Attachment

What is Attachment?

Attachment is a lasting, close emotional connection between two people — in this case, an adult and an infant. Attachments begin developing at birth through one-to-one interactions between adults and infants.

Why are Early Interactions Important?

Early positive interactions are essential to healthy attachment because the brain is developing rapidly during the first year. Early interactions shape the wiring in the brain and establish patterns for how the child will develop relationships as she grows older.

Infants who form secure attachments develop wiring in the brain that supports their ongoing ability to form healthy relationships. Children whose earliest attachments are negative or insecure may have continuing difficulty developing healthy relationships. (See the secure vs. insecure page for more information).