How Attached Is A Baby To Its Parent?

In normal rearing, all children become attached to the mother or the caregiver, as well as to the father if he is attending the baby. This attachment begins very early, in the first month of life itself, when the baby experiences warmth and security in maternal body contact. The baby also becomes familiar with the mother’s body smell, voice, and way of handling and that is why he stops crying when you lift him. In the second week after birth, the baby looks at you momentarily but steadily. At that time there is no intended gazing; but a six week old, full term baby shows muscular facial movements resembling a smile, only to the caregiver. The infant is so sensitive that it can discriminate between relaxed handling and the tense handling, of the mother. If the baby is premature, you should add those many days before you expect this kind of behavior.