Baby only wants mum

[expectingourmiracle]

My 4mo only really settles for me (mum). She will sit with dad and play but after 10 minutes she fusses until I come back to her. She's now started crying if people come up to her and smile except for me (her dad, grandparents who she sees regularly). I'm with her alone from 6am-7pm and we have a lovely relationship and are very closely bonded, but I'm worried I'm doing her a disservice by not 'sharing' her with others. Is this normal 4 month old behaviour, I thought separation anxiety didn't kick in until much later.

Very normal.

That's a long time to be on your own.

Do people visit? Do you get out to groups etc?

My child is 4 and still has moments of not wanting to go to certain people. No reason just not feeling them that day

It’s very normal but it’s also possible to improve. I wish someone had told me that it’s okay for your child to cry in the arms of someone who loves them and is comforting them. It’s not the same as leaving them in an empty cot for hours.

My second child by necessity had more care from daddy and is very happy to be cared for by either of us.

That's normal, especially if she's an only child/your first and dad works a lot. Baby groups are good if you're wanting some more social interaction for you both, but I think you'll still find that she will have a "favorite" parent and its usually the one they spend all day, everyday with😅

My first was the same, my ex partner worked all the time so she was glued to my hip. With my second born I dare say her dad is probably her favorite, as he works less than my other partner did and spends more 1 on 1 time with her than what I get a chance to do. Doesn't bother me though, I know she loves us both 😁 x

Normal! Mine's pushing 1 and a half and still a mummy's boy

Mine didn't even really recognise DH until about 12 weeks and he was around a lot more than your DH.

It's normal but I would start to give dad some time on his own with the baby at weekends - start with an hour when you go out for coffee or something

Totally normal! Pretty well everything with babies (and kids) is a phase that they will eventually grow out of, but some phases last longer than others. Babies are wired to bond most strongly to their primary caregiver, they usually decide who their "primary caregiver" is and form that bond between 3-7 months. So she's probably just realised that you're her "person" and she's working on being as close to you as possible. It's very healthy and important!

My 3 year old is a lockdown baby and is a huge mummy's girl. She still only wants cuddles from me when she gets hurt, although since the birth of her brother she's had less access to me so she has gotten closer with DH which has been lovely.

It is a really long time, but I have a brilliant support network and go to baby classes twice a week. She had colic so 5-7pm was really tough for a while, but I wouldn't want to be the one at work all day so can't complain!