Mothers admit spoiling 'precious' first children

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Eldest children receive more attention when they are babies than their siblings.

According to research, for their "precious first borns" mothers will go as far as rubbing shampoo into their own eyes to test it doesn't sting, pulling prams backwards to avoid sunlight and even sterilising the steriliser.

In comparison, "neglected subsequent children" are left to scream for attention and play with toys that have been licked by the dog, says parenting website Mumsnet. It has collected 100 "confessions" from over-protective mothers about special treatment they give to first-borns.

One admitted to drying her baby's bottom with a hairdryer after changing her nappy, while some confessed to spending half an hour just bathing their baby's head.

One mother wrote: "First child, suckable items must be sterilised in Milton or steam after they've dropped on the floor. Second child: items must be wiped over with a clean damp cloth. Third child: give them to the dog to lick clean."

Justine Roberts, the co-founder of the site, said: "Precious first born syndrome is something we can all relate to."