Seeks physical proximity to primary caregiver
Infant reliably orients, vocalizes, reaches toward, or moves to remain near their primary attachment figure when distressed, tired, or in an unfamiliar setting. Foundation of the attachment behavioral system.
What the research says
Referenced across 1 developmental framework: bowlby_ainsworth_attachment_theory
Full quotes, source languages, and document links coming soon as we finish the source-evidence indexing pass.
Activities for this (9)
Heartbeat listening
Parent holds baby chest-to-chest and rests with them while the agent guides a quiet focus on shared rhythm — heartbeat, breath, warmth. Minimal words, long silences. Observations notice dyadic co-regulation (breath and heart rate syncing).
Skin-to-skin narration
Parent holds baby skin-to-skin on their chest. The agent guides gentle, unhurried narration — not of what the baby should do, but of what the parent is noticing. A bonding moment. Observations track mutual settling and voice-response without the tone of measurement.
Smell-and-sigh
Parent inhales baby's scent at the crown of the head and breathes out slowly. Agent names what's happening biologically — oxytocin, mutual regulation — gently, without making it clinical. Observations notice parental down-regulation more than infant response.
Tiny dance sway
Parent holds baby and sways to a hummed tune — whole-body co-regulation. Movement, voice, touch, and warmth together. Agent's voice fades as the parent finds their rhythm. Observations track baby's full-body relaxation and parent's confidence in leading.
Snuggle & Soothe Connection Time
A gentle, responsive activity where you help your baby learn to calm through your loving voice and touch, building early emotional co-regulation skills.
Calming Bedtime Rocking
Parent gently rocks baby in a dimly lit room before bedtime, providing calming vestibular stimulation and helping baby transition to sleep. The agent coaches the parent to observe relaxation responses, drowsiness cues, and the baby's ability to settle with rhythmic movement — building a secure bedtime routine and supporting early sleep-wake cycle development.
New Friends: Social Interaction
Parent introduces baby to a friend or family member, observing how baby responds to unfamiliar people. The agent coaches the parent through a gentle social handoff, watching for social smiling, caregiver recognition, stranger awareness, and emotional regulation — building the social skills that shape all future relationships.
Soothing After Vaccines
Parent uses gentle touch, voice, and movement to comfort baby after a vaccine, observing how baby responds to different soothing techniques. The agent coaches the parent to notice self-regulation attempts, comfort-seeking behaviors, and recovery from distress — building emotional co-regulation skills.
Vaccine Calm Down
Parent uses soothing techniques to help baby stay calm during medical visits, focusing on stress regulation and co-regulation. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's stress signals, calming responses, and recovery patterns — building resilience and secure attachment.
Formal assessments
No matching assessment items indexed yet.
Standardised assessment view
1 instrument measure this construct. The construct page shows how each one approaches it and at what age range.
View as assessment construct →