What to Do When Baby Only Wants Mom: Comforting Tips for Tired Parents

May 18, 2025

It’s a beautiful thing to feel so loved by your baby—but when your little one only wants mom, it can become overwhelming and exhausting. Whether it's refusing to be held by anyone else, crying the moment mom leaves the room, or insisting on only nursing or being comforted by you, many new mothers face this phase. It’s incredibly common, but that doesn’t make it easy.

If you're wondering why your baby seems so attached and how to gently navigate this phase while giving yourself a break, this article is for you. Here’s what to know—and what to do—when baby only wants mom.

🧠 Why Does My Baby Only Want Me?

Babies naturally develop strong attachments to their primary caregiver—often mom—because you’re the one who has been their comfort, nourishment, and safety since the womb. Here are a few reasons why your baby might prefer you:

Smell and voice familiarity: Your baby knows your scent and the sound of your voice from pregnancy. It’s soothing and safe.
Breastfeeding bond: If you're breastfeeding, your baby associates you with feeding and comfort.
Attachment development: In the early months, babies go through phases of "clinginess" as part of healthy emotional development.
Separation anxiety: Around 6–9 months, babies may fear being away from you and seek your constant presence.

This behavior is often temporary and a sign of a secure attachment, not something you're doing wrong.

😩 The Emotional Toll on Moms

While this intense bond is heartwarming, it can also feel like you're carrying the entire parenting load alone. Constant crying when handed to someone else, skipped showers, and zero alone time can leave you physically and emotionally drained. It’s okay to feel touched out, frustrated, or even resentful at times. Your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone.

🛠️ What To Do When Baby Only Wants Mom

Here are gentle, practical steps to help your baby bond with others while giving you a well-deserved break:

1. 👨👩👧 Encourage Bonding With Other Caregivers

Gently increase your baby’s time with other trusted caregivers like dad, grandparents, or a nanny. Try:

Sitting next to them while they hold your baby at first.
Letting them handle a fun task like bath time or play.
Leaving a worn T-shirt of yours with them for scent comfort.

Start small and gradually increase separation time, so your baby builds trust in others.

2. 🕒 Be Consistent With Short Absences

Practice short separations and reassure your baby you’ll return. Say “Mommy’s going to the kitchen and will be right back.” Leave and come back exactly when you said. This helps build your baby's trust and independence over time.

3. 🧸 Use Transitional Comfort Objects

Introduce a lovey, soft toy, or blanket that your baby can associate with comfort—even when you're not around. You can sleep with the item for a few nights to give it your scent, making it even more soothing for baby.

4. 📣 Talk About It With Your Baby

Even if your baby is too young to understand words, your tone and voice are powerful. Speak calmly: “I know you want mama right now, and I’m always here for you. Daddy is going to hold you while mama takes a little break.” The reassurance helps them feel safe, even during transitions.

5. 🛁 Share Routines With Your Partner

If you’re the one always doing bedtime, feeding, or soothing, your baby will naturally turn to you. Start sharing routines. For example, let dad take over bedtime stories and rocking, while you step out. It may take a few tries, but routine builds familiarity and comfort.

6. 🤝 Validate Your Partner’s Role

Sometimes partners feel rejected when baby cries for mom. Gently remind them this is not personal, and encourage bonding time. Skin-to-skin contact, silly songs, and babywearing are all great ways for others to form their own unique connection.

📆 When Will This Phase Pass?

The “only wants mom” phase can peak around 4 to 9 months, especially during teething and separation anxiety stages. Most babies begin to feel more comfortable with others around 12 months, once they realize mom always comes back and that other people can also meet their needs.

In the meantime, keep gently encouraging new bonds and give yourself grace. This is a season, not a forever thing.

💗 Final Thoughts: You’re Their Safe Place

If your baby only wants you, take a breath. This phase, while intense, is a reflection of the deep trust and connection you’ve built. While it's important to gently encourage independence and shared caregiving, remind yourself that you're your baby’s safe haven—and that’s a beautiful thing.

But also remember: You matter too. Your rest, mental health, and time to recharge are not luxuries—they’re essentials. Don’t be afraid to ask for support or take small breaks. You’re not just a mom—you’re human, and you’re doing an amazing job.