Now, and for the next few months, separation anxiety is at its peak. Although it's normal now for a baby to show an extreme attachment to you and fear of everyone else, it can be difficult for doting grandparents and caregivers.

You can help ease transitions for your baby by warning people to approach slowly and let your baby make the first move. If your baby uses a thumb or pacifier for soothing to cope with this anxiety, that's okay. Sucking is one of your baby's only methods of self-calming.

Travel tips

Because of separation anxiety, this can be a tough time to be away from your baby for any length of time. But it may also be hard to travel with your baby right now. Your baby has become used to his or her surroundings and familiar faces, and likes predictability. So being on the road can disrupt that sense of security and routine, especially when visiting an unfamiliar place or meeting lots of strangers.

At this age, your baby doesn't grasp the concept of travel but realizes when a place is new and unfamiliar. If you go on a trip, be ready for some cranky, clingy behavior and prepare plenty of distractions – books, toys, and definitely a favorite security object, if your baby has one. Schedule plenty of downtime away from all the strangers to let him or her decompress. If your baby still uses a pacifier, it's wise to bring along a handful. They seem to vanish just when you need them most.

Related Items My baby cries for me after I leave for work. What can we do? Checklist: Packing list for traveling with a baby Seven secrets to successful travel with a young child