Mothers admit spoiling 'precious' first children

Mothers favour their first-born over their younger children, new research shows today.

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."