5 month old didn’t miss me

[Jamontoast1]

I left my 5 month old overnight with my mum for the first time (left her at bedtime, collected her at 10am) and I was so excited to see her as missed her so much, but when I saw her she didn’t even look at me let alone smile… is this normal?!

She does smile a lot at me and laughs and is babbling etc but I guess I expected her to be a bit excited to see me?

Anyone?

She was obviously happy and secure with your Mum. That’s a good thing.

I wouldn't read that as not having missed you. Tiny children respond in lots of different ways to their carers. A common response (perhaps in a slightly older child) to a carer returning after an absence is to scream and cry at them, to express their upset at being left, so it could've been a lot worse.

I remember when I went back to work when my eldest was ten months the nursery ladies said it was the worst time in that they usually have quite recently developed the capacity to notice you're not there and miss you (and manipulate you by wailing as you leave and then being absolutely fine once you're out of sight!). I dunno how true that is but I'd have thought at five months it's quite normal that they wouldn't be so aware...? Also I remember being told when my youngest had just turned one and I left her at childminders to go back to work and she didn't care AT ALL that I was leaving her that it was a sign of how well adjusted and secure in my love she was?!?! (She's eight now and the most loving and affectionate but confident kid). Which might be true for younger ones too. A long way of saying - I wouldn't worry about it! It might change as the baby's awareness grows so enjoy it whilst you can gad about a bit guilt free!

Ok thank you! I think it’s the fact she didn’t even look at me 😅 but have had a very happy smiley day today with her so all is forgiven. 😂

she’s still just a tiny baby I’m sure this is completely normal x