Does your little one burst into tears the moment you walk away? Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal and you’re not alone. It’s called separation anxiety and it’s a tough phase for both parents and babies. Let’s look at when it typically happens, why it occurs, and some ways to help make separations easier for you and your baby.

When Does It Start and Why?

Most babies begin showing signs of separation anxiety between 10 and 18 months. By this stage, your baby has likely developed a cognitive skill called object permanence — the understanding that things and people still exist even when they’re not in sight.

While this is a great developmental milestone, it comes with a realization that can feel overwhelming to your baby: when you leave, there’s no way for them to know exactly when (or if) you’re coming back. This can trigger intense feelings of distress, leading to those heartbreaking tears when you head out the door.

How Can You Help Your Baby?

The good news? Separation anxiety is temporary, but here are a few tips to help make it a bit easier.

• Create a predictable goodbye routine: Keep your farewells brief and upbeat. A simple kiss, a hug, and a cheerful “See you later!” can help your baby adjust faster than prolonged, emotional goodbyes. Another option is to have your babysitter keep the child entertained while you sneak away. While this isn’t the A plus choice, in a pinch it’ll get you out the door.
• Limit unnecessary separations: When possible, bring your baby along when you go out. If going out with your baby is overwhelming for you, consider bringing a friend or your partner.
• Choose familiar caregivers: If you need to leave your baby, try to ensure they’re with someone they already know and feel comfortable around. (Pro-tip: Make sure that you also have complete trust in the person, otherwise you’ll add unnecessary stress to your outing.)

What If the Anxiety Gets Worse?

Every child develops at their own pace. While separation anxiety may fade after a few weeks for some babies, others may take longer. If it seems to be getting worse, consider trying these strategies.

• Short and sweet exits: Drawing out goodbyes may make things harder. Try to keep it light and quick — a hug, kiss, and confident exit.
• Practice gradual separations: Start by leaving your baby for very short periods (like 30 minutes) and gradually extend the time as they adjust.

The Bottom Line

It may feel difficult right now, but this phase is a sign your baby is growing and learning. Eventually, they’ll understand that you always come back. Until then, with patience, consistency, and a few small adjustments, you can help ease the transition and reassure your little one that everything is going to be okay.