9 Month Old Cries When with Other People

Hi - I am a SAHM with two kids, and another one on the way. A 9 month old is going through some phases, and your son's reactions is totally normal. Keep trying to get him comfortable. I picked one person for my first child to bond with, and invited that person over for time with our family, and then time one on one with my daughter. This way when her special person came over, my daughter didn't automatically think we were leaving and freak. It will take some time, but keep it up. Before you know it, your son won't even stop to notice that you have gone . . .

Yeah stranger anxiety! It will pass eventually but something that helps is to provide a lot of visual cues that this person can be trusted. Give them a hug when you greet them (preferably while holding your little one) and sit next to them (I mean right next to them) on a couch while you’re talking. Make sure that all of this is in your baby’s view. It will probably also help to have them come to your house, that way it’s not a stranger and a new environment.

If you have another baby start this process by 5-6 mo. Your little one will still have stranger anxiety at this stage but it shouldn’t be as sever.

Good luck

My daughter had the hardest time going to people at around 9 months- this is when separation anxiety started for her. A stranger would look at her or talk to her and she would break out in tears. It only lasted a couple of months. She was always fine going to her daycare lady's house and my parents (usually), but anyone else she would cry. I don't think there is anything you can do except keep doing what you are doing until he grows out of this phase.

Hi C.. This is totally typical development. Stranger anxiety is what you should see at about 9 months of age. Leaving him for shot period and returning will just reinforce that he's safe and you will return.

9 months old...that magical age of stranger anxiety..thank god it passes!