My 8-month-old loves my 9-year-old nephew better than me.

[Newparenthelp]

I feel like my 8-month-old loves a total stranger better than me.

Recently I have noticed that my 8 months old son has grown more attached to my 9-year-old nephew whom has held him only twice before, the first as a newborn and the second in his most recent visit, than to me. My baby would rarely cry when I would leave my room, but when my nephew did, he cries non-stop. I'm worried because ever since my nephew has left almost 9 hours ago, my baby has done nothing but crying, he refuses to be nursed, gets little sleep. I took him to his pediatrician to check for any injury or illness, but nothing was found. However, I can't help but feel that my son is only consoled by nephew's presence, but I dont understand how this could be, he barely knows my nephew but has been with me his whole life, I'm his primary caretaker. What could be the cause of this issue? I'm contemplating visiting my son's pediatrician again to discuss this issue, but I'm not sure whether I'm exaggerating.

Any advice will be highly appreciated.

PS: I should mention that while my nephew does play with my son whenever he visits, they're never alone together, nor does he spend nearly enough time with my son than I do.

I’m a bit confused, how often does your nephew spend time with your baby? It sounds like a coincidence that he won’t stop crying now. Do you think he could be getting ill?

Your baby won’t stop crying since your nephew left 9 hours ago and you’ve already been to the GP once and are contemplating a second visit?

Babies do like older children who play with them. Does he play with the baby or do fun things?

Probably because they are more interesting.

Agreed my baby is much more interested in other toddlers at baby groups than he is in me. I try not to take it personally 😅

You don't need to go to the paediatrician to ask if your baby likes your nephew more than you op. Babies cry, a lot. It's a new fun face and someone to play with. Don't even give it another thought.

Do you play with your child? Are you fun to be around? If you are his primary care giver, you have lots of opportunities to be a gateway to lots of lovely activities as your baby becomes interested in the wider world.