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My baby seems to be scared of new things. Have I done something to make him scared?

Last Updated: April 07, 2007

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No, you have probably not done anything to make your baby scared. At around 8 months, or maybe earlier, your baby begins to move around, and sometimes gets separated from you. This can be scary, so your baby may cling to you more than before. This is natural. Your baby is also beginning to learn about the dangers in the world around him and he may need more comforting. Accept his fear as real, and keep him close when you can. When he feels more secure, he will want to explore more. Your baby’s dependence on you can be very draining now. Know that this is a healthy phase she needs to go through. Research shows that babies who feel the most secure and protected now will become the least clingy children later. Your baby may need more comforting while away from you, especially when he is tired
or bored.

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