The short answer
Yes. Separation anxiety can make some babies seek familiar carers more often at bedtime or after waking between seven and nine months. It is not the only reason for waking.
In this guide · 12 sections
Keep in mind
- Between seven and nine months, your baby may look for you more often at night, even if sleep had seemed easier. Separation anxiety can contribute to wanting a familiar carer close by.
- A short, calming bedtime sequence helps make the evening predictable: nappy change, nightwear, a feed, a lullaby, then bed. It does not have to finish at an exact time.
- Contact your GP or health visitor if poor sleep comes with fever, obvious pain, much less feeding, fewer wet nappies or unusual drowsiness.
Why might your baby look for you at night?
Between seven and nine months, your baby may look for you more often at night, even if sleep had seemed easier. Separation anxiety can contribute to wanting a familiar carer close by.
At around nine months, turning towards you, reaching out or crying as you leave may be part of social development. It does not explain every night-time waking.
How might separation anxiety affect sleep?
Your baby might object when you leave after the bedtime routine, want a cuddle when laid down, or seek you after waking. Sometimes another familiar adult can settle them; sometimes they prefer one particular person.
A baby who is happy to play while you are nearby may still want to hear your voice in a dark bedroom. One unsettled night does not set a permanent pattern.
Is every waking separation anxiety?
Not necessarily. Hunger, a night feed, a wet nappy, room temperature, a new setting, discomfort or illness can interrupt sleep. Consider your baby’s feeding and general wellbeing if waking suddenly increases.
A blocked nose, fever, pain or a clear drop in milk intake should not simply be attributed to separation anxiety. Their daytime alertness, wet nappies and growth remain important.
Is this the “eight-month sleep regression”?
You may hear this called the “eight-month sleep regression”. It is a popular description, not a medical diagnosis or a stage that arrives on a fixed date for every baby.
New movement skills, sensitivity to separation and individual sleep patterns can all play a part. Watch your baby rather than trying to fit them to an online timetable.
Why might a bedtime routine help?
A short, calming bedtime sequence helps make the evening predictable: nappy change, nightwear, a feed, a lullaby, then bed. It does not have to finish at an exact time.
Seeing you and hearing a familiar voice may be reassuring. One evening when the routine changes does not undo previous progress.
How can you respond at night?
Check whether your baby is awake and needs something. Brief stirring may pass, but crying, hunger or discomfort warrants a calm response.
You could talk softly, offer gentle touch or pick them up for a cuddle. There is no single correct settling technique, and comfort is not spoiling your baby.
What can you try today?
Try simple peekaboo during the day, and give a brief, reassuring goodbye when you step out of sight. Build familiarity with another trusted carer gradually.
Keep bedtime steps quiet and familiar, and share settling when practical. Rather than measuring success by the number of wakes, notice what helps your own baby.
How do you maintain safer sleep?
Continue to put your baby down on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Keep pillows, loose bedding and soft toys out of the sleep space.
If you feed or cuddle your baby while sleepy, return them to their own safe cot before you fall asleep. Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair.
When should you seek further advice?
Contact your GP or health visitor if poor sleep comes with fever, obvious pain, much less feeding, fewer wet nappies or unusual drowsiness.
Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, blue colouring or a baby who is difficult to wake. Persistent parental concern is also a good reason to seek advice.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, blue colouring or a baby who is difficult to wake. Persistent parental concern is also a good reason to seek advice.
- Contact your GP or health visitor if poor sleep comes with fever, obvious pain, much less feeding, fewer wet nappies or unusual drowsiness.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Separation Anxiety & Sleeping Trouble in Young Children
- CDC — Milestones by 9 Months
- NHS — Separation anxiety
- NHS — Helping your baby to sleep
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Common Questions & Concerns
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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