There's no single age when babies only want their mom. A baby's preference for one parent over another develops gradually and varies significantly between individuals. However, several developmental milestones influence this preference.
Development of Parental Preference
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Newborns (0-2 months): Newborns have an "indiscriminate attachment," readily accepting comfort from anyone. They primarily focus on basic needs like feeding and sleeping. [Reference: Parental Preference - Babies | Bella Luna Family Parenting]
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Early Infancy (2-4 months): Around 2-4 months, babies begin to distinguish parents based on sight, smell, and sound, often showing a preference for their mother. This is influenced by factors like breastfeeding and the mother's responsiveness to the baby's cues. [References: When Do Babies Start Preferring Mom To Other People? Experts ..., How early do newborns select the preferred parent, is it always mom ...]
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6-12 Months: Between 6 and 12 months, a stronger preference for one parent (often the mother) emerges. This coincides with the development of object permanence (understanding that things exist even when out of sight) and stranger anxiety, making the baby more clingy and fearful of unfamiliar people. [References: Separation Anxiety, At What Age Do Babies Only Want Their Mom?, When Do Babies Start Preferring Mom To Other People? Experts ...]
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Toddlerhood (12+ months): While parental preference can continue into toddlerhood, it's often less pronounced. Toddlers are increasingly independent, but may still exhibit a strong preference for one parent over extended periods. [References: What to do when your baby or toddler only wants Mom (or Dad ..., How to Handle When Your Toddler Only Wants Mom, When a Toddler Only Wants Mom or Dad: Why Children Get Overly ...]
Factors Influencing Preference
Several factors beyond age influence a baby's preference:
- Feeding: Breastfed babies may initially show a stronger preference for their mother due to the direct association with feeding. [Reference: At What Age Do Babies Want Their Moms Only?]
- Responsiveness: The parent who is more consistently responsive to the baby's needs may become the preferred caregiver.
- Temperament: The baby's individual temperament will influence how strongly they attach to either parent.
It is important to remember that a baby's preference for one parent doesn't indicate a lack of love from the other. Parents should work together to build a strong bond with their child. [Reference: What to do when your baby or toddler only wants Mom (or Dad ... ]
