Stranger anxiety is a relatively common thing among infants. Stranger anxiety refers to a situation in which an infant becomes severely distressed when they are around a person that is not familiar to them. Some infants may cry when they see a stranger, or others just might seem startled. The fact of the matter is that research suggests that a majority of babies between around 6 months of age and 2 years of age will have some degree or another of stranger anxiety. Stranger anxiety is a normal occurrence, and is not something that is going to be harmful to your baby in the long run.

There are some things that you can do to cope when your infant has stranger anxiety. If, for example, you are going to be leaving your infant with a new care provider, make sure that you inform the care provider about the various routines and practices that you use with your infant. For example, if rocking your infant tends to comfort him or her, you should let the new care provider know that.

When you are introducing your infant to a stranger, try to stay with your infant for a while if you are able. If the care provider is not at your own home, take your infant on a brief tour of the house. Sit down on the floor, and try to get her to play with a new toy. Then, when it is time to go, leave without turning back, trusting that your care provider will be able to help your infant make the transition the rest of the way.

Another technique for helping your baby with stranger anxiety is to have the stranger sit your baby on his or her lap, facing toward you. If you are not going to be around, you can suggest that the care provider sit your infant on his or her lap facing outward, perhaps with some interesting objects like a toy or a ball that the infant might look at or grab for. This may distract your infant enough to forget that he or she is staying with a stranger.

Ultimately, if your infant’s stranger anxiety is severe and you are having a hard time figuring out how to cope, you might wish to speak with your health care provider. Your health care provider may be able to offer some help, or to recommend various techniques or resource materials.

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