At which age may a child start to exhibit fear of being left alone?

A child typically begins to exhibit fear of being left alone around 9 months of age. This developmental milestone is associated with the emergence of attachment behaviors and object permanence—the understanding that people and objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen. At this stage, children start to form strong attachments to their primary caregivers, which can lead to separation anxiety when they sense a caregiver is about to leave them.

As they grow, the fear of being left alone can become more pronounced, especially in unfamiliar situations or environments. This response is part of normal child development and signifies a healthy attachment to caregivers. Understanding this age range is crucial for recognizing typical emotional and social development markers in infants.