When do infants typically start to show a preference for their main caregivers?

Infants typically begin to show a preference for their main caregivers between 7 and 12 months. This period is significant in child development, as it marks a time when social and emotional bonds deepen. During this phase, infants become more aware of their surroundings and the people in them. They start to recognize familiar faces and expressions, which strengthens their attachment to primary caregivers.

This attachment is crucial for the child's sense of safety and security, facilitating exploration of their environment, as they feel more confident knowing they have a trusted adult to return to. The social referencing that occurs at this stage helps infants gauge how to respond to new situations by looking to their caregivers for cues.

The other options regarding earlier or later times do not align with these developmental milestones. At birth, infants are primarily driven by instinctual behaviors and have yet to form specific preferences. The timeframe of 1 to 3 months typically involves some recognition but not a clear preference. After 12 months, while preferences may continue to evolve and solidify, the significant attachment dynamics have already been established in the earlier range.