Unsociable baby?

[Jayne266]

Can anyone help my almost 5 month old gets very upset if someone else holds him or even gets too close. I know they can be attached at certain ages which I love but I am worrying for him. I tried a baby music class (he didn't like the music and cried) and today he had his first Xmas party with other babys which he cried at. I have been advised to go to baby classes but I seemed to have missed the boat on most of them near me until new year. Any tips? Or any baby classes you suggest?

[Chubfuddler]

Oh dear me. Five months old! Of course he's not particularly sociable. He doesn't need baby classes. Relax. It's absolutely fine to get out and about so you don't climb the walls, but at five months most of these baby activities are meaningless to babies.

[NellyBluth]

At 5mo DD barely looked at anyone else and never interacted with them, to the point we were worrying about her eyesight. At 10mo she shouts at everyone and now crawls off and demands to be held by random strangers and even tried climbing into someone else's shopping trolley for more attention

He's probably just a bit overwhelmed by the noises and the people. 5mo is so young, it's nothing to worry about. Just reassure him that it is ok and keep taking him to any classes you like. He'll get more confident as the months go by. Even the 'clingiest' babies I knew a few months ago are now confident and exploring 1yo's.

[Kiwiinkits]

It's possible he could be tired? Is he having regular, structured naps?

[BillyBollyBrandy]

If he cries just cuddle him. He is so so so tiny and overwhelmed and a bit scared of noise and strange people.

It won't last. Give it 6 months and he will be continually up and down on your lap and refusing cuddles when it suits him!

[SamSmalaidh]

5 month olds only need/care about their parents, they really don't need to socialise or do classes. Baby classes and groups are for mothers to socialise.

[Jayne266]

Kiwiinkits- he has about 14 hours a day in sleep it's another issue I have with him ( another thread). Hope it's enough?

[Jayne266]

The messages coming through have made me feel so much better already. I was just feeling a bit worried as I have met up with a few mums and babies and they haven't had this. TBH they kinda made me feel bad for not going the classes but the few I looked at were always in his long nap time. I felt worse disturbing him from his sleep when he never seemed interested. ( looking back I think they were for me I felt so isolated when my DH went back to work)

[CecilyP]

He really doesn't need baby classes. Baby's have thrived for millions of years without baby classes. A party is bound to be overwhelming for a little one that age - I am surpised that more of them weren't crying. If you have the chance to introduce him to one or 2 other babies, or sometimes slightly older children, that is fine. Or perhaps a fairly quiet baby and toddler group where you can meet other mums if you are feeling a bit isolated.