8 month old has separation anxiety?

Question

My 8 month old has separation anxiety when I leave her at daycare. The daycare is 1 block from the university I go to. She has been refusing bottles so I go to class for 2 hours, feed her and spend time with her there for 1 hour, then have class for 2 hours and then pick her up and take her home. She cries the whole entire time she is at daycare (except for when I am there). Is there any way for me to help her through this? We are working at home to try and get her to take the bottle or sippy cup again (atm she just spits it all out or refuses).

Answer 1

Hello.I,m afraid this is normal and babies need their Mommy.It is a shame that you have to go to university.Also,she is a bit young to not have the comfort of a bottle if she can,t have you.

Answer 2

well, first off: you probably know this, but this is a very normal age for separation anxiety. ruby had a VICIOUS rub of it from 4-8 months. i am a SAHM, but, really, she would not let anyone else touch her. of a stranger looked at her -- she cried. for 4 months.

the best thing for you to do is -- if you have a day when you don't have classes -- go to daycare with her and leave her for 30 minutes, then take her and go home. next free day, do it for 30 minutes again, then an hour. this might help. we started leaving ruby at her grandma's for 30 minutes, then 60, then 90...until after a few weeks we had worked up to a whole day. since then she has gone -- happily -- once a week or so. but of course my situation was much different and, admittedly, easier.

i do not think the hour you spend with her is bad. not at all.

she will grow out of it. i'm sure it's really hard -- i'm sorry. good for you for being in school. hang in there.

Answer 3

Pick up Harvey Karp's "The Happiest Toddler on the Block" he has a chapter on seperation anxiety, where you slowly teach the baby that your absence is temporary and that you will always come back.  For example, tell her, "Mommy has to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back", go into the bathroom, but come out 3 seconds later.  Then use another excuse, where you're only gone for 10 seconds.  Then a little longer.  Then finally say, "I'm going to class.  I'll see you later" and LEAVE.  Don't keep looking back, don't rush back to see her.  It would also help if she had a favorite stuffed toy or blanket and if one of the daycare workers distracted her as you left.

Good luck.