Dealing with Infant Separation
Anxiety in Infant Daycare
Separation anxiety is just a part of growing up for most infants. When you first enroll your child in infant day care, the sudden change in routine will be difficult for your child to handle. That's okay. There are several things you can do to manage infant separation anxiety so the transition is easier to handle for you loved one.
Studies show that most infants begin struggling with separation anxiety around 6 months of age. New situations are difficult to handle, and sleeping patterns can become easily disrupted. Here are a few tips for easing separation anxiety.
1. Spend extra time with your new caregiver — When you first find a new infant day care to take your child to, you don't want to just drop your baby off and leave. Arrive to the facility early, and spend time together with your infant and the caregiver. Having the 3 of you together will help your child feel more comfortable with the caregiver. If possible, try to stay for the entire first session with your baby so that you're with each other throughout the whole first day. Then, leave the infant alone with the new caregiver for a short period of time the second day, and gradually work your way toward leaving the infant at the day care alone the entire time.
2. Let your baby know you're leaving — A lot of parents think if their infant is asleep they should sneak away so as not to disturb them when they drop them off at infant day care. The truth is waking up to find out your parent isn't there is far more disturbing to a child than losing a little sleep when you wake him up to say goodbye. Leaving without saying goodbye breaks the trust you have built with your infant. Every time before you leave, follow a specific “goodbye” ritual. This could be something as simple as saying a few words about how you have to go “bye bye” and giving your child a kiss on the head.
3. Bring an object from home — Bringing a favorite toy or blanket from home will make your infant more comfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings of day care. It gives them a sense of security, making them feel a little more at home.
4. Don't give into your emotions — As a parent, seeing your child cry as you walk away is going to rip your heart out, but you must stay calm. If you keep going back every time your child starts to cry, he or she will never learn to cope with your absence. Realize that this is just a part of growing up, and your child will get through this.
Separation anxiety is certainly a challenge to overcome, but by sticking with these guidelines both you and your infant will grow stronger through these difficult times.