A baby's understanding of being separate from its mother begins to develop around 6 or 7 months old, which is when separation anxiety typically starts.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Early Months (0-6 months): Babies are completely dependent on their mothers and don't have a strong sense of individuality. They rely on their mothers for all their needs, including food, comfort, and security.
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Emergence of Individuality (6-7 months onwards): Around this time, babies begin to realize they are separate entities from their mothers. This realization can trigger separation anxiety, as they understand that their mother can leave them.
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Separation Anxiety: This is a normal developmental stage where babies become distressed when separated from their primary caregiver (usually the mother). It can manifest as crying, clinging, and resisting being left alone. Separation anxiety can persist well into the second year of life.
Therefore, while babies are always uniquely individual, their awareness of being separate from their mother develops beginning at around 6 or 7 months of age. The age at which a baby should be left alone depends on many factors, including the baby's temperament, the caregiver's readiness, and the safety of the environment. Gradual and gentle separations are often recommended to help babies adjust.
