Quiet, serious baby

[Abyzed]

Maybe I am just being paranoid (probably) but my lo behaves very differently to his 3 sisters. Ever since he was born (he is turning a year tomorrow) he has appeared really serious. He doesn't gurgle and giggle and he plays mostly quietly. His physical development is normal as is his language and understanding. My other babies used to babble in bed, giggle unprovoked etc. A friend suggested its a boy-girl thing, I wonder whether that is true? Whenever we go somewhere new, he looks around him deadly seriously and won't smile, even when played with. He is afraid of many people, even my dad whom he sees once a week. When we play with him at home he is vocal and laughs, but not on his own accord, usually only when stimulated. Am I just being crazy to worry???

I don't think you're crazy to worry because that's what mothers natural state seems to be. But I don't think you need to worry. My Dd is fairly serious but does laugh if we work for The giggles. I like to think of her as alert and learning from all that she's taking in. I'm sure someone with older children will be along soon with a reassuring tale of their serious Lo now being a real hoot aged five.

He sounds very like my eldest, I remember the health visitor saying he'd be lovely if he smiled, as he used to mostly glare at other people. At eight months if anyone sat next to him in the car he'd firmly refuse to look at them and stare out of the window instead. Fast forward and he's now nearly ten, very good humoured with loads of friends, he's also doing exceptionally well at school. Don't worry about it, all children are different.

See! As if on cue :) a promising story.

Happy to oblige :o

Thanks guys, sometimes we need that reassurance!