This scoping review examines the connection between prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and infant/child–caregiver attachment. Secure attachment plays a vital role in healthy social and emotional development, influencing not only childhood outcomes but also relationships in adulthood. While children with PAE often face additional risks such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and involvement in care or justice systems, little research has focused specifically on how PAE shapes attachment. The review systematically analyzed 11 studies published between 1987 and 2021, exploring whether PAE increases the likelihood of insecure or disorganized attachment styles. Findings were mixed: some studies reported significant associations, often mediated by infant irritability and caregiver–infant interaction, while others found no clear link.
