DS becoming wary around people

[atvh]

My DS is 7 months old. Until recently he’s been very happy in the company of strangers - smiling at the random lady at the bus stop, or the friends we’ve bumped into on the street or in the park.

However, in the last couple of weeks he has suddenly become a lot more wary of anyone who’s not me or DH. He’s fine if I’m just chatting to another adult, but he looks a bit afraid and like he’s about to burst into tears if anyone starts trying to interact with him.

Is this normal or unusual for a baby of his age? I’m worried that it’s a result of the pandemic and not meeting as many people as he otherwise would have.

Is there anything I can do to help him?

[doireallyneedaname]

Normal. My baby is the same - nothing to do with the pandemic so don’t worry.

[bloodywhitecat]

It's completely normal and a sign of secure attachment.

[atvh]

Thank you. Is there anything I should be doing to help him through this and is it normally just a phase?

[Kitkat05]

Hi @atvh just wanted to say my LO was the same. I think it was a phase. Now she is very good around people.

[bloodywhitecat]

It is a phase and it will pass in good time.

[user1493413286]

It is normal and it does calm a bit but just keep in mind that it’s a good thing as you don’t want him to grow up being a child who will go to strangers; you want him to be a bit wary as a safety instinct.

[GrumpyHoonMain]

It’s normal and be prepared for it to last a while - seperation anxiety tends to resolve itself after 12 months.

[atvh]

Thank you so much for the advice.

[Laserbird16]

Normal.

If you'd like to help him through it you can model being friendly. Say hi to people as you pass in the street, talk to the shop assistant, if he sees you react to new people confident and relaxed he'll see they're nothing to worry about.

Plus prepare for a long haul. It comes and goes. My four year old sometimes tells anyone about Elsa and her frozen power and sometimes she hides and grunts. Normal sigh

[Mischance]

It is entirely normal - he has reached an age when he can truly distinguish your faces/smells from other people's. It will pass. He will gradually cotton on that you are relaxed and OK around these others and join the party!