A nurse is caring for an infant who cries unconsolably and denies the comfort of others when the caregiver is not present. The caregiver is concerned about the emotional well-being of the infant. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Separation anxiety is a normal part of infant development, usually emerging around 6–8 months of age and peaking at 10–18 months. It indicates that the infant has developed attachment and recognition of caregivers, which is a healthy developmental milestone, not a sign of emotional delay. B. While responsiveness to an infant is important, constant presence is not necessary and may hinder the development of self-soothing and independence skills. Caregivers should respond appropriately but also gradually encourage the infant to tolerate short separations. C. This statement reassures the caregiver that the infant’s behavior is typical and developmentally appropriate. It also normalizes the experience, helping the caregiver understand that crying when separated is a healthy sign of attachment and cognitive development. D. While infants benefit from responsive caregiving, short delays in response do not cause psychological harm. This statement is alarmist and not evidence-based, potentially increasing caregiver anxiety unnecessarily.