My DS is a very smiley contented baby but recently has started becoming extremely distressed at the oddest thing. Sudden noises like sneezes or coughing can make him cry like there's no tomorrow and trying to shake a bin bag open causes some sort of apoplexy. We recently visited a relative with a dog, he's been many times before but this time he became extremely distressed at the sight of the dog (went ridged in my arms and couldn't take his eyes off her as well as crying quite a bit). As he's getting older he is becoming more aware of things and I wondered if it is just a phase. It also happens when he is tired or a bit zoned out (which I can understand). But some days I can sneeze (for instance) and he can be fine, other days it will cause an extreme reaction. I'm conscious of him not becoming too precious and wimpy. Both DH and I were shy, nervous children and we don't want DS to be the same.
Anyone in the same situation? How would you deal with it? I'm trying to be careful by not reacting too much when he freaks out (try distraction) so it doesn't become an issue. I don't want to have to go in the garage if I want to change the bin!!