Show your child that you’re not scared of new people.

The more chances your child has to meet new people and discover that they’re safe, the more likely it is that her fear will reduce.

Keep introducing your child to new people.

For example, explain that the new babysitter is someone you trust.

For slightly older children, explain to your child who the new person is and what’s happening.

Ask unfamiliar adults, like extended family or adult friends, to wait for a while before they pick up your child.

This will reassure him that you’re not going to leave him with unfamiliar people straight away.

When you introduce your child to someone new, stay with your child.

Don’t push your child to go to new people before she’s ready. He’ll be more likely to be calm and confident if he senses that you feel the same way.

Take your child’s comfort item (toy or blanket) with you when you’re spending time with new people.

You could also move your child slightly away from the new person until she calms down.

If your child gets very upset with a new person, comfort her and try a different approach like all playing together.

Home is where your child feels most comfortable.

Introduce strangers first at home, if possible.

Hold your child’s hand or let him sit on your lap when he meets new people.

Don’t ignore or dismiss your child’s fear of strangers.

Helping your child feel comfortable around strangers Helping with fear of strangers: what you can doĪlthough fear of strangers is part of normal development for babies and young children, there are things you can do to help your child feel less upset. She might cry, bury her head in her mother’s neck or scream when the carer tries to take her from her mum or dad. It usually passes somewhere between 18 months and 2 years.įor example, a 10-month-old baby who has been going to child care since she was 6 months old might get upset if there’s a new carer at the centre. It can last a few months or continue for much longer. Because babies prefer familiar adults, they might react to strangers by crying or fussing, going very quiet, looking fearful or hiding.įear of strangers usually becomes more intense at around 7-10 months of age. It happens as your baby develops a healthy attachment to familiar people – like you. It’s a normal stage in child development.

Cry of fear stranger