Separation Anxiety

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 baby-sitter 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.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your-Eleven-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

Note: For info on sex after delivery, subscribe now to the GreatDad newsletter for new dads.

Previous / Next: Baby Walkers