how do you overcome stranger anxiety? my lo is turning 11mos & still cries whenever a stanger greets him :( its frustrating because they think they made the baby cry and keep on apologizing

Stranger anxiety is a common behavior showcased by babies when they are about six months old. They get anxious about being around people they are unfamiliar with. They will react by clinging onto you or crying when others try to hold them. While it may seemed like he/she is not mingling well with other, but this also signifies that your baby has come to recognize you as his/her source of comfort. It is unlikely to disappear completely but will lessen with time. To help your child cope with this anxiety, first try to calm your baby when he is having a meltdown. After the baby is more relaxed, reintroduce him to the friend/relative and allow your baby to decide how much contact he wants with the person. You must also stay calm and confident so that your baby will feel reassured. When your baby recognized that the other person appeared to be someone you trust, there is a higher chance that he will be more accepting of that person. As he grows, always explain to him that you understand his anxiety but he could also learn to trust those close to the family. Here is a great article you can refer to for more information on stranger anxiety: http://www.secretsofbabybehavior.com/2010/01/when-stranger-anxiety-isnt-only-for.html Personally, I think if you are dealing with strangers, it is alright that your baby display such reactions. With friends, you can always explain to them and they should understand. It is a common behaviour in most children and people usually would understand. It is also natural for the adults to apologize. Simply explain to them that your baby is just not familiar with them and hence behaving this way. Don't be too upset over this. It may be a good thing that your baby is wary of who he could trust. :)

Prep baby beforehand if you know that a "stranger" will be around. Talk to him constantly and say that this uncle is a friend or this lady is your friend etc. If your son sees someone approaching on the street -- and you know him but baby doesn't -- let him see you quickly smile and then greet said "stranger" from a distance. In your baby's cautious mind, if the stranger is okay with you, the stranger is okay with him. Also let you friends and family know that baby is quite nervous around strangers and ask them not to go too "gaga" around him. Sometimes we can get too excited around baby and it can be traumatizing when we get too much into their faces cooing and touching him.