Questions Parents Ask Regarding Eight-Month-Olds

Question My eight-month-old baby has now become scared around people. She sometimes cries even when my mother comes to visit. Why does she act this way? What can I do to help her?

Answer Your baby will make friends when she is ready. She may just look at the new person. Or she may hand something to them and then take it back. Maybe she will pick up things in the room and put them on the person’s lap. Do not make her kiss or hug the new person. This may make her unhappy. Your baby will become more at ease with people as she gets older. Then she will learn to make friends without crying and hiding.

At this age, your baby may be scared of anyone she doesn’t see often. This may include her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends. This is a normal emotional reaction for your baby. She will react by hiding her face in your neck. She may cry. The best way to help her is to comfort her. Give her time to watch new people and get used to them. Let her decide when she wants to be held or touched by new people in her life.

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