What milestone might indicate a secure attachment in infants?

The milestone that indicates a secure attachment in infants is seeking comfort from their caregiver after experiencing distress. This behavior reflects a strong bond between the infant and the caregiver, demonstrating that the infant feels safe and secure enough to rely on the caregiver for support during challenging moments. Securely attached infants recognize their caregiver as a source of comfort and protection, which is crucial for their emotional and social development.

When an infant actively seeks out their caregiver for comfort, it illustrates their trust and ability to form a healthy attachment, laying the groundwork for future relationships and emotional regulation. This interaction is a vital component of the attachment theory proposed by John Bowlby, which emphasizes the importance of a reliable and responsive caregiver in fostering a sense of security in children.

The other options do not indicate secure attachment. Avoiding contact can suggest insecurity or anxiety, playing alone without distress may indicate independence but does not reflect attachment behavior, and responding only to familiar faces can highlight selective sociability rather than a deep emotional bond. In contrast, the ability to seek comfort signifies the foundational trust and connection that characterize secure attachment.