Baby's First Year
Month 8 — Separation Anxiety Kicks In
Baby This Month
approximately 69–73cm and 8–9.5kg
Your baby now fully understands object permanence — they know that things and people exist even when out of sight. This is a huge cognitive leap, and it's also the reason separation anxiety arrives in full force around Month 8. They cry when you leave the room because they know you exist somewhere else and they want you there. On the physical side, pulling to stand is the big new skill — your baby is hauling themselves upright on anything they can grab. Pincer grip is developing too, allowing them to pick up tiny objects between thumb and forefinger.
Your baby should now be eating three meals a day with a good variety of textures and flavours alongside their usual milk feeds. Lumpy and soft finger foods are important at this stage — delaying textured foods past 9 months increases the likelihood of fussiness with food later on. Know the difference between gagging (normal, noisy, baby handles it) and choking (silent, requires intervention). First aid training for infants is genuinely worth doing if you haven't already.
The separation anxiety your baby is experiencing isn't manipulation or clinginess — it's a sign of healthy, secure attachment. Research consistently shows that babies who express distress when their caregiver leaves, and who are soothed by their return, have the most secure attachment styles. Babies who seem not to care when a parent leaves may have learned that expressing need doesn't result in a response. Your baby crying for you is a compliment, even when it doesn't feel like one.
Practise short separations throughout the day to help your baby build confidence that you come back. Say 'I'm going to the kitchen, I'll be back in a moment' — and actually come back. Wave bye-bye when you leave rather than sneaking out (sneaking out feels kinder but actually makes anxiety worse). Consistent, warm goodbyes and reliable returns build the trust that eventually makes separation easier for both of you.
Offer water in a free-flow cup with every meal — not juice. Babies don't need juice and the sugar is not beneficial. Water and milk are the only drinks your baby needs until at least age 1.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer
Do your share of the separations — if your baby only ever cries when mum leaves, it can create an uneven dynamic. Both parents doing the goodbye routine helps the baby generalise their confidence.
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