9mo separation anxiety...

[Bobby99]

...my DD is nearly 9mo, very contented, sleeping well etc, but has recently developed very obvious separation anxiety - if I leave the room she howls. I know this is quite normal, but I just wondered how long it is likely to last and if anyone has any ideas on how to deal with it better as I do sometimes need to leave her (in a playpen so she is erfectly safe) just to go to the loo or put the kettle on etc.

Don't worry, this is normal. It can take anything from 2 to 6 months on average to completely go.

Best thing to do is to always let her know that you are going to leave and that you will come back. Babies understand a lot more than we give them credit for. Took DS2 a month but now he stops crying if I call out and say I am coming back. Or he just crawls towards me and grips my legs

You can also play lots of peek a boo, games; gradually making the time you disappear before saying peek a boo longer.

Oh no, 6 months?! Thanks Suzihaha, hope mine is like yours. Its so horrible hearing her scream when i have to pop out of the room. Its so tempting to sneak out when she's not looking but that only makes it worse when she realises I've gone...

Mine still does this at 13 months. Sorry! It's really annoying.

Oh. Not so good then, noblegiraffe. I guess you just let them get on with it if it goes on for that long.