Baby Bonding Questions... Answered

What to do when baby prefers one parent, screams with someone, and similar issues.

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Sometimes the bonding between a baby and his or her mom or dad just isn't developing the way you would expect. We often take it for granted that when meeting our new baby, it will be a mutual love at first sight. But what if this doesn't happen? Or if a baby and parent are separated for longer periods?

Often , if a baby prefers one of the parents, it is a normal development stage for the child and can be dealt with as such, while other times, a family may need help to improve the situation.

Some of the ages when it is normal for a baby to prefer one parent are the following:

Newborn babies will sometimes only settle with their mom. This is not true for all newborns, but in most cases, mom is the first person they will be with most of the time and hence the first one they bond with.
A few months some babies make a big difference between their closest family and everyone else.
At around 7-9 months, many babies get strong separation anxiety and being even 1 inch away from mom (or possibly dad) is pure torture.
18-24 months - either parent can be the preferred one. This is not due something wrong that the other parent did and the stage will pass.
3-5 years - it is common that the child strongly prefers the parent of the opposite sex.
5-7 years - the opposite happens; the parent of the same sex becomes more important, but the preference is less outspoken since the child is older.

Either way, you are not alone!

By browsing the questions and answers below, you'll find out what's normal and not as well as find ideas on how to strengthen the bond and relationship with your child.

If you are in a hurry, simply use the search box below to find the questions dealing with your baby's particular problems. OR, find answers to questions you didn't even know that you had by simply browsing all the Q&As below.

Either way, I hope you will find answers to your baby bonding questions around here, because that is what we are here for.

I Hope you'll find the help you need!

Baby Bonding Questions Asked - And Answered

Click below to read answers and comments to all baby bonding questions. And why not help another parent in need while browsing... ;-)

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Baby Bonding Questions... Answered

What to do when baby prefers one parent, screams with someone, and similar issues.

Baby Bonding Questions Asked - And Answered

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