Explaining unusual worry
Babies could become clingy and cry if a stranger turns up to them. Even if the person already knows them, this can still happen. I know it makes you cringe as a parent. But it’s a component of your baby’s development. Your baby is scared of people they don’t understand because of something. They now know what makes the individuals they like different from the folks they don’t like.
If your baby used to coo and smile at people they had never met, they might cry whenever anyone comes over to say hello. Even if you’re not talking to a close friend or family member, do this: They may have already met and spent time with your great-aunt Martha or even the babysitter you had a few weeks ago.
Your baby is scared for a good reason: It happened that way. Back when people lived in caves, it was essential for babies to stay close to their parents so they could stay alive. We were in danger from people we didn’t know. Stranger anxiety and separation anxiety often start simultaneously, and the two are very close to each other.
Throughout this time, babies get attached to their caretakers, learn that things stay the same, and learn to tell the difference between people they know and people they don’t. Your child will eventually stop being afraid of being alone and meeting new people.
When do people start to be afraid of people they don’t know?
When babies can distinguish between familiar and new, they might fear strangers. But each child is different in how long and strong it lasts. As soon as your child reaches the age of two or three, it would be beneficial for you to quit being fearful of people.
You may find that your child is much more open and friendly with you than with strangers or those they do not know well. People might say you’re spoiling your child if you try to calm their fears. You aren’t, though. This is a normal phase in a child’s growth. You can tell by how much your baby wants to be close to you.
Physicians can assist if your baby’s separation anxiety does not disappear by age two or becomes so severe that they cannot eat, drink, or sleep alone. Having a lot of anxiety about new people for a long time or needing your fear of strangers to grow quickly may increase your likelihood of being anxious when you’re young.
What if my youngster desires my company?
This is something that most people do. Most babies feel very close to their main caregiver, usually their Mom. As your baby grows into a toddler, these things may change. Don’t be surprised if your child has different favorites and only wants one individual to change their diaper or place them to bed.
This is part of a child’s normal emotional development. But it can be tiring when your child wants to be near you all the time. I think you should try not to always agree with your child. Try to get your child’s regular caregivers involved in your children’s daily care and chores.
When you leave your infant with a partner or someone else, you can do the following:
- It would be easier to leave if you tried to do so when your child was asleep and full.
- Make sure that every goodbye is short, sweet, and the same. Ask the other person to play with or feed your child as you leave.
- You can give your baby anything to soothe them when you’re not around, like a blanket or a lovey.
- Before you leave, tell your child where you’ve been going and when you’ll be back. At first, they might not get it, but in the end, they will.
- It would help if you never managed to sneak out or leave without saying goodbye to your child because that will make them more afraid that you’ll be going to leave.
How to help your child get over being scared of new people
When you start giving your baby to Grandma or another relative, it can be awkward when the baby returns to you. Remember that you don’t have to be mad or embarrassed if your baby cries when it’s in someone else’s arms. Your child needs your help when going through an essential stage of growth. Hold them when they’re upset, and keep them close. If you say your child is going through a normal stage, your friends and family should understand.
The following are other ways to address the fear of strangers:
- Ask people to move slowly and gently when they come near your baby.
- When you encounter a stranger with your baby, you can help them by staying calm and relaxed.
- When your child is tired, hungry, or sick, they might become more afraid of new people.
- If your child dislikes being held by anyone but you, try a slow desensitization process. Work on making the other person feel safe in your arms. Lastly, have someone hold your child while they talk and play with them. Lastly, let someone else watch your child briefly while you stay close.
- Last, try leaving the room for a few minutes and see what happens. If your child cries, give it another shot. Your child will soon learn you’ll always be back, even when you’re not there.
Your child doesn’t have to fear new people or people who look different. They’ll become accustomed to being around people who’re not their parents as they meet new people.