Final answer:
A mother's prompt, sensitive, consistent response and frequent holding of her baby most likely results in a secure attachment, where the child uses the caregiver as a secure base and shows preference for them over strangers.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a mother responds promptly to her baby's crying, shows sensitivity and consistency, and holds the baby often, the quality of attachment that is most likely to develop between them is a secure attachment. This type of attachment results when caregivers are responsive and attentive to the baby's physical, social, and emotional needs, and engage in mutually enjoyable interactions. A securely attached child considers the caregiver a secure base from which to explore the environment and seeks out the caregiver in times of stress. These children show clear preference for their caregivers over strangers and are able to be comforted by their caregivers upon their return after a separation, as demonstrated in the Strange Situation experiments by Mary Ainsworth.