A normal developmental phenomenon starting around 6-8 months and peaking at 18-24 months.
Stranger Anxiety:
Fear, crying, and distress around unfamiliar people
Cognitive milestone: The baby can now distinguish familiar from unfamiliar
Separation Anxiety:
Extreme distress when separated from primary caregiver
Evidence of attachment: The baby knows who their caregiver is
This is healthy and expected!
Absence of stranger anxiety may indicate attachment issues.
Coping strategies:
- Don't force separation
- Start with brief separations
- Create consistent goodbye rituals
- Reassure 'I will come back'
Developmental
Stranger Anxiety & Separation Anxiety
Wanting only mom and fearing strangers