Dads And Moms Hard-wired to Love Babies Differently

Researchers studying bonding between parents and babies recently mad a discovery. Oxytocin levels reached their peak during the times mothers were caressing, hugging or simply gazing in their babies' faces. Dads, however, had bursts of the hormone (known as the "love hormone" by scientists) during playful interaction, such as rolling around with the baby encouraging him or her to explore, lightly tossing the child in the air causing laughter, or encouraging the child to sit up. The study also found infants were more likely to prefer their fathers for positive playful interaction while preferring mothers' comfort for distress.

Suburban Parent North Dallas, November 2010