nighttime separation anxiety

Most babies will experience separation anxiety when they turn to 6-7 mon, but the crisis age for most babies is between 12 to 18 months, sometimes it will last untill the babies turn to 2 years old..

Your baby's fear of being separated from you at night is very real for him, so you'll want to do your best to keep the hours preceding bedtime as nurturing and peaceful (and fun) as possible. In addition:

• Spend some extra cuddle time with baby before bed by reading, snuggling, and softly singing together.

• If your baby cries for you from his crib or bed, do reassure him and comfort him, but don't stay with him until he falls asleep. This will be painful for you both, but the results will be worth it. You'll have a child who can fall asleep on his own.

Babies have different personalities, so some will experience more severe bouts of separation anxiety than others. If your child can't be comforted using simple measures, it's time to reevaluate your goodbye pattern. Do you sneak out when baby isn't looking? Do you make it seem like you're going off to war? Do you slowly back down the walk waving and crying until baby's out of sight? A simple "see ya' later, alligator" followed by a quick hug and a kiss can do wonders for an anxious child. Your actions show your baby that leaving is no big deal and that you'll be home again soon.