How To Deal With Separation Anxiety in Babies at Night?

Can A Dream Feed Help Your Baby Sleep Longer? Expert Tips & Parent Guide Reading How To Deal With Separation Anxiety in Babies at Night? 8 minutes

By Neha AgarwalAug 28, 20250 comments

Separation anxiety in babies is not a setback but a milestone. When your little one clings, cries, or resists sleep, it simply means that they have formed a deep bond with you. This bond is what lies at the heart of separation anxiety symptoms, and it is a sign of healthy emotional development.

From slipping them into a cosy baby nightdress or wrapping them in a sleep sack to swaddling them in a soft baby swaddle, these little rituals of comfort can create a secure environment and soothe the fear of separation at bedtime.

No matter if it is separation anxiety, baby won't sleep moments or short naps that feel endless; remember, this phase is going to pass. With patience, consistent routines, and the right baby sleep essentials, both you and your baby are going to be able to find comfort again.

Introduction

For babies, the pillow is not going to feel as soft without Mama nearby!

Does your little one like to cling to you at night or simply burst into tears the moment bedtime rolls around and you start walking away? If yes, welcome to the wild and wonderful ride called separation anxiety in babies. It is a parenting milestone that's exhausting yet beautiful and reassuring.

Exhausting because your baby is not going to sleep without you, and reassuring because it means that your child has formed a deep, beautiful, and meaningful bond with you. Parents, separation anxiety is as common as baby drool. Invariably, every parent is going to face it; those endless cries the moment you walk away, the fear of separation at bedtime and that constant worry of short naps. But don't worry, Mama and Papa. This phase is super normal. And with the right approach, you and your little one are going to come out of it stronger.

What Causes Separation Anxiety in Babies At Night?

So what exactly causes all this drama at bedtime? The answer rests with your child's growing brain. Around 8 to 10 months of age, babies start realizing that their mom and dad don't exist if they can't see them. This realization forms the basis of a concept called object permanence, and it is the root cause of separation anxiety in babies [1]. At night, this realization coincides with the longest period of separation: sleep. To that, you can add darkness, silence, and distance, and you've got the perfect setup for bedtime battles.

Some of the most common separation anxiety symptoms in babies include;

incessant crying the minute you leave the room
resisting naps and bedtime
frequent night wakings
clinginess
baby refuses to sleep unless rocked or held

Can Separation Anxiety Cause Sleep Regressions?

Yes, separation anxiety can cause sleep regression, but not always! This is because when separation anxiety peaks, your little one's baby sleep is going to take a hit; naps are going to get shorter, and bedtime routine is going to stretch forever.

Furthermore, night-time wakings are going to increase. But hear us out. Not all sleep struggles are regressions, and not all sleep regressions are caused by separation anxiety. At times, teething, growth spurts, illness, or even routine changes can be the culprits. Having said that, separation anxiety can definitely fan the flames for an already fussy phase of your little one.

Differentiating Toddler Sleep Problems: Sleep Regression Vs Separation Anxiety?

If you are not able to figure out if those midnight sob sessions are sleep regression or fear of separation in children, this table might just come in handy for you.

How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Babies at Night

Bedtime does not have to feel like a battle every single day! Parents, just take a deep breath! Now that you have understood what causes separation anxiety in babies, let us touch upon how to deal with separation anxiety in babies, so that you and your little bundle of joy can navigate through those restless nights with patience and lots of love.

1. Maintain Sleep Routine

Babies thrive on predictability. Make sure that you stick to your usual bedtime routine. It could be a warm bath, stepping into a cozy baby nightdress, a lullaby, a massage, and then bundling them up in their sleep sack or swaddle pod. In fact, you know the right baby sleep products can truly make bedtime feel like a hug, even when you step out.

2. Talk To Your Child

Your baby might not fully understand your words yet, but your voice is their calming anchor. It could be a lullaby or anything that you and your child bond over. This is going to reassure them of your presence. Over time, your reassuring words will be very helpful in soothing the fear of separation in your child.

3. Use Their Favourite Toys

Try introducing a comfort object to help your child sleep well. It could be a soft toy, a blanket, or anything else that could sort of bridge the gap between your presence and absence for your little one. Having said that, please make sure that the comfort object is safe for sleep.

4. Play peek-a-boo games

Peek-a-boo can teach a baby that disappearances are temporary. The more peek-a-boo you play during the day, the less scary goodnight is going to feel for your child.

5. Comfort Your Kids During Overnight Wake Ups

If your child is waking up frequently at night, be comforting but consistent with the routine. A gentle pat, a soothing lullaby, or maybe a quick cuddle while keeping them cozy in a sleepsuit for baby. Do all that you can to comfort them, but try not to make a habit of rocking them to sleep every night, because this way, you will end up giving them sleep crutches.

Dr. Bhasin, Pediatrician  shares his insights about separation anxiety in children [2] “To alleviate separation anxiety in children, gradual exposure, reassuring routines, and open communication while parting are essential. Through these strategies, parents construct a supportive environment, laying the foundation for their child’s emotional well-being and a brighter future.”

References:

[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/separation-anxiety-in-babies

[2] https://www.onlymyhealth.com/why-is-separation-anxiety-common-in-children-and-how-to-cope-with-it-1669112058

FAQs on Separation Anxiety in Babies

1. Can sleep regressions and separation anxiety occur simultaneously?

Yes, they can. While sleep regression is generally caused by developmental leaps, teething, or illness, separation anxiety in babies stems from emotional distress. At times, the two can overlap, making separation anxiety in babies' sleep challenging.

2. Why does separation anxiety occur at night?

At night, your baby faces the longest period of separation from his or her caregivers. In addition to that, there is darkness and silence that amplifies this fear of separation and leads to sleep struggles.

3. How does separation anxiety affect a child's sleep patterns?

It can cause frequent night wakings, bedtime resistance, and excessive clinginess. Babies may refuse to sleep unless comforted, rocked, or held. These are the classic separation anxiety symptoms.

4. When to take the doctor’s advice for separation anxiety in baby's sleep?

If your baby's sleep troubles persist beyond a few weeks, or if symptoms of separation anxiety in babies start including extreme distress, feeding problems, or slow growth, it is best to consult your pediatrician.

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With Love, from Cocoon Care

Dear Parent,

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About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.

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