At what age does separation anxiety typically begin in children?

Separation anxiety typically begins in children around 6 to 8 months of age. During this developmental stage, infants start to recognize the difference between familiar caregivers and strangers, leading to feelings of distress when separated from their primary attachment figure. This emotional response is a normal part of development, indicating that the child is forming strong bonds and recognizing patterns of attachment.

Around this age, children may cry, clinge, or exhibit distress when a caregiver leaves the room. These behaviors reflect the child's growing understanding of object permanence — the awareness that an object (or person) continues to exist even when it cannot be seen. Such behaviors are usually temporary but can vary in intensity and duration among individual children.

In contrast, separation anxiety seen at 3-4 months is generally not as pronounced, as infants at this age primarily seek comfort and may not yet understand separation fully. The period of 12-15 months often sees more advanced developmental changes, including increased mobility and independence, which can modify how separation anxiety is expressed. By the ages of 2-3 years, many children are more accustomed to separations and have developed coping mechanisms, although some may still experience anxiety in new situations or with unknown caregivers.