Now that your infant is becoming more aware of her surroundings, she might start to realize that you are not always there with her, which can sometimes upset her. If your baby starts to cry every time you leave her, don’t worry – it’s  normal. She’s just still learning that just because you’re gone, it doesn’t mean you won’t come back. If you’re having trouble with this common problem, try some of these tips to work through it:

Let her watch you go. Even though it may seem easier to just sneak away when she’s not looking, most moms find it’s more helpful to let your baby see you leave and then learn to cope with it.

Practice. Some moms like to show their baby that the separation is just temporary by leaving for short periods of time over and over again.

Create a ritual. Following the same routine each time you leave the baby can help reassure your baby and ease her anxiety.

Don’t make a fuss. Many moms find it helpful to leave quickly with a simple goodbye and a kiss. The longer you hang around, the harder it can be for both of you to make the break.

Stay strong. Experienced moms have found that giving in and choosing not to leave an upset baby can make it even harder to separate the next time.