My 20 week old doesn't like social situations

[daisyjacko]

Hi

I have just joined and need some advice/reassurance!

My 20 week old is a happy little girl at home but as soon as I take her into a social situation she gets really upset! For instance, I met two friends for lunch today and she just cried for most of the time so I ended up coming home, I had to eat my lunch standing up whilst rocking her! One of my friends was there with her 8 month old who was sat very happy and playing! I have tried taking her to mother and baby groups but she just gets really upset so we have stopped going. If I visit friends homes for coffee she gets upset also! She is happy at home when people come to visit it just seems to be when there are new people and places that she gets very upset. Is this something that she will get better at as she gets older? Can I do anything to make her less upset?

Many thanks!

Joanne

This is quite normal at this age.
At about 4 months babies seem to become more aware of their surroundings. They start to recognise mummy and Daddy more and start to reject cuddles from unfamiliar people.
In the same way, they can get upset when taken to unfamiliar places.
Don't worry. Give her lots of cuddles and reassurance. Maybe offer her a favourite toy or other item.
The other thing you can do is wait. The phase will pass quite soon and she will relax again.

Perfectly normal - don't push her to do things she doesn't like and she will grow in confidence. Trying to make them handle social situations before they're ready can make them much more anxious in the longer run.

Thanks for the responses! Feel better now. I am definately just going to go at her pace and let her gain confidence in her own time!