Social & Emotional
Stranger Anxiety
Typical age: 7 months
Stranger anxiety is a healthy sign that your baby has formed strong attachments and can distinguish familiar people from strangers. It typically appears around 7-8 months and shows sophisticated social and cognitive development.
Signs to Look For
- ✓Cries or clings when approached by unfamiliar people
- ✓Turns away or hides face from strangers
- ✓Clearly prefers familiar caregivers
- ✓May warm up to new people slowly with reassurance
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child develops at their own pace. However, talk to your doctor if you notice:
- •Shows no preference for familiar caregivers by 9 months
- •Doesn't seem to notice when a parent leaves the room
- •Is equally comfortable with all adults, familiar or not
Keep track of every milestone
Check them off as they happen and see what's coming next, based on the same CDC guidelines.
Open the milestone trackerBased on CDC developmental milestones. This is informational only, not medical advice. Every child develops differently. Consult your pediatrician with any concerns.