One would think that having a baby sleep through the night is simple but, as any experienced parent would know, this is the farthest thing from the truth. That’s because, while normal, babies wake up at odd hours, cry for many different reasons, and separation anxiety could strike at any time. That’s when sleep training comes in handy. But how does one sleep train a baby and how does one do so if the baby is experiencing separation anxiety?
Babies that experience this typically worry that their parents will leave them and never return. While separation anxiety might create stress for you and your little ones, it’s also a healthy stage of emotional development.
However, this still leaves a lot of parents wondering how to deal with their little one’s separation anxiety in general, how to sleep train a baby with separation anxiety, and even how to aid babies who are experiencing it. Even if it’s normal, this is undeniably a serious challenge for parents of infants and toddlers. But, don’t worry. You will all overcome this challenge. We’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn how to handle these stressful moments with your little ones.
When Do Babies Feel Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety can begin as early as 4 months, but by the time your little ones turn 8 months old, they will have learned that people and items still exist even if they are hidden from view. That’s why, if you leave the room, your child will become aware of it, especially if they can no longer see you. However, you could still possibly come back to them being upset or in tears.
This insight is referred to as “object persistence”. This idea is what makes peek-a-boo a fun pastime for young children. During peek-a-boo, little ones think that by concealing your face with your hands, you have magically vanished, just to materialize again in an instant! Over time, this game or idea changes because they start to realize that you've been there the entire time.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Your little ones can start displaying symptoms of separation anxiety by the time they reach 8 months old. By then, they might be more needy than usual or cry more frequently. Just try to remember that they will eventually grow out of this stage of development, usually between the ages of 2 and 3.
How Does It Affect A Baby’s Sleep?
When you have a newborn, sleep becomes such a valuable commodity that most parents will do whatever it takes to ensure that everyone sleeping in the same house gets enough rest or sleep. It's likely that your kid is experiencing separation anxiety if they’re unusually clinging at night or wake up frequently.
These are some things you can do to help sleep train your baby with separation anxiety:
- Ensure that your baby has a consistent routine during bedtime.
- Make time for more cuddles, but learn to draw the line so they know when it’s time to sleep as well.
- Keep their bedroom door open so they feel more comfortable knowing you’re near.
- Ensure that their sleeping environment is calm and quiet.
Can you sleep train your babies while they’re experiencing separation anxiety?
The term "sleep training" describes the various methods parents use to teach their child to fall asleep on their own. While certain techniques, like the chair approach, appear kinder, others could come out as a little harsh. It's impossible to determine which strategy will work best as every infant and family is different.
Most newborns, however, are ready for sleep training as early as four months. If they are "taught" to self-soothe and go asleep on their own, it's likely that separation anxiety won't interfere with their nocturnal sleep. This being said, you'll probably need to "re-train" your little one’s sleeping patterns when they experience separation anxiety because they will most likely change frequently during those early developmental years.
Helpful Steps To Take With Your Babies
As with most new milestones your kid will experience, lead with love. This means that you should provide her with all the consolation and confidence she needs to know that even if you go, you'll always come back. Here are some suggestions:
- Make sure they have an object that gives them comfort (i.e. a blanket or toy)
- Have brief periods of separation
- Tell them about the activities that you will do together after they wake up from their sleep
- Make sure that the transitions for them are smooth and not so stressful (e.g. when you introduce them to someone new or when you leave them with other people)
- Learn to keep your promises with them so they can rest easier knowing you will be there doing what you said you would do
What helps with the nightly separation anxiety?
Since separation anxiety can happen at any given point during their sleeping hours, it’s important to create a calm sleep environment for your little ones, stick to their bedtime routines, and be consistent.
Another thing you can add to your baby’s list of sleep essentials is a cozy swaddle or a weighted sleep sack. Weighted sleep sacks are proven to calm your baby with deep pressure stimulation to help them relax and sleep soundly. This practical, wearable blanket, could also be a great comfort object that your little ones will associate as a sleep cue when bed time comes around.
Separation anxiety frequently develops as part of your baby's typical emotional growth. This stage usually corresponds with the awareness that people and things exist even when your infant can't see them. Also, it might happen at night, which can be problematic for parents. We hope our tips and helpful information help you make your baby's transition through this developmental stage easier. If you’ve got other tips and tricks, feel free to share them with us!
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