Which of the following is considered a component of bonding behavior?

• A. Proximity and interaction
• B. Sleep training
• C. Eye color
• D. Bottle temperature

Answer: (A)

Bonding is strengthened when a caregiver stays physically close to the baby and engages with them in a warm, responsive way. Proximity creates opportunities for shared attention and shared emotion, while interaction—talking, singing, eye contact, touch, and soothing—helps the baby read the caregiver’s cues and feel safely connected. These close, responsive exchanges release soothing signals and help establish a sense of security, laying the foundation for a strong bond.

Sleep training focuses on developing sleep routines and patterns rather than the ongoing closeness and responsive exchanges that drive bonding. Eye color is a biological trait with no impact on caregiver–infant bonding. Bottle temperature is a practical feeding concern but does not in itself promote bonding through close interaction and attunement.