4 month old introvert

[1timemum]

Our DS is quite playful at home, often smiling and gooing and gaaing. But when we go out, he's really quiet and often cries a lot when other people hold him. Does anyone elses bub do this? I didn't think they became fussy with who held them until much later. I find this frustrating because people want to hold him and then he becomes difficult to settle down and thus I end up having a stressful time when out. I sometimes can't be bothered going out because of this and am worried I will start to isolate myself.

[Phteven]

Its quite normal at any age I think. Imran and Yasin were both quite clingy while they were young. Imran is a little funny with other people and I just explain to people that he likes to be friends from a distance and will be up for some hugs when he feels more comfortable. if you step in before he gets stressed it might be easier for all of you

[ShootingStar]

Hun, Jesse is exactly the same.

We went to DH's parents on Christmas day and they had a few people over also.. well i spent the whole evening walking around with Jesse and in another room to try and calm him down. Every time someone looked at him he'd burst into tears... even DH. Boxing day we went to family friends place just to say hi and he got a little funny there too. I think it was just all the different faces looking at him and in a different environment that hes not use to just overwhelmed him. We've also discovered he's started teething (we think) as he's contantly biting down hard on absolutely everything all day and is quite whingy. At home he smiles and goos at DH and i all day long and never has a problem, infact we hardly ever see him crying at home at all. (apart from the teething of late).

Dont worry yourself too much though... i think its just a phase theyre going through. All of a sudden theyre starting to become intune with the world around them, being able to grasp things, touch things and are very slowly becoming independant etc. I think its all just a little overwhelming for them at times and they just need a little time to get use to it all.

[~Kim~]

Darcy's very much like that, always has been. Sometimes she won't even go to her dad. My ILs say it's cos I spoil her, but I don't care what they think. I know when she's frightened/stressed and I'm happy to be her safe haven. Like Dach said she's happy to be friends from my lap....hey in 15 years she probably won't even want to walk with me. Don't let it stress you. You make hime safe.

[Angel]

I think most babies go through something similar at one stage or another, and with some kids it's just part of their personality. My 19m old is a sensitive little thing, it takes a while for him to warm to new people & situations and he let us know this from a very early age (10-12w). I let him take things at his own pace. It's totally okay for you to let people know that your bub's not comfortable with being held by other people at the moment and that it's best to approach him slowly.

All the best.

[1timemum]

Thanks for all the feedback. It's good to know that you're not alone in these situations. Kellyxx - I think our little one is teething too. He's only just 4 months and growing so fast.

[*Efjay*]

You need to let people know that he isn't happy being passed around & that you would rather he wasn't picked up, held etc by others.
I was worried when I went on a holiday to visit the IL's who the kids hardly see (because of distance) that they would be offended by the boys not running to them with open arms. But thankfully they understood the fore warning I gave them about not expecting the boys to realise that these people are related & therefor instantly best friends.