Where has my happy 9 month old gone?!

[Sunshine1996]

DD was a tricky baby at first, colic etc however from about 3/4 months onwards is generally a delight. However recently since she has started crawling (could this be somehow connected?!) she has been a nightmare!
I do work part time but days off I always spend my time with her, recently took her to a play centre which she normally enjoys however screamed the place down unless I held her. Yesterday we had friends round for Sunday lunch, again she screamed unconsolably if me or partner left the room. Today after work I was preparing dinner while DD was in high chair, I involved her by talking to her, singing, gave her snacks to keep her occupied.. yet again screamed almost like a temper tantrum!
I just feel so at a loss, it’s really getting me down 😞 DD is not poorly, don’t think it’s connected to teething. She still has no teeth yet has been showing classic signs since about 4 months, this behaviour has continued for weeks now and still no teeth so don’t think it’s related.

Is she ok if she's got your full attention?

It's hard because they know what they want at this age but obviously can't communicate that to you.

Look up object permanence which emerges around this age. Basically up to about 8 months babies don't realise things can exist outside of what they can see. So if you go out of the room they just accept that as you being gone. Then this kicks in when they realise you're not gone, you're somewhere else. And they want you back! It's perfectly normal and it will pass.

I'm sure I read that babies at this age go through a developmental leap where they learn/realise they can be left alone. And they don't like it! So they become quite clingy and upset at being put down or seeing a parent walk out of the room.

As with everything to do with babies, it's a phase and this too shall pass 😊