Anybody's infant scared of new people?

DD is 5.5 months old. She is so happy around us and immediate family but as soon as someone she doesn't know comes around, she freaks! I'm not sure if it's because most people get right in her face and make weird faces or what, but she's just not a big fan. It's usually quite amusing, first the frown comes, then the lip quiver and then the ear piercing scream. But honestly, then I feel like I have to give the person an explanation as to why she is screaming bloody murder.

Sometimes I feel like its my fault though . Since she was a preemie, we were advised to keep her away from public places and from too many visitors the first few months (especially since it was cold/flu season). Also, a lot of our relatives, including our nieces and nephews, live OOS so she just hasn't met a lot of people yet I guess. I know she will grow out of this, but I'm just wondering if my DD is the only antisocial infant?

Sorry, just needed to get that off my chest.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

My DS is 4.5 months old and JUST started doing the same thing! Im hoping it's just a phase!!

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

DD went through a phase like that around 4.5 months. It lasted maybe a few weeks.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

DD went through the same thing. Now at 10.5 months old she's better, but if she doesn't like you, you know it.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

If DS isn't given the appropriate time to warm up to someone new, he does the same thing.

He's done it twice - one time, DH's friend came over - I don't think DS had time to realize he was there and he screamed. Then, he did it at daycare when he met his teacher (he had already gone but, she wasn't in). He warms up eventually but, he needs to be given time to do so.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

My dd is almost 6 mos and about 1 month ago a friend of my mom's came to see her & 2 times I let her hold her she did the same thing you described...I felt so bad...my mom totally made it like she was crying for some other reason...but it was pretty obvious it only happened when she held her. This is the only person this has ever happened with. My dd goes to daycare since she is 3 months old so I don't think it has anything to do with keeping her inside. Who knows what they are thinking in those tiny little heads.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

You are totally not alone! My DD started getting "stranger" anxiety when she was about 4.5 months. Same thing would happen as you described. I am also a SAHM and kept her in a lot in the winter to avoid sickness, etc. She's 6 months now and I have noticed she does it less. Usually now when someone really gets in her face and is loud, she'll cry. But if they approach nicely/ softly- she'll look at me and then adjust. Our PED told us she has the anxiety a little early but like at any age the more they are around people and get comfortable they will outgrow. I hear you though I am constantly explaining her stranger anxiety!!

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

My son is in daycare and he still seems to have developed it. Don't blame yourself..it's just a developmental step some children take!!

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

Thank you so much for your responses! I feel much better knowing that I'm not alone in this.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

My DD started being like this around then. She is now 16 mths and still very leery around people she doesn't see often, even some family. Doesn't bother me one bit, I rather her be leery of those she doesn't know. And it also shows me her mind is working just right, she knows when someone is new and she is in touch with her feelings. As long as people don't hover over her and give her a few minutes to warm up, she is just fine but she is always keeping an eye on everyone around her.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

I laugh b/c DD does this. The kid is always laughing w/ us, but as soon as she sees someone she does not know she gives them the stare. She becomes extremely serious and will not crack a smile.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

My DD gives them the stare down, and she still does this

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

DS is 5.5 months old and has been doing this for a few weeks now. And it isn't only with people he doesn't know. My best friend lives downstairs and we are close with her and her hubby. Aidan screamed the last time he held him. Weird. He is now getting upset when I leave the room.

Re: Anybody's infant scared of new people?

My DS just turned 6 months and we had the same problem! We took him to my grandma's 89th bday and DS fllipped out. He cried (1st time I ever saw tears stream down his little face) from the minute we got there and would not calm down. No one could get close to him. He cried on and off for 1.5 hours, even though we kept him in a separate room, went for a walk. It was horrible. We had to leave.

We too kept DS away from public places. I was scared of him getting sick especially the flu. Lately he's been doing better, that episode was the worst of it. Lately he'll get a little upset if a new person is near him but will slowly warm up. Ironlically he did amazingly well at church on easter where he was surrounded by people. He laughed at the people behind us.

We've decided to take him out more to try and get him used to people he doesn't know. The Source mall is good, not too crowded. Roosevelt Field didn't go over as well, he didn't last 10 minutes.