At this age, infants secure a special preference for a certain single attachment figure. The baby begins to show a fear of strangers and despair when separated from their preferred attachment figure. Fear of strangers and separation anxiety is different in every infant, varying in intensity. This is evidence that the child has formed an attachment. The baby has particular people they turn to for security, comfort, and protection. 

University of Colorado at Denver

A child's attachment generally develops in phases as they grow:

•	0-6 weeks of life is known as the asocial phase

•	6 weeks to 7 months indiscriminate attachments are formed

•	7-9 months specific attachments are created

•	10 months and onwards, multiple attachments are established

Attachment Phases in Babies

McLeod, S. (2009). Attachment Theory. www.simplypsychology.org /attachment.html. http://www.psych205.com/uploads/2/6/3/0/26304200/simplypsychology.org-attachment.pdf

Attachment Theory (McLeod)

During this phase, different kinds of stimuli, which can be both social and non-social, produce a positive response, like a smile.

Asocial Attachment Phase (0-6 weeks of life)

During this time, infants are pleased by human company and most babies react equally to any caregiver. They become distressed when an individual ends an interaction. Around 3 months of age, babies tend to smile more at faces they are familiar with and are comfortable with a regular caregiver.

Indiscriminate Attachments (6 weeks-7 months of life)

Specific Attachments (7-9 months of life)

The baby gains more independence and has formed several attachments at this point. A majority of infants have formed multiple attachments by 18 months of age. Studies show that attachments do not form with the person they spend more time with, rather with the person who responds more accurately to the baby’s signals. When forming attachments, playing and communicating with a child is more important than feeding and changing the child which shows that responsiveness is the key to forming healthy attachments.

Learn Before

Related