Jealousy in Babies

Understanding and Nurturing Early Jealousy

When I was a child, I was the textbook jealous older sibling. My little brother arrived, and suddenly, my world—once revolving entirely around me—shifted. I distinctly remember the first time I saw him being cradled by my mom. My tiny six-year-old heart burned with envy. Years later, as I navigated parenting myself, those feelings resurfaced—not in me, but in my own daughter. Witnessing her reaction to the arrival of her baby brother brought back memories and made me realize how normal and universal jealousy truly is, even for babies.

Jealousy is not exclusive to adults or even toddlers. Can babies feel jealousy? Absolutely. While their understanding of emotions is still developing, babies are deeply attuned to changes in their environment, especially when it involves shifts in their caregivers' attention.

My Daughter's First Encounter with Jealousy

When my daughter met her baby brother for the first time, I could see her confusion and, yes, her jealousy. She clung to me and refused to even look at him. It wasn’t anger or dislike—it was her way of processing a world that suddenly felt different. For weeks, she expressed her jealousy through tantrums, needing constant reassurance that my love for her hadn’t diminished.

When do babies get jealous? It often begins when they sense a perceived threat to their connection with their caregivers. This could happen with the arrival of a sibling, a parent returning to work, or even when the family dog gets a bit more attention than usual.

Why Are Babies Jealous?

Jealousy in babies isn’t a flaw; it’s a reflection of their deep need for security. Their brains are wired for attachment, and any perceived disruption in that bond can spark feelings of insecurity. I remember another instance with a friend’s baby, who would cry inconsolably whenever her mom held another child. It wasn’t that the baby didn’t like the other child—she simply wanted reassurance that her place in her mom’s heart was safe.

Experts agree that this kind of behavior is developmentally normal. It’s not about being "clingy" or "spoiled" but about their survival instincts at play. Babies rely entirely on their caregivers for safety, food, and comfort, so jealousy is their way of ensuring their needs are met.

jealousy in babies

Navigating Jealousy with Love and Patience

When faced with a jealous baby, the key is to validate their feelings while gently teaching them that love is not a finite resource. Here are some strategies that helped me—and might help you:

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings: 

Even if they can’t articulate it, babies feel heard when you validate their emotions. I’d often say to my daughter, “I know it’s hard to share Mommy’s time, but I love you just as much as always.”

2. Create Individual Moments: 

Dedicating even 10 minutes a day to one-on-one time can make a world of difference. For my daughter, storytime before bed became our special ritual.

3. Involve Them in Caregiving: 

With supervision, I let my daughter help with her brother—holding a bottle or handing me diapers. This empowered her and made her feel included.

4. Focus on Empathy:

As she grew, I began explaining her brother’s feelings. “He’s crying because he’s hungry, just like you do when you need something.” This helped her understand and connect with him.

Lessons from Literature and Science

This dynamic is not new. One of my favorite children’s books, “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister, beautifully illustrates how sharing and empathy can transform envy into connection. Science backs this up, too. Researchers have found that jealousy is often rooted in the brain's attachment system, highlighting the importance of consistent, nurturing care to ease those feelings.

Hope for the Future

If you’re wondering whether jealousy in babies is a problem, let me reassure you: it’s a stepping stone in their emotional development. Over time, and with your guidance, they’ll learn to navigate these feelings in healthy ways. My daughter, once the jealous older sibling, is now her brother’s fiercest protector. Their bond is unshakable, and every time I see them playing together, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come.

Jealousy in babies isn’t something to fear. It’s a natural part of their journey—and ours as parents. With love, patience, and a little bit of storytelling, we can guide them through it, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and deeply loved.