Why My Baby Only Wants Mom?? Try These 11 True Tips!

Hey Mama, you love your baby so much that you probably have done mastered of doing everything. Whether the father wants to hold and love the baby or you are sleepy and your back hurts from rocking….But your baby only wants MOM.

As a mom of a child, mine was glued to me and It is completely NORMAL. This comes under a phase of a growing child “Only want mom”. Let me tell you, sometimes you brutally want to cry but You are not alone, and this is not a failure at all.

Why do babies only want MOM?

What is this? Why is this happening to me? Why can not my husband have a turn to hold the baby? Why can not grandparents take a turn?

The moment you attempt to hand them off to even a well-meaning friend their eyes are full of tears, desperate reaches, and heart-wrenching sobs that only cease when they are back in your arms.

Hold on Hold on, You are not doing anything wrong. It is normal to prefer one parent at this stage or further and help to make you feel a special connection as a mommy or daddy.

Let me tell you there are many reasons why does a baby always prefer a mother?

• The baby was with the Mother since it’s conception in her womb for nearly 9 months. The umbilical cord is connected to the baby, is a powerful sign of a secure attachment that is why they prefer and have a strong connection with the mother only.
• Breastfed baby, drinking milk from her, so ideally it will have a better bond with the mother only.
• Babies might also only want mom because they understood the assignment that she is their primary source of comfort, milk, and safety. MOM is home. Mom is the one who is spending majority of the time with the baby as comparative to other family members. They can sense and smell you when you are around them.

In the middle of the night, using washroom was the biggest task for me, she woke up and started crying because she could not sense and smell myself.

It is not like the baby only needs mother but yes the attachment is obvious to be more. And if baby is at home with mom all day long, would be difficult for the dad to connect with the child.

• Around 6-8 months “stranger anxiety” or “separation anxiety” begins. It is a sign that your baby might have started a stronger preference towards mom again and here is the baby starts cranky and screams increase. These are all reasons why baby only want mom over dad. The good news is that this phase is temporary, and there are gentle and loving strategies that can help your baby feel secure with others while preserving your own sanity.

Is it just a phase or what?

This could just be a phase. So much is rambling in a child’s mind. A growth sprout, development of motor skills, teething, sickness, exploring and new skills can be a reason for parental preference.

Something like that happens on regular basis in a child’s life and they are trying to fit into it with the help of a preferred parent.

So what you need to do is shower love to the child and try to connect to the child for both the parents and if it is not like that, try on some tips that can help you to meet the needs of the baby with your own.

How do I connect my baby with DAD?

The question is How and How?

Behind that clingy behavior, how do I connect my baby with their DAD? Oh it is so tough but not impossible so the answer is not to give up and keep on trying.

My daughter did not go to my husband (dad). He felt our daughter always preferred me, he started isolated.

But I got it. Did not take a back step and stick on it because baby is learning something about trust.

So let’s have a look on some ideas of how to take care of a child when you are trying to make a special bond with their DAD and be willing to go to other caregivers as well.

11 true tips for the baby who only wants MOM

1. It is Normal

Let’s understand, it is absolutely normal as we mention it before. Baby will soon connect to the father and let them understand it because it happens in most of the families, we have to deal with it for the baby.

2. Baby Wear

Soothing a baby is important when baby only want mom!!!

Wear your baby with the help of baby carrier or sling. This is a working idea for a baby who only want mom. Let dad use it or a caretaker, they will be calm when they are being worn and sleepy quickly.

3. The Shirt Trick

This one is my personal favorite. Mom’s scent provides the security and warmth to the baby.

So, let your partner wear your clothes and distract the baby. Do not forget to click the pictures and tease them in future.

4. Change the Turn

Raising a kid is a team work. So give a turn of doing baby’s work to the dad or other person. Make the da sleep with the baby.  This will give you a break and let your baby connect to the other person.

5. Learn Baby’s Style

Every baby is different so you need to observe your baby’s movement or likes and talk about it openly to the person you are letting to handle the baby. Tell them – what makes them upset, happy, cranky and  how to calm them.

6. Let your Partner be the Funny One

Pass the baby to the dad, when he gets home. Let the dad play the role of gentle tickle and making funny faces when baby is in good mood.

If the baby is giving hard time to the dad, let him calm down the baby in his way like throwing in the air or balancing on one hand.

And, if dad has started doing all this stuff then do not stop him to do. Baby should experience such plays as it is important for the baby, dad and mom. Being a mom it is scary but it will give the baby exposure and build a secure connection with the dad.

7. Distraction

Baby can be distract easily in any way but every baby is unique so check on them. Engage them with a stuffed animal of their favorite, make a silly face or a peek-a-boo. 

8. Put them in a Bouncer or Swing

This can save you if your baby likes it. While they baby is in bouncer, you can do the laundry, read a book or do some makeup.

Try these tips when baby is not ready to settle down because you do not want your baby to rely on such things all the time.

9. Try Different Time

Try a different bedtime, if they are giving you hard time for sleep. After completing a good nap, hand over the baby to the dad and sleep them with dad.

It also can help with that separation anxiety, not a problem very common in babies.

10. Get Out of the House

Seriously!! Just do it. I know it is hard but sometimes the problem is that the baby can still smell and sense you and would not go to anyone. I might sound scary, if you are a new mom but leaving the house is important for both the mother and the baby for survival skills.

Do it when they are at young age. Leave them with dad as it makes their bond strong, which they need and give you a break to have a cup of coffee.

Plan dates with your spouse, make the baby used to the fact that they are safe. Start it with walk for 20 minutes, or just sit in the car and listen music.

11. Be Patient and Keep on Trying

This is a phase, not a forever thing. Just Remember! DO NOT GIVE UP. The baby is not giving you hard time, they are having a hard time. Being a mom, you need to show her that other people can be funny and lovable and I know it is really a hard work to train the baby but it will give you the benefits now and in future.

 Tips to Remember

• You are doing an amazing job.
• You are not being replaced.
• You too need a break.
• This will not gonna make you a bad MOM.
• You know your baby the best.
• Baby will be always yours.