Baby crying when getting picked up by me:(

[LolaHope]

For context, my now 9 month old has been going to childminder since he was 2 months so very familiar with the setup and happy with his caregivers.
Up until recently he seemed quite ambivalent about seeing me at pick up. Same goes for drop off, he never showed any good or bad feelings about me leaving or collecting him until the past month or so. Now he always smiles when the childminder answers the door which is really sweet.
However when I go to pick him up at the end of his session, he cries as soon as he sees me! He will be fine playing but once he hears and sees me he gets upset. Obviously I then go to pick him up and he will stop crying.
Is this normal behaviour?
I’m over thinking and wondering whether it means something is wrong with our bond. I’m so happy and grateful that he enjoys being at the childminders, but not feeling too happy about him crying when he is reminded of my existence!

Aww it sounds like he just really enjoys being at the childminders and has settled really well. He’s not upset to be seeing you, he’s just upset that whatever fun thing he’s doing is going to stop. He stops crying when you pick him up so he knows he’s with his mummy who he obviously loves. It can be hard not to take it personally when he cries but it’s a sign that you’ve chosen a lovely childminders and he’s well cared for.

also, babies/young children always cry more with their primary attachment figure as this is where they feel safe and secure to express their emotions.

It could also be relief to see you after a long day. Not that he had a bad day, just that he's probably a bit tired and realized when he sees you that he needs a mummy hug. Especially since he stops crying when you pick him up.

I would think he's just 'offloading' his emotions, as pp said babies feel more confident in expressing their feeling with their primary carer. It doesn't mean he's not happy to see you!

Someone told me this happens because they suddenly realise they haven't seen you for ages.

I chose to believe it

aw my love! The exact opposite of your interpretation of it I bet. He is THRILLED to see you and his little body and mind can only react in the way it knows how to express big emotions at the mo, crying! As someone else mentioned, you’re his safety and he can show his emotions safely with you showing he feels really bonded with you.

he wants his mama to scoop him up and he’s showing you by saying hey mama come get me! I’m communicating!

sending love xxx

Awh thanks everyone for commenting. I hadn’t considered that maybe he’s overwhelmed with emotion and I am his safe space. That makes me feel a lot better x