At around 8 months, your baby’s temperament can suddenly change—and in a rather spectacular way. While your little one was once sociable, often laughed, and enjoyed being held by different people, they may now appear shy, be afraid of new people, and cry whenever you’re not nearby.
These behavioral changes are completely normal and are not a cause for concern. In fact, all these changes are part of a crucial phase in your baby’s mental development. Your little one is developing the concept of object permanence. This simply means that they are beginning to understand that objects continue to exist even when they cannot see them.
This is a big change for an 8-month-old baby. It can actually be quite scary for your child. Since the baby now knows that you and your partner exist even when you’re out of their sight, they might fear that you will never return. This is called separation anxiety.
Separation Anxiety
Although painful for your baby, separation anxiety is a sign of healthy mental development. It means that your baby is beginning to understand that you and they are two individual, distinct persons. Additionally, your eight-month-old baby does not yet have a perception of time. An absence of just a few minutes can seem like an eternity.
The intensity of separation anxiety varies greatly from one child to another, and some babies may not experience it at all. If this is the case with your baby, don’t worry! Separation anxiety is not a mandatory phase. Every baby has their own character and develops in their own unique way.
However, if your little one is experiencing separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them get through this difficult phase.
- Reassure your child as much as possible by giving them lots of hugs, cuddles, and kisses.
- Establish a routine when parting with your 8-month-old baby.
- Always remind the baby that you will return when you leave.
- Respect the baby’s fear, do not leave abruptly, and do not pass the baby to a new person without taking the time to allow your baby to feel comfortable first.
- Avoid long absences whenever possible.
- Allow your baby to have a comfort object, such as a blanket or a small stuffed animal.
Follow these tips, and your child will survive the eight-month crisis before you know it.
