Many babies have settled into an established sleep pattern by this point, however, some experiencestranger or separation anxietythat causes them to wake up looking for their parent or to resist falling asleep. If this occurs, stay in the room with your baby to reassure him that you are there. Do not hold him, but remain beside him until he becomes drowsy. Exit the room quietly, leaving the door slightly ajar so that he can still hear you. While this is not necessarily easy for parents, your baby's exhibition ofseparation or stranger anxiety denotes important cognitive development.He isbecoming more aware of his surroundingsand is developing his grasp ofobject permanence, the understanding that people or things still exist when they are not present.This is a normal part of your baby's healthy emotional development and will eventually pass. Do your best to minimize separations, arrange for a familiar person to look after your baby when you do go away, and allow your baby to get to know a new caregiver before leaving him for any length of time.
