Is my 8month old too comfortable with strangers?

[Largeandloud]

She's definitely got/had stranger anxiety because she's cried when being held by people she hasn't met before but recently she's been more friendly towards other mums at baby group, to the point she goes over and wants to sit or stand with them.

She's always been a happy smiley baby but I felt a bit weird that she was so happy going over to a mum she never met before to be with. She did check back for me..is it that she's just very securely attached and so happy to explore or is it something to worry about that she doesn't seem to care that this is a stranger? All the other babies sit happily with mum.

My friend (friend 1) visited for the first time last week and DD was being held by friend 2. She started crying and reaching for friend 1 whom she'd never met before! Was she just crying and reaching out? Or was she actually reaching for the stranger? Should I be worried about this lack of concern for strangers?

My DD is the same, although a couple of months older. I think it’s fine, she knows where you are and that you will get her if needed.
The reaching out to your friend thing could be anything. Maybe your friends clothes caught her eye, maybe she was closer to someone your DD wanted, maybe her hair looked more pull-able. I wouldn’t worry about it.
She will learn not to just run off with strangers when she gets to the age that fear kicks in, but they’re too young at the moment for that.

*something not someone

It's confidence and curiosity. These are good things and nothing to worry about.

Thanks all. I think I'm just overly worrying and maybe a tiny bit jealous when she goes to others so easy but glad to know others do it too

Don't worry op, I've googled a lot about difference between a secure attachment and just total indifference to their mother 😂. My twins, now 3, love strangers 🙄. Play group, go over and plop your head into a woman's lap? Yup. Go and sit in the baby section with all the bf'ing Mom's? Yup. They're now on week 3 of nursery and we've had ONE day where they didn't want to go / leave me and for all I know that's cos I have the keys to home and TV!!

But they run out every morning after nursery yelling Mam mam mam! straight into my arms. I'm their favourite seat. They give me their best kisses. I wouldn't worry x

My DS was exactly the same .. never forgot in France he started holding hands with some local man and walking round with him... fortunately he seemed a friendly type. I think it's just a sign of confidence..... he's now 21 and very confident, outgoing and good at making friends.... and never been in any awkward situations.

And the first day he went to a childminder he cried when I arrived to pick him up .. I assume it was because of the CM's undivided attention and the range of exciting new toys and activities!

Thank you all, very reassuring to read your experiences especially @Ragwort and how your son is now he's grown up. I have a feeling DD is going to be very confident too

I could have written this myself. Took DS (11 months, just) to playgroup today and he crawled up to two different mum's/nannies and begged to be picked up. Complete strangers he hadn't met before! Glad it's not just my DS haha.

My 7yo was like that as a baby - would go with anyone! He’s a real extravert, very social, makes friends everywhere. Will chat to anyone. We have a very secure loving attachment. I wouldn’t worry about it.

In a few months she will be your little limpet and go to no one else without screaming They're all just phases.