Promoting Secure Attachment in Babies

1. Understand the Developmental Milestones

• By 4 weeks: Look for facial expressions or movements in response to your smile.
• By 3 months: Expect your baby to smile back at you.
• By 4 to 6 months: Your baby should turn to you and expect comfort when upset.
• By 7 to 8 months: Your baby will have a special response for you and may be upset by strangers. They may also respond to your stress, anger, or sadness.

2. Parental Behaviour for Secure Attachment

• Consistent Response: Always respond promptly to your baby’s cries, especially by the 3rd month.
• Emotional Availability: Be emotionally present and avoid conditions causing psychological tension.
• Eye Contact and Smiling: Engage in eye contact and smile frequently with your baby.
• Physical Affection: Practise skin-to-skin contact, cuddle, and pat your baby regularly.

3. Practical Techniques

• Early Skin Contact: Implement early skin-to-skin contact (e.g., kangaroo care) immediately after birth to increase oxytocin levels, which helps in calming the mother and improving bonding.
• Babywearing: Use baby carriers instead of strollers to promote closer physical contact and bonding.
• Room Sharing: Share the same room with your baby after birth to facilitate early contact and breastfeeding.

4. Monitoring and Interaction

• Frequent Interaction: Talk to your baby, call them by their name, and engage in eye-to-eye contact.
• Recognize Stress Signals: Be aware of how your baby responds to your stress, anger, or sadness. If they do not respond to you or show interest in people, consult a healthcare provider.

5. Supportive Environment

• Socio-Economic Stability: Address socio-economic factors that may impact secure attachment, such as poverty.
• Psychological Well-being: Create a stress-free environment to prevent conditions that cause psychological tension.

6. Maternal Touch

• Frequent Touch: Regularly touch and hold your baby to reduce their cortisol levels and foster a positive experience.
• Positive Parenting: Engage in positive parenting behaviours, avoiding punitive measures.