Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers
Separation anxiety in toddlers is a normal and healthy part of development though it can be upsetting for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you both cope with separation anxiety.
- Start practicing short separations, leaving your baby with someone they know and are comfortable with while you go for a short walk or run a quick errand.
- Try turning it into a game like peek-a-boo.
- Give your baby a scarf, burping cloth, or toy with your scent on it to hold while you’re away.
- Talk about what you’ll do together later once you’ve returned.
- Make goodbyes a positive experience. Your baby can pick up on your anxiety or distress.
- A positive goodbye followed by a happy reunion can be an important life lesson.
- Don’t leave your baby when they’re hungry, tired or feeling unwell, or any time you feel they genuinely need you there.
- Ask your doctor for advice on separation anxiety if your baby continues to be distressed when left with others.
Related articles
Baby food allergies Vs intolerances—things to consider
Baby allergies and intolerances can develop at any time. An allergy is our immune system’s reaction to a substance it thinks is harmful.
3 mins to read
Planet-saving tips for an eco-friendly baby
Saving the planet doesn’t have to stop because you’ve had a baby. Yes, they’re a teeny bundle of mess-creating, gadget-needing joy.
2 mins to read
Newborn Sleep Development - What you need to know
You’re half-awake at 4 am with a wide-awake baby in your arms and wondering if you’ll ever get a full night’s sleep again. Don’t worry, you will.
6 mins to read
Childproofing Your Home: Safety first!
Your house is about to become home to all kinds of firsts for your new family addition—make sure everyone can share every special moment in a safe environment where your baby can thrive!
7 mins to read
Storing baby cereals: Freshness & Safety First!
You want to serve your little foodie the best in infant nutrition. What you don’t want are bugs in her food—yuck!
1 min to read
10 money-saving tips for having a baby on a budget
Working out how much to save for a baby can be a daunting task.
4 mins to read
Lonely mom? 10 things to do with baby—that give something back to you
Even with a wealth of online parenting forums and a baby in your arms, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely as a mom.
4 mins to read
Your baby proofing action plan
Even though they won’t be mobile at first, it’s a good idea to baby proof your house before the big arrival.
2 mins to read
First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Wondering how dads can help with newborns?
6 mins to read
Baby Feeding and Nutrition: The Guide
How will you feed your newborn?
7 mins to read
How to read baby cues and body language
From the moment they’re born, your baby has a lot to say.
2 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Wondering why babies cry? If you’re struggling to understand what your baby is trying to tell you, check this list for possible clues to help.
2 mins to read
Baby vaccine schedule
Early childhood immunizations are an important safeguard against serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses for your baby.
4 mins to read
How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps
Becoming a new parent and bringing your newborn home, can be a daunting experience to navigate.
3 mins to read
Coping with baby blues
Many moms experience feeling of postpartum blues – sometimes called the “baby blues” soon after their little one arrives.
2 mins to read
Next steps in baby’s solid foods adventure
Now that you’ve introduced baby to some new tastes and textures, you can start broadening their taste buds even further by offering a variety of healthy solid foods.
2 mins to read
Baby Teething: Signs and Relief
Teething begins at different times for different babies, although most have already started by six months of age.
2 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
