When do babies prefer mom?

Babies are known to have a strong bond with their mothers, right from the moment they are born. This bond is formed during pregnancy, as the baby can hear the mother’s voice and feel her touch. After birth, this bond only grows stronger as the baby relies on the mother for everything – from nourishment to comfort and security.

But when do babies start showing a preference for their mothers? Is it from birth or does it develop over time? In this article, we will explore the different stages of a baby’s development and when they start to show a preference for their mom.

Newborn Stage (0-3 months)

During the first few months of a baby’s life, they are still adjusting to the outside world and getting used to their new surroundings. At this stage, babies are not capable of showing a preference for anyone, as they are still developing their senses and learning to recognize faces and voices.

However, research has shown that newborns do have a preference for their mother’s voice. This is because they have been hearing it in the womb and it is a familiar and comforting sound to them. They may also prefer the smell of their mother’s breast milk, which helps them to bond and feel secure.

Infant Stage (3-6 months)

As babies enter the infant stage, they start to become more aware of their surroundings and develop their senses. They can now recognize familiar faces and voices, and may start to show a preference for their mother. This is because the mother is the primary caregiver and spends the most time with the baby, providing them with love, care, and attention.

At this stage, babies may also start to show signs of separation anxiety when their mother is not around. This is a normal part of development and shows that the baby has formed a strong attachment to their mother.

Crawling Stage (6-9 months)

As babies start to become more mobile and explore their environment, they may show a stronger preference for their mother. This is because they rely on their mother for safety and security. They may also become more clingy and cry when their mother is not around, as they are not yet able to understand the concept of time and may fear that their mother will not return.

Toddler Stage (9-18 months)

As babies enter the toddler stage, they become more independent and start to form their own opinions and preferences. They may start to show a preference for their mother over other caregivers, as they have formed a strong bond with her. They may also seek comfort and reassurance from their mother when they are upset or scared.

Preschool Stage (18 months-3 years)

By this stage, most children have a clear preference for their mother. They have formed a strong attachment to her and see her as their primary caregiver and source of love and security. They may also start to imitate their mother’s behavior and seek her approval and attention.

It is important to note that every child is different and may show a preference for their mother at different stages. Some babies may also have a stronger bond with their father or other caregivers, depending on their individual experiences and relationships.

In conclusion, babies start to show a preference for their mother from birth, but this bond only grows stronger as they develop and form attachments. The mother’s role as the primary caregiver and source of love and security plays a crucial role in this preference. As the child grows, this preference may become more evident and continue throughout their life.