8 month old scared of other babies

[Louise0410]

Hi

So, I think my LO is entering the stranger anxiety phase/super clingy to me phase. He’s been crawling for 2 months now and used to be super adventurous when we were out and about but lately he prefers to hang about at my side. If I put him seated in front of me he will turnaround and climb onto me instead of exploring the room. He’s always been quite slow to warm up with strangers and sometimes cries if they are up in his face especially if he has just met them or is tired. This is totally what I expected even though he does seem to be on the extreme end. The thing that is bothering me is that he seems to be a bit scared of babies these days. For instance if they squeal near him he gets scared (I think this is because he is quite sensitive to loud sudden noises especially high pitched - he’s not a fan of loud laughter either) but he also gets scared sometimes when babies come near him. I’m really surprised as I thought babies were supposed to love other babies. Any ideas? He’s quite well socialised - I go to classes 3 times a week and hang out with lots of people in cafes/busy environments. It’s not like others babies are a new thing.

Anyone experienced similar/any tips. I’m nervous as he is due to start nursery in a month.

My DD is 10 months and she has become like this. I put it down to seperation anxiety as well. She used to love babies, she still does but if they squeal loudly or cry she gets scared as well.

Im trying to do more playdates with my nct group so she can get used to seeing babies more often, as we don’t have any babies in our families.

Glad I’m not alone but hope they both pass through this phase quickly.

My main concern is once a certain baby has squealed or cried he then doesn’t like it if that baby comes near him even if they aren’t crying or squealing. It’s like he remembers that they scared him. I guess it’s quite a rational response but he just seems so sensitive and shy.

Good luck with the extra play dates. I’ll try that too.

OP we could honestly have the same babies. Mine is 10 months and identical. Much worse at the 7/8 month stage. Is better now but still like it when teething, ill or tired. Would have an absolute meltdown is a baby squealed, cried, touched him, got too near him. Would also cry if a stranger or someone he didn't know well spoke to him or touched him. He is a lot better than he used to be so I think it's just a time thing and the fact we have sensitive babies. As much as I am sorry you are going through it, it's very reassuring to know I am not alone as no one I know has a baby who acts this way!!

Wow. Sounds like such a similar situation. Glad to hear it is improving but also glad I’m not alone.

Teething, illness and tiredness definitely makes it more extreme. My little boy is generally at the more emotional end of the scale anyway.

Did you do anything specific when it happens? I’m just offering lots of reassurance and not forcing him into situations but still going to groups etc.

Yes exactly that. I would basically not make a massive deal about it but reassure of course. If it was literally a baby touching him gently I would play it down quite a lot. If a baby cried or squealed I would say "oh look x is so excited about that toy" or similar. I must say I did notice a few more "fake" looking moans looking for a reaction from me towards the last month or so. I could tell the difference haha. I think we will always have sensitive babies but hopefully they get more confident with time. Is your LO going to nursery? Mine starts in August and I am hoping this helps too

Great. I’ll try those ideas too.

Yep nursery in a month. I’m already worried about how they will get him to eat and sleep so this is just another thing to add to the list.

Yes I feel you. However people tell me babies are much more adaptable than we give them credit for so I'm holding onto that!!!

I hope so. I just got back from a singing session at the library and he was so concerned by the other babies. It’s so bizarre. It’s never been an issue before. He will watch them from afar but if they come close to him to gets really really upset. I’m really worried something is wrong. Hopefully this phase passes quickly.

I've just been to see friends with 5 other babies and he was amazing. Like literally acting like there has never been a problem. Touching them they were touching him etc squealing and he was happy as anything. Not saying that to brag but more to hopefully reassure you that things will get better!!! It's so tough I really feel you. Give it a few months. Let me know if things get better I am so sure they will.

Great. Thanks. I’ll keep at it. I asked the HV at the weighing clinic today and she was like ‘oh, that’s really odd’ which kind of freaked me out. She then stared talking about social and emotional development issues and it really didn’t help my concerns.

Oh no 🙈 that is why I decided not to tell her because I really could do without the worry right now. I decided if he is still as bad when it comes to his one year check I will mention it then!

Yeah, I thought she would worry me more and she seemed to be a bit inaccurate with her info anyway saying that it definitely couldn’t be anything like separation anxiety or stranger anxiety as it’s too early for that. Though I’ve read it can happen any time for 6 months.

Hopefully it will just pass and then there will be a new phase to worry about. Thanks for your reassurance - I’ll hold on to that.

That's definitely not true about separation anxiety 🙄🙄

Good luck I am sure things will improve soon x