New babies can be exciting but nerve-wracking for both parents and those involved. Babies can be difficult to read and demanding. This makes it even more stressful for parents. Babies who prefer moms can make it more difficult for dads. They will do this because the mother is their primary source of nutrition. It’s common for breastfed babies to do this, but bottle-fed babies will prefer their mothers more often than breastfed babies. How can you deal with this? Continue reading to learn more.
Why do Babies Only Want Momma?
No matter how competent either parent is at parenting, babies will be more attached than their mothers. Babies can only be fed by their mothers, so they need to stay close to their mothers whenever they feel hungry. Because they have grown up hearing their mothers’ voices, babies are more comfortable with them. Babies can also recognize their mothers by smell. As a matter of survival, it is believed that babies have a preference for mothers during infancy.
What age do babies want their moms only?
Commonly, breastfed babies only want a mother in the first months of their lives. Babies need to be fed well in the early months of their lives, and so they spend most, if not all, of their time with moms. Even bottle-fed babies show a preference for their moms over their dads.
Here are some valuable tips to help you deal with the situation when the baby only wants mom
Many dads find it difficult to get their baby time, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. These are some helpful tips to help you deal with this situation.
It’s perfectly normal.
This phase is common for parents in their first year of life. The familiarity of mother and baby means that the baby needs to be able to let go of their attachment to their mother. As they grow up, they become more curious about the world and begin to recognize the smells of their father and other family members. It is not a sign that the baby isn’t interested in the father. Some babies feel more at home in the arms and hands of their fathers from an early age.
Be Patient
The baby will not be clingy to its mother forever. As their world expands, the baby will become more interested in the father. It is important that the parents are patient and slows down until that happens. Dads must resist the temptation to grab the baby from the mom’s hands and move slowly. To get the baby used to have a dad’s ‘feel’ over the first few months, they can hold the baby while they’re fast asleep.
Get started with the Transition.
It is normal for a baby only to want a mom for 3 months. They still spend the majority of their time asleep and eating. This is when they most need their moms. As they get older and become more comfortable with others, it is time to teach them how to be held by their dad. The mother must not run to her baby if they feel uncomfortable being held by their dad. Let them cry and allow the father to soothe them.
Make sure you get the timing right
Babies naturally feel happy at certain times of the day. For some, this could be the morning after a good night’s sleep or right after eating. These are the best times for dads to pick up their children and build a relationship with them. Avoid long, grueling hours like evenings and late nights. They are more likely to be upset. Spend some time with the baby and have a “daddy hour” on weekends.
Get Dads involved in activities that the baby enjoys
As they get older, babies will want to explore the world outside. Even the fussiest babies can find an activity to calm them down or distract them from crying. Let the dad take the baby out for a walk and continue, even if they get annoyed. A routine activity like feeding can be a great way for dads to bond. To allow the dad to bottle-feed his baby, you can express breastmilk in a bottle. This could be a powerful message to let the baby know that breastfeeding is not just for the mother.
Keep Baby with Mom’s Shirt
Babies feel soothed by the smell of their mothers and the sound of their voices. Let the dad hold the baby in his mom’s arms during one of the bonding exercises. Because clothes absorb sweat and our scents, the baby’s comfort can be maintained while dad bonding.
Make your baby laugh.
Spending time together and creating positive emotions is key to bonding. The father should be there when his child is happy. This will help them bond better. Positive emotions can be generated by making your baby laugh every chance. It is very easy to make your baby laugh because they are responsive to visual stimuli like toys and games, such as peek-a-boo.
Utilize Sleep Time
While it is understandable that the baby wants to be with their mom, fathers can still sneak in when they are deep asleep and keep them close. Babies will soon get used to the scent of their dad and won’t fuss if held at other times. To build trust with their baby, dads can participate in the routine at bedtime. The dad and the mom must attend these times.
