At what age does the majority of attachment bonds begin to form?

The majority of attachment bonds begin to form during infancy, specifically within the first year of life. This period is crucial for emotional development, as infants start to establish strong connections with their primary caregivers, typically their parents. Through interactions such as feeding, comforting, and consistent care, infants develop a sense of security and trust. This attachment is fundamental for the child’s emotional and social development and sets the stage for future relationships.

During this time, infants signal their needs and emotions, and caregivers respond, reinforcing the bond. By around six months to a year, children show clear attachment behaviors such as seeking closeness, expressing distress when a caregiver departs, and showing joy upon reunion. These behaviors illustrate how vital the early stages of life are in forming secure attachment bonds that have lasting implications for emotional well-being throughout a person's life.