Separation anxiety is a developmental stage during which a baby or child experiences anxiety when separated from their carer (usually mum). Parents see this anxiety in behaviours like crying and clinging. These sorts of behaviours are called attachment behaviours, because they are an important part of the attachment process (they keep mum close). Attachment behaviours are seen in humans from all cultures and in animals who rely on their mum for survival. Some degree of separation anxiety is normal at different points throughout childhood (for example when starting something new like kindy or school).
Separation anxiety usually starts around 8 months of age, and psychologists think that this is because this is the earliest time that babies can first move away from their mum. As a safety precaution babies need to really want to stay near mum! Of course, in the world we live in, babies are quite safe even when away from mum (like in their cot) and it's the role of parents to help their baby learn this. Separation anxiety at sleep time can cause parents some worry because they think there might be something wrong with their baby. When everything else has been ruled out (wet nappy, illness etc) you can rest assured that
- a sleep routine;
- a comfortable sleep environment; and
- a 'reminder' of your love and care
is all that is needed to help your child cope with separation anxiety. We have gathered together some great products to help you and your baby better manage separation anxiety at sleep time.