Whether you’re a first-time parent or have kids already, one thing is certain — you love your children and would do anything for them. But there’s a lot of noise about how to do this parenting thing “right” — so how do you determine what to tune out and what to tune into?

Tuning in to your infant’s needs is really at the core of attachment theory.

What is Attachment Theory?

An attachment is an emotional bond that forms between people.(1) We create bonds with all types of people throughout our lifetime — friends, loved ones, and family. Evolutionarily, attachment serves a purpose. An infant who stays physically close to her primary caregiver is generally more likely to survive.(2)