Q&A: Separation Anxiety in Seven-Month-Old

There can be several reasons for your daughter's crying:

One is a normal reaction to separating from you (called separation anxiety) that makes it harder for a seven-month-old to go to childcare than for a four-month-old. Most seven-month-olds can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar situations, and show a normal anxiety with the unfamiliar. This crying would be loudest when you first leave, and usually gets better as the infant adjusts to a new place and new faces. If possible, having your caretaker come to your place once or twice will allow your child to get used to her without a new situation to deal with as well. If her unhappiness stems from the noise, she is not being spoiled, but just letting you know that she has a more sensitive temperament than some other babies. She may do better in a snuggly worn by your caretaker while the toddlers are being noisy. You should know that, as good as your caretaker may be, watching three two-year-olds and an infant is a very hard job, and indiviidual attention for your daughter may not be possible on some days.