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Baby only wants dad

3 replies

Luce988 · 23/09/2020 12:27

My 5 month old son seems to prefer his dad and it’s really getting me down. I feed him every 2-3 hours (including overnight), nurse him to sleep, change him, play with him, take him for walks... I can’t hold him up in the air like my husband can because he’s a very heavy baby, but he rarely smiles for me or makes eye contact despite how hard I try to be fun and exciting. His dad just has to come in the room and he starts smiling and following him around the room with his eyes. Sometimes when he gets cranky, only his dad can settle him.

I’m trying but it’s starting to break my heart that my son is rejecting me. I end up in tears most day’s and embarrassed to see family and friends because the baby so obviously only wants dad. Am I doing something wrong? Am I a bad mum? Will it ever change?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
GravyTrain123 · 23/09/2020 13:37

Don’t worry! Mine was exactly the same! It broke my heart.

But from what I’ve read, babies don’t realise that you and them are actually different people until they’re about 9 months old. So dads come and go and they’re not sure when they’re going to come back which is why they get excited! Whereas they know you’re coming back because you’re a part of them!

When I read this is actually made me feel 100 times better and I thought it was quite sweet!

My baby is 9 months now and I get a smile when I walk into the room ☺️

GravyTrain123 · 23/09/2020 13:38

**It, not is!

Elwynne · 23/09/2020 13:45

My daughter has always been like this and still is. Yes it is hard Sad but we still have a good relationship, more and more as she toddles around. Plus it seems to have backfired on him a bit because he is not allowed to even go to the toilet without her chasing him and I can do what I like in the house. She also goes to sleep very easily for me but not for my husband... she seems to trust i am not going to abandon her but doesn't have the same faith in him.

I know it is hard but try to remember that it is wonderful he loves his dad so much - keep hugging him and telling him you love him.

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