How do you help your babies become independent?

My son is 10 months old and needs to be in the same room with me (or my husband, but usually me) all the time. He cant go more than a few minutes, if that, alone before searching for someone. I have worked very hard since he was born to support his independence, he sleeps on his own, puts himself to sleep, etc. but for the past couple of months, he really needs to have me in his sight at all times. He is really good at playing on his own, as long as I'm in the room. Is this normal, or is there something I can do to make him feel more comefortable playing alone?

Answers:
Sometimes babies need to feel a sense of security. I think it's normal for him to want to see you all the time. You are a good mother and it's nothing that you've done wrong. Each day, wheen you're out of his sight, talk to him and let him know for example, you're in the kitche and you'll be right out etc... Talk soothing. He will cry, but don't rush right in, as long as he's safe, he'll be fine. I don't mean, just let him cry 20-30 minutes, but you want him to understand that although he doesn't see you, it's okay, you haven't abandoned him. My daughter (15 months) went tthgough the same thing. Good Luck!!

Other Answers:
dont baby him too much, give him his own little bed, thats how my mom did it.

start taking the child to a play date they will get caught up with playing you can slip out By talking to them in a way that corresponds to their age

Your first step to making him independent is to feel loved and secure. It is only then will he feel confident to be on his own. It starts with a lot of love and support from you. So... as exhausting as it is just give him what he's asking you for... lots of attention. It's just a phase.
Source(s):
Mama of a ten-month-old.

This is absolutely normal. You're baby has realized that he is separate from you. If that's true, then the fact that you can leave and not come back is also true. Combine that with thinking that if he can't see something, it's gone forever, and you've got one frightened little boy on your hands. If you have to leave the room, tell him, "I'm going to do _______. I'll be right back." It'll take a while, but he will eventually learn that you're not abandoning him. If he wants to follow you let him. If you have to leave him with someone else, hug him, kiss him, tell him you love him and will be back later, then leave. Don't torment him and yourself by prolonging the agony.

Also, make sure you give him lots of attention when you're there. Hold him when he needs it (he's still a baby, afterall), but don't hover when he doesn't, or make a huge issue out of things.
Source(s):
What To Expect--The First Year (really great series, I've used all 3), www.babycenter.com, trial and error with my 1 year old.

You can't teach a 10 month old to be independent just yet. Is your son crawling now? or walking? My pediatrician said that babies start suffering from separation anxiety at the time they start to become mobile. You may not even be able to leave the room before your son starts crying. This is normal.

My son was the same way. He is now 13 months old and now very independent. Especially when we're out in the mall. He always wants to run out of the store!

So, in a couple of months your baby will show his independence and then you'll end up having to run after him all the time. Or, your baby may be shy. There are also shy kids who won't let their parents out of sight. This is normal also. Kids are born with their own temperament.

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How do you help your babies become independent?

Pregnancy & Parenting