Both of mine had it early. Emma was AWFUL. AWFUL. AWFUL. From about 6 months to nearly 10 months old. Jason called it "Emma's five foot rule" I could not be farther than five feet away from her or she would scream like you were pulling out fingernails. She didn't even want Jason. Just me.
Ozzy had it much milder, and only for about a month, I guess around 8 mo - 9 mo (he's been better the past few weeks, he'll be 10 mo in a week). And he is a lot more okay with having daddy hold him instead of me at this point.
Really all you can do is suck it up and repeat to yourself "this too shall pass, this too shall pass."
Although seriously sometimes with Emma I now miss it, LMAO. She is a frighteningly independent toddler. Like, if we're at the park, she doesn't even care where I am, she will just run right off with whatever little friend she can find, and not even listen when I'm hollering at her to stay close and not go too far.
Moral of the Story: No, you are not spoiling your baby by giving in to separation anxiety and letting him/her be near you. No, your kid will not be Ruined because you don't force him/her to be held by other people. No, your kid is not going to be tied to your apron strings forever-- he/she will still figure out how to be independent. Tell anyone who says otherwise to shut their cake hole.
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