Leaving your baby to ‘cry it out’ will only make their anxiety worse.Ĭhildren aged around two to three years are only just starting to learn how to cope with their strong feelings, such as anger.

If your baby is anxious, reassure them with a calm and confident expression.

Let them see that you know the new person is okay.

Allow your baby to get to know new people from the safety of your lap.

Tell your baby when you are leaving the room (or going out) and announce your arrival when you come back.

Whenever possible at home, if your baby gets upset when you leave, take them with you from room to room or talk to them when you are out of sight.

Suggestions for helping your baby cope with separation anxiety and fear of strangers include: Similarly, many babies prefer the exclusive company of their special people so much that they develop a fear of strangers for a while. Separation from their ‘special people’, even for short periods of time, can cause considerable anxiety and plenty of crying. Once a baby has reached six or seven months of age, they have formed strong attachments to their parents or caregivers.

Stressful events – such as parental separation, an injury or hospital stay.

Overprotective parenting – a dependent child is more likely to feel helpless and this can lead to generalised anxiety.

At least one anxious parent – children learn how to behave from watching their parents.

Genetic susceptibility – some children are generally more sensitive and emotional in their temperament.

Some children are more fearful than others. Help your child to deal with fear by taking their feelings seriously, encouraging them to talk about their anxieties, telling them the facts and giving them the opportunity to confront their fears at their own pace and with your support. Tactics that don’t work include teasing the child for being afraid or forcing them to confront frightening situations. For example, a fear of the dark or of monsters under the bed may give way to fears of burglary or violence.

The sources of fear may change as the child matures.

However, children can be fearful of situations or objects that adults don’t find threatening. In these instances, anxiety can be useful, because it helps protect the child from harm. Parents teach their children to be fearful and cautious of specific dangers, such as fire or crossing the road.

Cry of fear stranger