Babies begin showing signs of recognizing and preferring their mother around 3-4 months of age. This is generally the time they start giggling, smiling, and exhibiting memory of their primary caregiver. While the term "love" as adults understand it may not fully apply to infants, they demonstrate a strong preference and attachment to their mothers through various behaviors.
Understanding Infant Attachment
It's crucial to understand that a baby's attachment develops gradually. Early on, skin-to-skin contact fosters a connection. Around 2 months, infants may already notice changes in their mother's reactions. By 6 to 9 months, separation anxiety often starts to emerge, further demonstrating the strength of the bond.
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Early Stages (0-2 months): Focus is primarily on basic needs and sensory experiences. While attachment begins immediately, the baby’s understanding of the caregiver is not fully developed. Skin-to-skin contact is important for connection and attachment at this stage.
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Developing Preference (3-4 months): Babies start showing a preference for their mother's face, voice, and scent. Smiling and giggling become more frequent, directed primarily towards familiar faces, including their mother’s. This coincides with improved memory function.
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Attachment Strengthens (6-9 months): Separation anxiety often appears, indicating a clear attachment to the primary caregiver (usually the mother). Babies show distress when separated and seek comfort upon reunion.
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Beyond 9 Months: The attachment continues to grow and solidify, with babies demonstrating increasing understanding of their relationship with their mothers.
While preference for a primary caregiver often leans towards the mother due to factors like prolonged close contact during pregnancy and breastfeeding, this isn't always the case. The person who spends the most time with the baby can also form a strong bond. The quality of interaction and caregiving is paramount, rather than purely the time spent.
The concept of "love" in infants is complex. It's more accurate to describe their feelings as a strong preference, attachment, and a growing understanding of their primary caregivers. Their behavior shows a clear understanding of the bond from around 3-4 months, but it develops and deepens over time.
