Sometimes when children are away from their caregivers, whether for a minute or an hour, they can experience Separation anxiety. This is the fear and anxiety around being away from you, and not knowing when you'll return or not having the capacity yet to understand that you WILL return. Separation anxiety can start around 6 months of age and can peak at different times during your babys early years as they develop.

Separation anxiety peak for the first time around 8-9 months of age this is when your baby first starts to understand object permanence - you exist even if they can't see or hear you.

If you notice that your baby is suddenly clinging onto you more than before when you try to put them down or pass them to another caregiver or family member or they start crying the second you're out of sight - this could be what's going on for your bub.

Let's discuss some top tips to supporting your baby when going through periods of separation anxiety...

1 When you're leaving them in a new environment, spend a bit of time there to help your baby settle in! This will help your baby feel safe and more comfortable in their new surroundings - potentially with new people.

2 Peek-a-boo! It will help them start to understand object permanence. As this is part of what causes their fears, helping them gain some understanding can help alleviate some of the stress (for you both).

3 Use a key phrase when you're leaving and remind them you'll be coming back! Creating a simple phrase and always using the same words can start to act as a trigger for your bub that, yes, you are going but that you're returning too.

4 Don't prolong your goodbyes!

5 When your baby is old enough, introduce a comforter.

6 If your baby is experiencing night time separation anxiety then it's even more important to have a consistent, wind down, make going down for sleep a calming experience without surprises to help put and keep your little one at ease.