Stranger anxiety in 10 mo old--when does it end?

[lkmiscnet]

My DS starts crying if someone directs their attention at him when we're out. All they have to do is look at him/coo over him and he feels threatened. I smile to let him know it's okay, but it doesn't work.

It's strange because we go out to stores and coffee shops all the time and the occasional restaurant and he has shown no issues, except for the past 3 weeks, and again, only if someone focuses on him.

I am a SAHM and he has had no interaction with other LOs, as I have never done daycare or sitters. I just went to a mommy and me playdate today and he cried at the first glance from another mommy I encountered and we ended up leaving after 15 min because he would not stop crying.

I'm not sure the mommy group is a good thing right now as I think he will get overwhelmed by all the people and overstimulated to boot and will just end up hysterical at this point in time.

I just had two family members visit (stayed at a hotel) and it took him 3 days of daily visits before he was comfortable and would let them hold him and play with him without crying.

What can I do to help him get over this phase and how long does it typically last on average?

[teachma]

Well, I can't remember what it was like with my older two, but my lo (12 months) went through this phase at around 10 months pf age as well. It only lasted 2 weeks or so, and I'd say the continued exposure to "strangers" such as my friends from work, or the parents of his sibling's friends, actually contributed to its end. I think that over and over again, ds was able to use my very relaxed reaction to gauge that the situations were safe until he finally believed it and stopped the instant panic. I feel like avoiding situations where you are likely to encounter other adults may perpetuate this phase.

[Norasmomma]

My nephew is still like this and he's almost 3. His parents were pretty shy as kids though.