When Do Babies Become Attached to Mom? Understanding Infant Bonding

As a new parent, one of the most common and heartwarming questions you might ask yourself is, “When do babies become attached to mom?” The connection between a baby and their mother is one of the strongest bonds that can exist, but it’s not always immediately obvious. It’s a gradual process that evolves over time. In this article, I’ll break down the stages of attachment and provide insight into when and how this special bond starts to form.

The First Signs of Attachment: Early Infancy

When you first bring your baby home, it may feel like they're entirely dependent on you for everything – feeding, soothing, and comfort. But attachment doesn’t happen overnight. In the very beginning, babies are in a phase known as “pre-attachment.” They may recognize your voice and the smell of your skin, but they don’t yet have the cognitive ability to form an attachment.

How Babies Recognize Mom Early On

While babies can't form strong emotional bonds right away, they do start recognizing their mother from birth. Studies show that newborns are particularly sensitive to their mother's voice and scent. I remember when my own baby was just a few days old, and when I held him close, his eyes would light up, even though he couldn’t understand much yet. It was clear that he had already started to recognize me as a source of comfort and safety, even though full attachment was still a few weeks away.

Attachment Begins to Develop: Around 2-3 Months

Around the 2 to 3-month mark, babies begin to show more interest in their caregivers. This is when the early stages of attachment start to take form. While babies still rely on their reflexes and instinct to seek comfort, they now begin to respond to your facial expressions and voice with more recognition and warmth. It’s a fascinating shift.

Signs of Attachment at 3 Months

By the time your baby is 3 months old, they will start to develop a sense of trust in you. You may notice them following your face with their eyes, or even smiling when they see you. At this stage, babies begin to seek their mom’s attention, often reaching out, making cooing sounds, and attempting to make eye contact.

I remember a few months after my baby was born, I started to see more intentional interactions – it was thrilling to see him smile back at me. It felt like we were forming an understanding, a connection that was beginning to deepen.

Stronger Attachment: 6 to 9 Months

Around the 6-month mark, babies develop the ability to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar faces, leading to what experts call “specific attachment.” This is when your baby will start to show clear signs of attachment. It’s not just about recognizing you; it’s about seeking comfort and reassurance from you when they’re upset or frightened.

Separation Anxiety and Clinginess

As your baby reaches this stage, you may notice them becoming anxious when you’re out of sight. This is perfectly normal and is a direct result of their growing attachment to you. It can be tough when your baby cries as soon as you leave the room, but it’s actually a sign that they’re forming that deep emotional bond with you.

Honestly, I found myself feeling a little sad when my baby started crying whenever I left the room. But now, looking back, I realize that his need for me meant he was becoming attached and secure in our relationship.

Secure Attachment: 9 Months and Beyond

By the time your baby is 9 months old, you’ll notice a more distinct attachment. They will begin to seek you out for comfort during stressful situations and start to differentiate between you and other caregivers. At this point, your baby may become more protective of their relationship with you. They’ll want to be held by you and will likely show a preference for your presence.

The Role of Mom in Emotional Development

As babies develop attachment, they also learn to regulate their emotions through their relationship with their mom. The attachment process provides a safe foundation for emotional growth. This bond helps your baby feel secure enough to explore the world, knowing they can always return to you for safety and comfort.

For me, one of the most rewarding experiences was seeing my baby gain confidence and begin to explore independently, knowing I was always there to support him.

Why Attachment Matters

Attachment isn’t just about emotional security – it’s foundational for social, emotional, and cognitive development. The bond formed in the early months of life influences how a child will form relationships throughout their life. Babies who form secure attachments with their mothers tend to have healthier relationships as they grow older.

In fact, studies show that secure attachment can even influence a child’s ability to manage stress, build self-esteem, and form trusting relationships with others. So, this bond you’re nurturing is not only about comfort in the moment, but it’s shaping their future.

Conclusion: The Journey of Attachment

So, when do babies become attached to their mom? It starts early, around 2 to 3 months, and strengthens as the months go by. It’s a process that happens gradually, growing from recognition and trust to deep emotional bonding. It’s not always easy when your baby is clingy or anxious, but it’s an essential part of their development, one that sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy emotional relationships.

Remember, each baby is different, and while some babies may form strong attachments earlier than others, this process will always be meaningful and special. As a parent, this bond is something you can cherish and nurture as it deepens over time.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.