Baby crying when dad leaves but not mom? Or is this secure attachment?

[Eri21]

We have an absolutely adorable and very energetic 9 month old.
Both of us been there with him every day obviously. We both do care about him dearly - my DP changes him, bath him, take him out, play on the floor with him etc. All the normal baby stuff.
The last couple of months he’s been off work due to the health problems so he’s been home all day every day while I have to run errands, do the shopping etc, cooking. I’ve also returned to the work part time. And lately I noticed that whenever my DP leaves the house or tries to open the front door my LO lets out the most heart wrenching cry. And he never does that with me. I can go to work, go to Asda and according to my DP he doesn’t even notice I’m not there. But the moment he tries to even open the front door my LO is just crying until I or him pick him up. So my DP needs to leave when the baby doesn’t see him.
And it makes me a bit upset honestly. Is this the normal behaviour sign or really he has stronger bond with the dad?

I can understand why this upsets you, but please don't think it means he has a stronger bond with your DP.

I think the answer is there in what you have written: your DP has been home all day, every day. So he is used to Daddy being there all the time, therefore it is upsetting when he leaves and DS's little world changes.
Meanwhile, he is used to your not always being there because you've had to do all the running around. Therefore he doesn't find it as upsetting when you leave, because he is used to it. Please don't read too much into it.

Huge separation anxiety peak at 8-9 months, OP. If your DH has been around more it’s more than likely just that.

Typical age for separation anxiety. He’s been with dad a lot recently, this is all normal. Don’t worry it doesn’t mean he’s not bonded with you or that he prefers dad.
My ds was exactly the same as a baby, now he’s much more attached to me. They will go through these phases.

So my DP needs to leave when the baby doesn’t see him.

On a side note, please don't make a habit of this. It will make your lo wonder why daddy has suddenly disappeared. It's natural for them to cry at this age but actually much better for them if their parent says goodbye cheerfully and leaves baby to be comforted by somebody else (you).

He stops crying when you pick him up? That means his attachment to you is thoroughly secure. You have no reason to worry. Just that, as PP have said, your DP is around all the time and this is what he is used to. The crying when he leaves probably will change before you know it anyway.

Thank you for the replies!

Yes, crying instantly stops when I pick him up, it’s not ongoing thing.
I know the separation anxiety peaks at this age but I thought that would be me he would be afraid to lose out of sight.
When I came back from outside he greats me with the biggest smile and a giggle so it’s not all doom and gloom.
I just kept thinking that maybe it’s my fault, that maybe I don’t bond with him enough or play with him enough…you know all kinds of thoughts FTM thinks!

I just kept thinking that maybe it’s my fault, that maybe I don’t bond with him enough or play with him enough…you know all kinds of thoughts FTM thinks!

Hopefully you've got the message that it's not your fault!