Separation Anxiety in Babies

You may think that babies are too small to even understand separation from their mother or parents. However, that is not true. A baby is acutely aware when mom and dad leave.

Separation anxiety can leave the baby depressed and frustrated making him cranky, noisy, and maybe even suddenly aggressive.

Though separation anxiety is usually felt when there is actual physical separation, major changes in dependence can also make your baby feel uneasy. Here are two situations when your baby may experience separation anxiety, even though you are still nearby:

* Introduction to solid food: Losing the closeness o of breastfeeding can make your baby long for the physical attachment to mommy.

* Starting to crawl: while crawling means new joys of independence, babies can also feel uncomfortable about how easy it is to separate from mommy.

Here are some tips to help you and your baby overcome separation anxiety:

* Be empathetic: Understand that babies have no concept of time, so that any separation is as painful as a long disappearance. This is hard to understand as an adult.

* Be loving: Show your love for your baby frequently to give him or her the emotional support that he needs to cope with the separation.

* Introduce a caring baby-sitter: Make sure you spend time with the baby and babysitter before leaving so your baby feels comfortable. When you leave, leave quickly to decrease the pain of the departure.

Separation Anxiety Solution

Your baby wants to be with you. You are the person your baby knows and loves best. He knows when you are not with him. This creates a fear that you will not return. This distress is called “separation anxiety.” It is an important part of growing up.

Help your baby separate from you. Avoid leaving when he is hungry, tired or sick. Ask the caregiver or babysitter to sit nearby and hold an interesting toy. Let the baby warm up to the new person. Offer your baby a security object like a stuffed toy or a soft, familiar blanket. This can help your baby comfort himself while you are away.

Your baby may cry loudly, but don’t sneak away. Tell your baby what will happen while you’re gone. Say when you will return. Tell him, for example,”I need to leave now. Auntie Meg will play with you and give you lunch. I’ll be back before nap time. I love you.” Give your baby a kiss and leave. His cries will end soon. Over time he will learn that you always come back.

About the Author

Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. He writes articles on pregnancy care, baby names, toilet training, baby sign language and many more topics related to dads.

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