to move, communicate, socialize, and understand their surroundings.

Communication and your newborn — Learn how newborns communicate and what to do if you suspect a problem. Kids Health. This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support.

So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments. Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled. Cookie Policy. What is secure attachment?

A secure attachment bond stems from the wordless emotional exchange that draws the two of you together, ensuring that your infant feels safe and calm enough to experience optimal development of their nervous system.

Secure attachment provides your baby with the best foundation for life: an eagerness to learn, a healthy self-awareness, trust, and consideration for others. What is the secure attachment process? Why is secure attachment so important? When babies develop a secure attachment bond, they are better able to: Develop fulfilling intimate relationships.

Maintain emotional balance. Feel confident and good about themselves. Enjoy being with others. Rebound from disappointment and loss. Share their feelings and seek support. Is that frequently breaking an attachment bond?

Can the primary attachment change to the caregiver on those days, i. Cause when she just turned 1 I have to go back to work. It feels like I will ruin the bond we have build now.

She is 5 months but already obviously very attached to me, since she often starts crying when I am not the one holding her. Attachment Parenting International recognizes that, in many homes, both parents work. This article was very helpful whether you have a baby in your life or not because it helps you to be prepared. I like how you included the different ages and how babies respond accordingly.

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