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The choice that indicates a caregiver's characteristics in cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy is important to identify, as this behavior is characterized by a caregiver deliberately exaggerating or fabricating a child’s illness. Caregivers exhibiting typical traits often display an intense concern for the child’s comfort but may do so in a way that is manipulative rather than genuine.

The characteristic of being consistently concerned for the child's comfort is unusual when looking at the broader behaviors associated with this syndrome. Instead of genuine concern, caregivers may use the pretense of caring to gain attention or sympathy from others. Such caregivers may engage in elaborate methods to showcase their child’s 'illness' rather than truly focusing on the child's well-being.

In contrast, caregivers involved in Munchausen syndrome by proxy are often emotionally distant, pursue unnecessary complex treatments, and appear knowledgeable about medical practices to expert levels, which contributes to the drama surrounding the child's health and serves to manipulate perceptions of their caregiving role. They may seem very attentive but their motivations are typically self-serving rather than altruistic, thus making the concern for the child's comfort the least representative characteristic of typical behavior in these cases.