When your baby can stand up alone, he becomes aware of many new things and some of them can be scary. Many 9-month-olds become afraid of heights and will no longer climb down from chairs, even though they have before. Loud noises, such as the vacuum cleaner or the blender, may now frighten him. Your baby may even refuse to be bathed in the big bathtub. Try sponge baths or bathing him with you (holding him) in the tub. Don’t laugh at your infant’s fears. They are just as real to him as your fears are to you. Comfort your baby. Try to avoid scary things, or encourage him to face the thing he is afraid of. For example, let him touch the turned-off vacuum cleaner. Your baby will grow out of these new fears with your understanding and help.
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My 9 month old seems to be scared of things all of a sudden. What is going on?
Last Updated: April 07, 2007
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