What facilitates the attachment process?

• A. Proximity
• B. Routine feeding
• C. Proximity and interaction
• D. Genetic similarity

Answer: (C)

Attachment grows from close, responsive engagement between caregiver and infant. Being physically near gives the baby access to the caregiver’s warmth, soothing, and ability to read cues, which creates safety. But closeness by itself isn’t enough; attachment strengthens when that proximity is paired with attuned interaction—eye contact, gentle talking, comforting, following the baby’s lead, and reflecting the infant’s emotions in a timely, sensitive way. This back-and-forth responsiveness teaches the baby they can rely on the caregiver, forming a secure bond. Routine feeding can support bonding, but it does so mainly when it’s coupled with these reciprocal interactions; feeding alone doesn’t establish attachment. Genetic similarity doesn’t influence how attachment develops.