Attachment

Birth - 6 weeks Baby orientates towards mother, follows them with their eyes, and turns to mother’s voice. Complete attachment not yet complete and baby is still comfortable with unfamiliar people

6 weeks to 6 - 8 months Infant becomes more attached to one or more persons in the environment. Begins to show different reactions to familiar people versus strangers. Separation anxiety not yet present

6-8 months to 18-24 months Infant cries and shows distress when separated from the caregiver (separation anxiety). This phase can occur as early as 3 months. On being returned to the caregiver the crying stops. Child shows preference for selective caregivers and will seek to be near them

18 months to 2 years+ Child begins to understand that their caregiver may leave and return so separation anxiety lessens. Child may be less physically clingy but may begin to find more intelligent ways to influence their caregiver to get their needs met (bribing and sulking for instance)

Step 1 Parent and infant play alone Step 2 Stranger joins them Step 3 Parent leaves room Step 4 Parent returns, stranger leaves Step 5 Parent leaves (child completely alone) Step 6 Stranger returns Step 7 Parent returns

70%

15%

15%

Disorganised - mix of anxious avoidant and anxious resistant

Autonomous

Pre-occupied

Dismissing

Unresolved