The preferred parent of a newborn is the mother in most cases.
If the mother is the mother is the main caregiver that takes care of the baby then the mother is the preferred parent of the newborn.
If the father is the primary caregiver of the newborn then the father can be seen as the preferred parent of a newborn.
Although the primary caregiver, which is often the mother as a result of familiarity, like smell, voice, breastfeeding etc is considered the preferred parent of a newborn.
But if the father provides consistent care, it can result in the father becoming the preferred parent of the newborn.
The reason why the mother is often the preferred parent of a newborn is a result of familiarity, primary care and novelty.
The mother's voice and smell are familiar to the newborn from pregnancy.
The mother is often the parent that feeds, and sometimes breastfeeds, changes and comforts the newborn, and so the mother is often the go to source and parent for security.
And sometimes babies even prefer the parent that is less seen because they are new and exciting.
Being persistent and involved with the baby in daily tasks helps to build attachment.
Breastfeeding of the newborn and baby often makes the newborn or baby lean more towards mom.
To build bonds between the newborn and mother and father, both parents should become involved in feeding, changing diapers and clothes and playing with the baby.
And if the newborn prefers one parent over the other, avoid taking it personally as a preference in newborns for one parent is normal development and does not mean that the other parent is less good than the other.