Baby 7 months - is this normal behavior?

[Honeybee85]

Today I took my 7 month old DS to a playgroup - it was the first time. DS seemed to love it, new toys and such but esspecially interacting with other mums and the group leaders (elderly ladies).
He smiled at everyone, let group leaders pick him up and hold him feeling completely comfortable with them even though he never met them before.
He seemed to forget that I was in the room!

DS is very social from a young age (3 months).
He gets a lot of attention here from people on the street, supermarket, in public transport etc. and always smiling at often cooing at people who show interest in him. I often heard people say that he’s not a shy baby at all. The funny thing is that we’re quite isolated here, we live overseas, DH works long hours, DH parents wont help us so apart from the occasional child minder, DS doesn’t meet others and it’s just me and him 90% of the time.

After his birth I suffered from PND and I am afraid he has felt how much I was struggling and it might have resulted in not being properly attached to me as his mother hence why he feels so comfortable with complete strangers. I had a difficult childhood and my therapist has diagnosed me with unsafe attachment disorder years ago. My fear is that my DS will suffer from the same thing.

I am really happy if DS’s behaviour means he is just a very social baby but I’m starting to feel worried now.

I think the fact that he was happy to be with others shows how secure he his! Please don't fret.

All my babies were like that at that age. Its lovely to have a happy sociable baby that goes to anyone I think.

Separation anxiety doesn't usually kick in until nine months (an average, can of course be earlier or later). That's the point at which the baby is capable of understanding that you might not come back if they can't see you. As long as the baby can see you they may never be anxious.

It would be a possible sign of an attachment problem if they weren't happy to return to you, but liking the novelty of attention from other smily adults is perfectly normal (dependent on personality).

Mine was the same and continued to be for a long time. Loved everyone and would go to anyone for a cuddle.

Thanks everyone for the replies!

We visited his pediatrician on sathurday and asked him too about this.
Pediatrician said it’s normal behavior for his age and in a few months he’ll get more shy around strangers.

My first was just like this and she’s now a teenager, she talks to anyone and has a broad group of friends. My youngest is a real wall flower and is very clingy to me. I wish she was more outgoing. Please don’t think you’ve possibly caused it. All babies are different and it sounds like you’re doing a wonderful job

@soggymacaroon

Thank you, much appreciated

As I read your post my thought was , you wait a couple of months or so as he'll become very clingy then.

In the nicest possible way, i think your knowledge of your past is colouring your perception of his present.

If anything, his behaviour is evidence of a good secure attachment bond - ie, i know mum is always there and looking after/loving me, so i can cheerfully go to/interact with others without having to panic or constantly try to reconfirm her presence/affection.