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377493 tn?1356502149

Insecurity or is this normal?

So we had one other episode like this a few months ago, but it's much worse this time.  Ryder is an incredibly social baby...loves people watching and will pretty much go to anyone..trust me, every little old lady in our neighborhood has pretty much adopted him..lol.  Always big smiles for strangers, babble away to them, just super social.

Well all of a sudden he wants nothing to do with anyone.  If I am out of his sight for a second (I can't even go to the bathroom without him) he completely looses his mind...screeching, screaming, complete meltdown time.  This isn't like him at all.  Usually if I need to go to the bathroom or even take a quick shower, I can put him in his excersaucer and he is happy as can be for 10 or 15 minutes.  Not now...and it's not just in his site, he wants to be touching me or on my lap or just right next to him.

Is this normal seperation anxiety, or is he maybe feeling insecure about something?  He and I are always together.  I have left him maybe 4 or 5 times for very short periods, and all but twice was with my husband.  What do you think?
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1169162 tn?1331232353
Just to reassure you - when little ones experience separation anxiety, it is almost always contained to the moment of separation and a few minutes after.  I have never met a baby who was not completely fine and all smiles a few minutes after their mom left.  So if he does cry, try not to get too upset (I am being completely hypocritical now because I know we all get upset), because it really will be over quick and he will have a great time.  And, yes he will likely handle it better than you - lol!  Motherhood is such an intense experience, isn't it? I never knew that it would be possible to experience such strong and different emotions all at the same time - joy, happiness, complete adoration, pride, worry, guilt, despair etc.  Good luck and have a great time.
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
Thanks ladies.  Today he seems back to normal..lol.  Just when something changes...it changes again.  

Ladybug, thanks for the suggestion on peek a boo.  I played it with him for awhile last night and this morning...he just shrieks with laughter.  He likes it when I hide around the edge of the couch and peek out at him..laughs and laughs.  I'll keep it up with him.

I am still a bit worried about our upcoming outing though...we have DH's company Christmas Party on the 10th and I am leaving him with my best friend.  He knows her very well,,she is auntie to him.  I left him with her once before for 2 hours and it was fine..this will be a bit longer though.  Lol, he will probably handle it better then I will!!  
Helpful - 0
353148 tn?1293061164
This is all normal. Trinity is the same way so I looked it up. It's just another mommy phase. They will drift in and out of this phaze for the first 2 years. Enjoy it, it won't last long.
Helpful - 0
1173196 tn?1292916490
I agree, I remember my kids going through similar phases. Eventually Ryder will understand that you always come back.
Helpful - 0
951477 tn?1293068687
I think it's a phase of seperation anxiety. It'll pass in a few days (or weeks).
We thought Seth was a anti-social baby as he started to scream when people pays attention to him. Then just one day he decided people are not that bad after all and now he smiles with every one and even goes to people he think are awesome!!
I am sure it's just the matter of time Ryder figures out mommy is only going to be gone for  a few minutes.
May be you have already heard this; I read Peek-a-boo is great for them to get over that anxiety. When they see mommy's face gone for a few seconds and it reappears with a high pitched "pick a boo" it is supposed to build their confidence that you are not leaving them forever when you go the bathroom. That's because kids have no sense of time.

Sorry I was rambling.. this time changed has screwd my sleep. Hope you got what I was trying to say.  
Helpful - 0
1169162 tn?1331232353
I know that this sudden change can be scary but it is completely normal.  He is at the age that separation anxiety can begin, and this sounds like very typical separation anxiety.  It can be hard because it is more challenging for you to get any time to yourself, but he will outgrow it soon enough, and trust me, it is not a sign that anything is wrong. You are a great mom.  
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