My daughter is almost 8 months old and has extreme anxiety since turning about three months old. It got to the point for awhile where no one could hold her except me, not even her dad. So far, there hasn't been much approvement. She only lets me, dad, and grandma hold her. Any one else that tries to look or talk to her she freaks. If we go to anyones house except our own or my parent's house she cries the entire time. And now recently she won't sleep at my parent's house either. She'll cry until I take her home and go to sleep right when I lay her down. Has anyone else had this kind of thing happen with their baby ? And how did you try to help them feel more comftorable ?
she sounds like a typical 8 month old--most babies aren't comfortable with anyone but their trusted mother, and will cry when she is not around. It started when when she was 3 months old because that's when separation anxiety generally starts in infants. Your daughter sounds completely normal and she will outgrow it as she gets older, then she'll want nothing to do with her parents haha
Very normal...it is proven that children like to identify 1-2 primary caretakers and they are upset if someone else tries to step into that role. I think I read that in What To Expect when I was going through a similar situation. For my daughter, I would use a firm voice (not harsh though) and remind her that she was fine. For instance 'You are fine, you are fine, I am just putting you down so I can make lunch. I will pick you up as soon as I am done. You can watch me make lunch. You are fine. I will be here the whole time. You are fine'. This is also the age when children think that you've disappeared forever but really you just went into another room. :-) Also, distraction is key. Give them something fun/new to explore so they dont get caught up in their own anxiety. One warning - the more you 'play' into the anxiety and make a big deal of it, the more anxious they will feel. Good luck!!
Have you had a doctor and child psychologist check her out? My mom had extreme anxiety and for her it was part of her schizophrenia, but that's not something your born with, you have a genetic risk sometimes and something traumatic happens that triggers it. Did anything happen when she was 3 months? I just suggest checking her "diaper" area to make sure nothing happened that she is now scared of everyone and she doesn't want to sleep at your parents anymore, just in case.
But I would have a doctor and child psychologist check her over and maybe they'll have to run some tests or can tell you how to handle it. I've never seen that kind of a reaction from a baby so young. In the meantime, I would only do what she's comfortable with you don't want to traumatize her. Sometimes these anxiety issues are something they can't control. It's a very high level of anxiety for a very normal situation, but if they stay in it it really affects them. Sorry I couldn't be more help, but seeing how my mom is just wanted to say my 2 cents :) Severe anxiety is a symptom of something going on.
My daughter developed extreme social anxiety at 10 months, it peaked around 14 months and lasted until she was 3 years old. I went back to work and she had to be at daycare full time and this actually helped to gain confidence but she is still shy in new situations.
Now, My 3 month old is already crying when approached by strangers.. I know it will pass, I am planning to enroll him at Gymboree or arrange more playdates with friends because he is spending a lot of time alone with me only.
Get this child to an a very qualified homeopath. This is a serious problem that can be quickly cured by the right homeopathic remedy. Did it begin shortly after you had her vaccinated?
Get this book just to read do not self prescibe. Randall Neustaedter Homeopathic Pediatrics. He's a genius.
Another very important book to own is by Dana Ullman: Discovering Homeopathy, Your Introduction to the Science and Art of Homeopathic Medicine.
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Get this child to an a very qualified homeopath. This is a serious problem that can be quickly cured by the right homeopathic remedy. Did it begin shortly after you had her vaccinated?
Get this book just to read do not self prescibe. Randall Neustaedter Homeopathic Pediatrics. He's a genius.
Another very important book to own is by Dana Ullman: Discovering Homeopathy, Your Introduction to the Science and Art of Homeopathic Medicine.
Totally normal. It will pass.
My sister had one baby like this....she had to quit work as a school teacher and stay home with her for a year or so.
It might pass by 18 mos or so, but she will still not want to be around strangers. And this could last until she's 3. Do you have any close friends around with babies similar ages to play and connect with? Keep spending time with others. Don't give that up. Just know she'll be connected to you.
