When Do Babies Start Preferring Their Moms? Insights on Attachment and Separation Anxiety

Learn at what age babies develop a preference for their moms and tips to support their emotional growth during separation anxiety.

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Babies often show a strong preference for their mom around 6 to 9 months. This is the time when separation anxiety typically begins, as they start to grasp the concept of object permanence. To comfort them, maintain a consistent routine and provide frequent reassurance and affection during this stage. Short periods apart can help them adjust to brief separations over time, ensuring they feel secure even when you're not there physically. Focus on creating a nurturing environment to support their emotional development.

FAQs & Answers

  1. At what age do babies start showing a preference for their mother? Babies typically begin to show a preference for their mother around 6 to 9 months of age.
  2. What causes separation anxiety in babies? Separation anxiety often occurs as babies start to understand object permanence, which usually develops between 6 to 12 months.
  3. How can I comfort my baby during separation anxiety? To comfort your baby during separation anxiety, maintain a consistent routine and provide frequent reassurance and affection.
  4. What can I do to help my baby feel secure when I’m away? Creating a nurturing environment and practicing short separations can help your baby adjust and feel secure even when you're not present.