Separation or Stranger Anxiety?

Hi M.,

I think this is completely normal. My daughter was 5 months old when she first showed signs of stranger anxiety, it was towards her grandparents we went to visit in Finland that she hadn't seen but once prior. She quickly grew to them though, although it did take a while. I think it comes and goes too. Sometimes my daughter is fine around strangers and other times she is very shy and doesn't like to be held or left with anyone, even if it's people she is familiar with. I am sure most moms here will agree with their experiences. Just stay calm with it and don't feel like you need to constantly coddle her if she starts crying. Or else it may be more difficult for her to get used to being with someone else. You're not doing anything wrong, rest assured! :-) Your mom just needs to give her a little time to warm up to her. Sometimes it can take my daughter a whole day to warm up!

-Char

I know exactly what your going through my son just turned 22 months and still is going through the separation/stranger anxiety which maybe is a good thing so he can sense if somthing isn't right but it is hard especially if it's someone that you love.

Good Luck!
M.

Hi M.,

COMPLETELY NORMAL! My baby did the same exact thing...tell your Mom not to just take the baby from you immediately, but to let her warm up to her first. I would sometimes sit right next to my Mom, and my sister for a while, talk to them, let them play with her while in my lap etc..so she would understand that it's ok, and there were just some times, she would not go to them no matter what..She also did this with her Dad(just not as bad), so you can imagine how he felt. I promise you it does end! With my dd it lasted longer than most...most babies just go through this phase for a few months maybe. My baby only sees my parents every few months, and she still to this day does not like sitting in her Grandpa's lap(shes 14 months) She will however run up to both Grandmas with a great big hug. Best of luck to you...I know it can be frustrating and heartbreaking for those who want to love on her.

Hi M.,

Don't worry, everything is fine. My daughter did the same thing. She still takes a while to warm up to people. I think once they get warmed up they know they're safe because you are enjoying yourself too. They rely on you and base a lot of their reactions on you, their main attendee. If you are not there or things move too quickly it stresses them and they are uncomfortable. What a compliment to know you are looked up to and relied on so much :) Tell grandma that it won't be long before she's calling her on the phone (with or without permission - LOL) and begging to stay over.

You're going to have so much fun! Enjoy it all!
A.

since she is the only child it will be hard for her she will always want to be under until the next child comes along then it will slack up just a little so just be patient it will be over soon