It happens as your baby develops a healthy attachment to familiar people – like you. Because babies prefer familiar adults, they might react to strangers by crying or fussing, going very quiet, looking fearful or hiding.
Babies often see their primary caregiver as a “home base” of sorts, she explains, and they are only comfortable exploring the world when mom or dad is around. At around 9 months, separation anxiety is also at play here — babies are learning that objects and people still exist even though they can't see them.
Fear of strangers starts at 4-5 months and usually becomes more intense at 7-10 months of age. It can last a few months or continue for much longer. It often decreases somewhere between 18 months and 2 years, but it can last longer depending on a child’s temperament.
* Fear of strangers is common. It often happens as part of development around 8 months and usually passes by 2 years.
* You can help children feel comfortable around strangers by being patient and introducing new people gradually.
* For older children, it can help to work on their confidence in social situations.
Why do babies cry when they see a certain person?
