Timid baby

All I can say our boy is very much the same. It’s kind of he wants to explore and socialise but doesn’t want to and being shy - very much doesn’t want to be touched or communicate to strangers or people he barely sees. I was absolutely the same, as a kid I genuinely didn’t like kids😅😅 I think having a shy kid is nothing wrong and it’s just a personality which in age it changes. Same with me and other examples of shy kids once they start school they are just off confidently. Just be there for her and don’t let anyone make it like it’s an embarrassing thing! When someone tries to be rude and says that my boy is too shy I always joke back saying “he just doesn’t like you leave him alone😂” xx

God it infuriates me when people say things like "aw she's shy" singling them out like it's unusual behaviour. It’s completely normal for a 12 month old to want only their parents and get upset when separated. Research shows that separation anxiety peaks between 6 and 24 months, and it's actually a key part of healthy emotional development. There's a scientific paper by a psychologist named Mary Ainsworth called strange situations. In it, she found that securely attached babies use their parents as a "safe base" and show distress when separated, calming down when reunited. This isn’t shyness or being "clingy" in a bad way - it's a natural part of their growth. So when family members say your little one is too attached, you can remind them that this is completely normal. Your baby is doing exactly what they’re meant to do at this age - seeking comfort from their most trusted person. With time, as they feel more secure, they’ll naturally become more independent.

By the way, that research I cited is really worth a read. It's heavily leaned on by paediatricians too and actually shows that a strong attachment to parents in infancy helps build confidence later on. In fact securely attached babies, who show separation anxiety early on, tend to grow into more independent and socially confident children. Please don't be worried and let your baby be who they are without letting others doubt what is natural.

My little girl was exactly the same until she started nursery, now she’s a lot more willing to go to other people x

It sounds like your baby is just being a normal baby but, if she does turn out to be shy, nothing you do, or don't do, will change that so please don't feel that you're doing anything wrong.

My little boy is exactly the same. We’ve been to classes etc regularly since he was born so he’s used to being around others. But I can’t even leave the table to go to the bathroom at the restaurant without him crying and trying to climb out of his high chair to get to me. Even around family when he’s playing with his grandparents, if I leave the room he’ll cry and crawl after me. Sometimes I just need a break, but also want him to know I will always be there when he needs me.

@Dzestina thank you for your comment! That’s a great comeback I’ll be using lol🤣xx

@Annem thank you for your comments! That’s really comforting and helpful to know. I agree it is very annoying when people say it because like you said it makes it seem like it’s a bad thing. And I think those identities stick with you forever, I don’t want my little girl to be labelled as something even early one. That might affect her confidence in the future. Thanks again xx

@Vanessa That’s interesting, my girl is also starting nursery in the next few months. Thanks for your comment x

@Sophie thank you so much for your comment i appreciate it! Xx

@Abigail thank you for your comment. My girl is exactly the same, it’s tough isn’t it. Like others have said one day they’ll be independent and we’ll miss these times I sure xx

My now 4 year old was exactly the same as a baby and throughout toddler hood. He's still somewhat quiet now but in the past few months has really grown in confidence.

You’re not doing anything wrong, unfortunately people have nothing better to comment about these days and are so busy with other people and their kids. Stupid. Don’t listen to anyone my baby is exactly the same and she’s 1. They’re just babies.

@B.A thank you for your comment. So true, I feel like it’s a useless observation anyway🙄 you’re right people love to comment on things that don’t concern them x