Development

Baby Milestones: Pass the Baby!

Tips to handle your baby's stranger wariness

By Mindy Berry Walker, Babytalk
 
See Also
How your child develops his sense of humor - Parenting.com
When your little snoozer goes to bed, do visions of bottles, boobs, and Binkies dance in her head? Maybe! - Parenting.com
Can you spoil a baby? - Parenting.com
Helping your baby stay happy when lying on her tummy - Parenting.com
Your baby's not hungry, hot, or sick, but he's still cranky. 4 Tips for calming unhappy babies. - Parenting.com
If you've been playing "pass the baby" with admiring visitors, your star may soon boycott. "At about five months, your baby may tighten her body and cry when you give her to a new person," says Marsha Weinraub, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Temple University, in Philadelphia.

"Compare that to how she blends into you because she's so comfortable." What gives? It's the start of stranger wariness, which peaks around 8 months. Here's how to handle well-meaning baby oglers and calm your little one, too:

The chatty lady at A&P. Say to her, "This is Ellie. She loves peaches." Then show your daughter a jar of baby food from your cart. "By distracting your baby with something pleasurable, she may relax," says Weinraub.

An old pal in town. If your daughter won't leave your lap, don't force it. Try again after you let your baby watch you two chat. By then, she may even reach for your friend.

Your Saturday-night babysitter. Her resume may reassure you, but not your baby. Have the sitter first drop by for a meet-and-greet, and when the time comes, don't just disappear. Talk to your sitter like you would a friend (see above) and your baby will likely warm up faster.



PRINT
Quick Poll

Who's the best-trained member of your family?

My husband
My child
Our pet


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

12 Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes for Babies

Cheap, easy-to-make and quick costumes for your baby

promotion
 
Birthday Parties

31 Amazing Birthday Cakes

Blog: The Split

Evie: "Should I think about dating? I know there's no exactly right or wrong answer, but I'm wondering: Can you be separated and single at the same time?" Updated frequently.

Blog: Family Budget Boot Camp

Denene at My Brown Baby: "Even if Angelina wanted to find new ways to care for and style her African baby girl's hair, surely, she'd be at a loss, 'cause I sure am. And so we are left to our own devices. Black child hair care ain't easy." Updated Frequently!

Toys of the Year

We're giving away over $900 worth of the best toys! Enter BOTH giveaways once a day until December 14
Facebook

Overheard on Facebook

Donna: "I also got pregnant while planning my wedding. She was four months old when we said I do and I wouldn't have had it any other way :)"