By the time your baby is aged eight months and up, you may notice that she is like a character straight out of the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One moment she is the affectionate, outgoing and full of smiles Miss Wonderful in your home, and another moment, she is Terry terrible whos anxious, clingy, cranky and easily scared when around things and people that are unfamiliar or new.
Dont be dismayed. This definitely does not mean that your kid will develop multiple personalities. Its just that she has developed a skill that enables her to distinguish familiar from unfamiliar situations.
Anxiety around strangers and when she does not see you is a normal milestone for babies around this age and should never be a cause for worry. While she has become a little too clingy and wails when you leave her or when someone shes not familiar with approaches her, there are ways you can do to help her cope with separation anxiety.
First tip: Dont leave your baby whos not yet napped or whos hungry. A baby is more vulnerable to separation anxiety when shes hungry and tired. If you plan to go out, be sure shes taken her nap and is full.
Second tip: Play peek-a-boo...