3.5 year old and alone time

[maptome]

Help. My 3.5 year old freaks out if she's not right next to me.  I leave her briefly to nurse the baby, like 5 minutes, and she's in hysterics.  She wakes up 2-3 times a night searching for her dad.  We moved recently, which is probably adding to her insecurity.

What do you ladies think? Is it okay to leave her alone for some "quiet time" so I can get the baby down for a nap? Or am I really harming her, and I should just let the baby get exhausted until she passes out.  Baby in question is 13 month toddler, so she's fighting the naps she so desperately needs.  Or am I harming her, but it may be what is best for the entire family.  Any other solutions?

[Asiago]

My son is is almost three and a half also. I respond to his need for security and he is calmed by it. I don't think you can go wrong by doing that. Children are quite clear about what they need and when they need it. Can you wear the baby in a carrier? Will your daughter play near you (with something quiet like Play Dough) while you get baby down? Can baby go down in the main living area, perhaps in a portable crib....or do you co-sleep for naps?