Can a father get custody of a very young child (under 5 years)?

Courts do generally give some weight to the view that very young children benefit from being with their mother, but this isn't an absolute or automatic rule — it's one factor among several the court weighs, and it can be outweighed by other considerations, such as the mother's inability to provide a safe or stable environment, or circumstances specifically favouring the father's care.

Ultimately, the overriding test remains the child's best interest, considering factors like each parent's ability to provide a stable home, emotional bond with the child, financial stability, and support systems available (extended family, childcare arrangements).

Fathers do successfully obtain custody of young children in appropriate cases, particularly where they can demonstrate genuine, hands-on caregiving capability and a stable environment. It would help to discuss the specific facts of your situation — your current involvement in caregiving, living arrangements, and any concerns about the mother's ability to care for the child — with a family law advocate to assess your realistic prospects.