You’re on the way to see some friends you haven't seen in a long while, and you’re super excited for them to meet your 6-month-old baby! After a long drive, you’ve finally arrived, so you hurry out of the car, your little one in your arms, and excitedly greet your friends. But your baby doesn’t seem to share your excitement. In fact, they’re the opposite of excited. They bury their face in your clothes and even start to cry!

They haven’t been shy around new people before, so what’s going on?

If this sounds familiar, it’s very likely your baby is experiencing stranger anxiety. But what exactly does this mean?

What is stranger anxiety?

Stranger anxiety in children is the fear of unfamiliar people that typically begins at 7 months and subsides by 12 months. It’s an entirely normal part of every child’s development and is actually a great sign. It lets you know that your baby is starting to distinguish differences between both people and objects and that their memory is improving, allowing them to remember faces and voices.

But before we explore a few coping methods, you may be wondering, why exactly do babies get stranger anxiety? So let’s find out!

Why does my baby get stranger anxiety?

Stranger anxiety is an evolutionary protective mechanism that prevents your baby from crawling or walking away with strangers. So, it’s not a bad thing by any means.

That said, we can still take certain steps to make introductions easier for all. So, how exactly do we do that?

How do I introduce my baby to new people and keep them feeling safe and happy?

Give them opportunities to meet others but don’t force them. Don’t shy away from introducing your baby to others just because they’re feeling shy, but don’t force them to hug or be held by others if they’re feeling a little nervous.

Take advantage of familiar environments. Your baby will probably feel a lot safer meeting new people in environments they know and feel safe in. After all, new faces and a new setting all at once can even be too much for some adults.

Model confidence. Babies are very good at reading their parents. They feel our anxiety and fear, even if we’re trying very hard to hide it. So try to go into these situations with plenty of confidence!

Laugh together. It is often said that laughter heals all wounds, but it also puts babies at ease, so enjoy laughing with friends and family in front of your tiny tot.

Be aware of your baby’s temperament. Some babies are naturally a little shy, others love to be the centre of attention at all times. Accept and cherish your baby’s temperament and learn to read their body language – when they’re happy and comfortable and when they’re not. And then react accordingly, taking them out of situations that prove too much.

Be patient and present. And finally and most importantly, try to practise patience during this potentially difficult time for your baby.

How should I introduce my baby to strangers?