Is it possible for baby to not have a favorite?

[Kasie]

Do you think it's possible for baby to not have a favorite between mom and dad? I don't mind being baby's favorite but I'd like to be able to leave him with Dad every once in a while without worrying he'll cry for hours on end. I don't want DH to be discouraged from taking baby on his own and playing with him. I'd love to hand him the baby every day when he gets home from work so I can have a little break to shower or do something I can't do while baby is awake.

What do you think?

[Rachel]

There are still times girlie calms down easier with me than Josh. In some ways it makes complete sense because she is with me all day long. I give girlie to Josh as much as possible at night when he gets home from work ... so I can have some free time but also so he can have daddy/baby time. It doesn't always work out that way but that is the general goal.

If I plan to go out (say grocery shopping) I'll feed her before I go. That way I know she should be good for a while. She can either play or sleep and not really need me. It doesn't always work out that easy... there are times she definitely gets upset and cries but that happens with me too.

Me time... I'm usually not far in case girlie is overly cranky or gets hungry.

Showering... there are days I don't bother until Josh gets home. Sometimes it's just easier to wait depending on how our day is going. I've been able to sneak quick showers in during the day while putting girlie down to nap in her crib (turn the monitor on and leave a parent unit in the bathroom). A lot of the time now I'll bring girlie into the bathroom and let her play on the floor while I shower - this way I can keep an eye on her and she stays pretty content.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. In the beginning they sleep so much you'll be able to easily leave the room and let hubby watch him while you go shower or do something for a bit. It's when they get more active and stay awake more that you'll have to figure out new ways of doing things.

[Josh]

I'm definitely not the favorite, but how could I be...I've got no milk.

[Rachel]

at least you understand though. and you have your moments with her...so it's not like she hates you

[Josh]

Originally Posted by Rachel

at least you understand though. and you have your moments with her...so it's not like she hates you

I like it right before bed when you're washin' up and I get her laughing.

[Kasie]

No getting baby hyper before bed. *slap slap*

[Josh]

Originally Posted by Mommy2Be

No getting baby hyper before bed. *slap slap*

[Rachel]

I always tell Josh that... No playing with her before bed and making her wide awake! Maybe some weekend I'll actually get a nice nights sleep *evil laugh* Josh is on baby duty

[Josh]

[Rachel]

hush up you

[Ashley]

babies prefer their primary care givers but the dads play a big role too, i think youll be fine leaving baby with dad here is a pretty good article about it Baby Prefers Mommy, What's a Dad to Do? - Baby - Families.com

[Kasie]

Thanks for the article. I bookmarked it for when it comes up in convo for DH. Good site too, there's lots of other good stuff on there.

[Ashley]

no prob =)

[Pete]

favorite will change a lot - perhaps daily. At different ages they need different things from each parent and will gravitate towards the one that offers it.

</dr pete>

[Kasie]

Thanks Dr Pete!