Bowlby's attachment phases

Bowlby’s attachment theory outlines three main phases in a child's development of emotional bonds. The first, the “Pre-attachment” phase (birth to around 6 weeks), involves infants showing comfort and attraction to familiar people. The second, the “Attachment-in-the-Making” phase (6 weeks to 6-8 months), is when babies begin to prefer certain caregivers and develop a sense of security with them. The final phase, “Clear-cut Attachment” (around 6-8 months onward), features strong bonds where children seek comfort and reassurance from specific caregivers, forming the foundation for healthy relationships later in life.