My 4 Months Old Stopped Smiling at Strangers

perfectly normal. When my baby approaches someone new or familiar he won't smile for a while or waits until I smile. But he warms up eventually, especially if I continue smiling and acting like a really like the person. They will take cues from your body language and how you react to someone. So don't worry about it. If your baby doesn't make eye contact with you (but it sounds like she does) than that is another matter all together that you can bring up with your pediatrician, but if everything is alright at home, then it is just stranger anxiety.

It's perfectly normal, and nothing is wrong with your baby. In fact, her stranger anxiety is a sign that she's developing right on track. She's beginning to realize that not everyone is Mommy and Daddy, so anyone who is not her parents is a stranger. Also, her eyesight is much better now, so when people get really close to her and she sees that they're not you, she may decide that they're scary. Maybe someone has a beard, and Daddy doesn't... that can be scary. Don't be surprised if she does this with relatives too.

Just encourage her and let her know gently if she cries when you think someone is safe, but don't push or force her to "behave" or it could backfire.

There is really nothing you can do at this age to encourage her to smile or interact with others. She is deciding who she loves and who she trusts and who she is comfortable with. She is still smiling at you and her father so that is a sign that she is happy. Try to think about it from her point of view, she is forming her own personality, Imagine being a tiny baby and seeing all these strangers with huge faces come at you - I wouldn't smile either.

This is a very normal thing and could last a while. Or fade away, and suddenly as a toddler she will be cautious of people again. I have a 21mo old and she does not like strangers at all........ especially those that come up to her. Anyone she doesnt know, she doesnt want any part. It even takes her time to warm up to a relative or friend she hasnt seen in a while. Her doctor said it is completly normal. A child is very smart who does this, they are aware that is a person they dont know. As long as your baby is friendly with you and your family, she will grow out of it.

Do NOT push her to smile at strangers! This is a normal part of development. She is recognizing that these people don't know her, and reserving her smiles for those she loves.

A baby is not a pet, you can't command her to show off her tricks for the admiring public. Respect her needs and wants. If she's frightened and cries, for heaven's sake, stop!