How to Calm Separation Anxiety in My 9 Month Old

Updated on October 10, 2012
K.H. asks from Wausau, WI
6 answers

My daughter will go right to sleep in her own crib but when I take her to my friends house and she goes to take a nap in the pack n' play she screams as if she is terrified and will not calm down...even when she's in the living room with me sitting next to her. My daughter won't do this at my mom's house though and I go to both places quite a bit. Does anyone have advice on how I can help her feel more comfortable I feel so bad for her.

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So What Happened?

Ok listen to the people who tell me to stop going there I didn't want to share this but I am a paranoid schizophrenic. My Dr. has told me to make sure I get out of the house and visit someone every day because if I don't I become a shut in and afraid to even open my front door I have spent the last 3 months stuck to my house and I am just starting to get used to being outside and around people...my friend is the only friend I have and my family lives too far away for me to afford the gas to get there...I'm sorry I sound so mad but this is embarrassing and I don't need to listen to people telling me to stop going there. I have asked the Dr. what if I just went to the grocery store everyday to get out of the house and he said no I would need to talk to people and I am WAY to terrified to talk to strangers in person...all this negativity is really not helping my issues with people. Please try to understand...not trying to be rude and thank you for your advise.

More Answers

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Your child is scared in your friends house.
So hold her while she naps - in a sling if necessary.
Your mental condition is something you are going to have to live with and deal with always.
It's not an excuse or a crutch - don't let it become one.
Your child did not ask to be born.
You have a responsibility to see her needs and sometimes this will be in conflict with your own.
If you've told your doctor what happens to your child on these visits, I'm sure he is NOT in favor of your child suffering for it.
Hire a sitter for your child so you can visit without bringing her or never let your child come into contact with the toddler while you are there.
Look for a schizophrenic support group and try to widen your circle of friends.

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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

I never tried to get my kids to nap in strange houses. My daughter wouldn't even nap at my mom's house. It just caused her too much anxiety.

We planned our outings around the nap schedule.

I wish I had other advice, but some kids (like adults) just prefer their own beds.

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J.H.

answers from San Antonio on

Is this the same friend whose daughter pushes her down and slams her head against the ground? I'd be afraid to sleep in that house too.

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

ADDED at the top after the SWH addition:
Kaydon, find a moms' group at a time of day that works in your child's nap schedule. You need to get out, yes! But this friend's house is NOT the place to do it. Contact your local hospital chain (they often run new-moms' groups) or find a church that hosts groups or a community center that hosts them. I'm talking here NOTt about a "mothers' day out" where you leave the baby, but a moms' discussion group where you all sit with your infants and chat. You do need to get out, but can you see how this friend's house is not the place to do it? The stress of worrying about your child's safety there is only going to make your own condition worse! There are groups out there if you look. And ensure that your husband or significant other is looking after the baby and letting you get out and see people at other times. Good luck!

Kaydon, is this the same friend you mention in your other post today? The one with the toddler who pushes over your baby? Can you see the connection? Your baby knows this is not a safe place for her.

Your child is only nine months old. Please read up on stages of child development so you have more realistic and age-appropriate expectations for her behaviors.

She does not do it at your mom's probably because she knows your mom very well and there also is not a toddler there of whom she is physically afraid. Please recognize that your friend's house simply scares her to death and do not try to seek "solutions" to it -- just do not take her there. Your baby is too young for you to be able to fix this or "help her through it." She is pure reaction and pure emotion -- nothing will fix this fear other than removing the cause of it.

Leave the baby at your mom's and go visit the friend on your own without the baby along!

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C.J.

answers from Dallas on

I was always a "make it work" kind of mom at this age. If we were not in our home, I'd hold or rock my kiddos to sleep for their nap. Whereas at home, plop, just lay em down.
A special lovey or reminder of home could help. Maybe soft music, etc.
sometimes just avoiding a nap-time visit was helpful too. Visiting, instead, right after they wake up or doing the "car nap" on the way over.:)

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D.F.

answers from Boston on

I just read the other post. Now you know why she screams and is unhappy. She does not like to be pushed down and hurt. Put your baby first. Make another friendship.

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