Sudden separation anxiety at 12 months-what do I do?!

[airhostess]

Hello my Son is 1 in a week and has always been happy to be picked up by people that he recognises,even most women that are strangers until now. He immediately starts crying if I hand him to anyone even if I'm there. He's always been a contended baby that settles himself to sleep until the last two nights. He has started to cry as soon as I've walked away from his cot and last night i found him stood up screaming at 0330. Hes capable of sitting himself down from the standing position. Tonight he was distraught when I left him with his Daddy to have a shower. They have an amazing relationship so was shocked by this and it started once I left the room.
What do we do?
We have no friends or family near, I am a stay at home Mum & his Dad works away at least 4 days a week. I go to lots of groups with my Son and have done since he was small to socialise him as best we can. So that's the picture, any suggestions would be welcomed!

Thanks!

I would avoid handing him to strangers, lots of reassurance, sit with him as he goes to sleep. It's a phase and it will pass!

Obviously you still need to leave him with his Dad, but just reassure him you will be back.

Playing hide and seek/peekaboo games can help with separation anxiety as the child comes to realise that you still exist when he can't see you, and you always come back.