What characterizes the second sequence of attachment from 6 weeks to 7 months?

The second sequence of attachment, occurring from approximately 6 weeks to 7 months, is characterized predominantly by indiscriminate attachments. During this developmental stage, infants begin to show preferences for human interactions but do not yet exhibit strong attachment to any specific individual. Babies will respond positively to familiar and unfamiliar people alike, indicating that they enjoy the company of humans in general. This phase is crucial for social development as infants start to engage more with their caregivers and others, laying the foundation for future relationships.

Indiscriminate attachments are a normal and healthy part of attachment development, showing that infants are becoming increasingly social and are beginning to learn about their environment and the people within it. This is a time when the foundations for stronger attachments are being formed, eventually leading to more selective attachments as they move into later stages of development.