Separation anxiety in 8 month old

My son is 8 months old and is an extremely outgoing baby. He loves people and laughs and giggles all day long. He has been left with several different people when we go out and always has a great time and does not seem to miss us. He would go to any stranger without hesitation ( although he ususally glances my way to always make sure I am in range). He has slept 12 hours through the night since he was 2 months old but in the last two weeks he has been waking up 2-4 time a night screaming. He is not hungry, wet etc and when I go to the crib and pick him up he instantly calms down. It usually only takes 3-5 minutes to get him back to sleep but if I put him down before he is asleep he cries in an almost panic like scream.

My pediatrician says this is separation anxiety and is normal. But why is a kid so socially well adjusted in the daytime having so much trouble at night? Should I keep going to him and holding him untilhe falls asleep or should I put him back to bed awake and let him cry it out? How long might this last? Is there anything else I can do to make him feel more secure.

I have always given him his nightly bottle before bed and he always falls asleep in my arms. Should I just put him to bed awake so he gets used to it?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, your instincts are correct. What you want him to achieve is the ability to fall asleep on his own, and he will quickly learn to do this. What you are observing is not really separation anxiety. It's really the consequence of his learning, if you will, to fall asleep with you holding him. When these events occur (they are called nighttime wakings and are not indicative of any emotional problem - they are normal), brief reassurance is all that's needed. Your son just needs practice in falling asleep on his own.