Why Doesn’t My Baby Like Me?
Having a baby can be a life-changing event. As parents, we can become so focused on the task at hand and begin to forget the things that come before being a parent. It’s natural to expect that your baby should love you right away, but sometimes this isn’t the case.
Unfamiliar Environment
One of the main reasons why babies don’t like their parents right away is because they are in a totally unfamiliar and strange environment. Babies are used to the small, dark and warm environment within the mother’s womb. They are used to the sound of their mother’s heartbeat, her movements and her voice. Suddenly being thrust into a new, brighter and colder environment can take some time for babies to adjust to and become comfortable with.
Sensory Overload
The world that babies are born into is full of loud noises, bright lights and lots of new sensations. As parents, we instinctively want to cuddle, kiss and hold our baby, but this can actually overwhelm a baby’s sensory system and make them feel uneasy and scared.
The Feel of Starvation
Another common reason why babies don’t like their parents right away is that they still feel the sensation of being hungry. Babies are used to being in the womb, where they can feed on demand. When they are born, they now have to wait while they are fed. This can make them uncomfortable and frustrated, as they don’t understand why they cannot feed on demand.
Feelings of Comfort
Although it can be initially distressing for a parent to realise that their baby is not giving them the same warm and loving feeling right away, the good news is that it is normal for babies to take a few days or even weeks to become comfortable with their parents. The best way to make sure that your baby slowly learns to trust you is to provide them with feelings of comfort and security.
What to do?
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- Spend time talking, singing and playing music to your baby to provide a soothing and calming atmosphere.
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- Go for walks in a stroller or baby carrier to allow your baby to become used to being outside in a secure environment.
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- Allow your baby to feed on demand, rather than having to wait for specific meal times.
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- Find a comfortable and secure spot for your baby to sleep and stay with them until they are soundly asleep.
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- Create a daily routine for your baby, so that they soon get used to the fact that you are always present and will provide them with feelings of security and trust.
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- Be patient and understanding;your baby will eventually learn to trust and love you.
Having a baby can be a challenging and rewarding experience, and it can sometimes be distressing to realise that your baby may not love you right away. However, it is important to remember that this is normal and that you can take steps to ensure that your baby slowly gets to know you and come to trust and love you. With patience and understanding, you will soon have a content and happy baby in your arms.