6 mo suddenly started crying with strangers, only wants me & dh

[jki1]

My 6 mo has just started to get upset and cry when held or even looked at by people he doesn't know that well. Even my friends and family members upset him if he doesn't see them often. He never did this before and was happy to be held. Is this a phase? How do I stop him being like this? I want a happy smiley baby!!

This is normal and related to separation anxiety - your baby is now starting to understand the differences between people and that also that he is separate from you.

My DD used to get very upset in this way. She is now 3 and a lot better but between 6 months and 18 months she would get cross if anyone looked at her.

Can I stop it or make it less of an issue for him?

The link below has some good ideas for starters. Separation anxiety is normal and testament to the bond you have built with your DS. With my DD I found it helped just to accept her personality, and try to console her and minimise separation.

Forcing it didn't help, though I did go back to work when she was 8 months, so had to introduce time away then. It was difficult for her to settle into childcare and took a while for her to build a bond with her carers.

With grandparents etc I let DD take the lead and decide when she was comfortable to go to them to be held. As she got older, it would turn into 10 minutes of her being unsure and wanting to sit on my lap, then she would warm to familiar people and be happy to be cuddled and play.

www.mumsnet.com/jobs/childcare-separation-anxiety

I had this with my DD, she's 16mo now and much better. I found what made it an issue was other people's passive aggressive remarks about not being able to hold her, although they knew she'd just cry if they did.
If I left the room with DH she'd usually be ok though. As she got older she felt a bond with someone & would be happy. She's still not cool with new people but I don't really care.

It is a normal phase of development.
You don't need to stop it. You just need to understand it and offer reassurance.
You baby is realising that some people are safe, familiar people and others are strangers who may or may not be safe. It is a self preservation instinct which is necessary for the survival of the species.

Totally normal my DS was like this too - it can be wearing at time but will pass!

Thanks Teladi, that article helped. Thanks for all your comments. You're right about people not being so understanding SmallBee but I will just have to deal with their comments!