What is attachment?

'Attachment' is the relationship between you and your baby/child — which enables them to feel safe and keen to learn and explore. Attachment is not there at birth. It develops over the first few months.

A secure attachment in the first year of life has been shown to have a positive effect on social, emotional and mental development. It helps children deal with the challenges of growing up.

Talking, reading and singing to your child — even when they are really small — can help to develop the attachment you share with one another. So can eye contact, touching, being physically close, playing, and providing comfort at times of distress.

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