X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Why do most babies prefer their moms over their dads?

3 min read
Why do most babies prefer their moms over their dads?

A lot of younger kids tend to be closer with their moms compared to their dads. Why does this happen, and what can dads do to bond with their kid?

A lot of fathers sometimes feel jealous of their wives when it comes to their newborn's attention. And sometimes dads feel left out or frustrated that their newborn won't spend more time with them. What's a dad to do?

It's totally normal for newborns to prefer their mom over their dad

First off, it's important to know that for newborns, it's normal for them to prefer their mom over their dad, this is because aside from spending 9 months inside their mother's tummy, newborns look to their mothers for their care and nutrition.

Babies also tend to switch from one parent to another, since they're at the age where their brains are still developing, and they are still getting to know the world as well as the people around them.

That's why dads also need to spend time with their kids, so that their babies will become familiar with how they look, how they smell, and they'll slowly become more comfortable in their father's presence.

What can dad do to be closer to their newborn?

Some dads might feel bad or jealous that their child prefers to be with their mom rather than their dad. But it's important to know that it's not a competition between the parents. Both of you are equally loved by your child, it's just that dads need to make an extra effort to let their child be more comfortable around them.

For dads who want to get closer to their child, they should try to spend more quality time with your child, and make it a point to bond with them everyday. It also helps if they can handle the responsibility of putting their child to sleep, so that not only will their child be comfortable around them, their wife will also have time to rest after a long day of taking care of their newborn.

Letting the child get used to their father taking care of them will help build an emotional connection, and will enable the child to understand that their dad is also someone who they can depend on, and someone who will keep them safe.

Familiarity is important for kids, especially at such a young age, since the bonds that they build while they're young will last until the rest of their lives. So in order to build a loving relationship with their child, it's always best to start early.

Source: newparent.com, parenting.com

READ: Dads are more than just ‘mom substitutes’

Partner Stories
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Jan Alwyn Batara

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • Why do most babies prefer their moms over their dads?
Share:
  • How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

    How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

  • Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

    Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

  • 5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

    5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

  • How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

    How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

  • Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

    Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

  • 5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

    5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.