During the indiscriminate attachment stage, how do babies respond to strangers?

During the indiscriminate attachment stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 2 to 7 months, infants generally do not exhibit a preference for specific caregivers and do not show fear toward strangers. Instead, they are social and responsive to anyone who interacts with them. This stage is characterized by an open approach to social experiences, where infants will smile, cry, and seek attention from both familiar and unfamiliar individuals.

This behavior contrasts with later stages of attachment development, where children begin to show specific preferences for their primary caregivers and may demonstrate fear of strangers, reflecting a more developed understanding of their social environment and attachment bonds. In the indiscriminate stage, the lack of fear and strong attachment means that babies are exploring their social world without yet forming exclusive relationships.