Photograph of an Infant and Mother An infant begins forming attachments even before she is born. The infant is accustomed to the sounds and smells of her mother, and at birth a newborn infant shows some evidence that she recognizes her mother's voice and smell, based on this prenatal experience. This recognition demonstrates a child's first bonding experience.

Bonding is a connection between two people and is part of the process for forming attachments. While people create many bonds, those formed in early childhood most often refer to the special relationship that forms between a child and the primary caregiver. A child should develop many bonds — with parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and professional caregivers. Through their continuing interaction, all of these people help the child form attachments. Early attachments establish patterns for the way the child connects with people later in life.

Parents often worry that their child will form a relationship with another caregiver, such as a childcare provider, that will be stronger than the relationship with them. Each attachment relationship is specific to a person, and the child is able to form attachments with many people. A child's attachment to another adult will not replace her attachment to parents.