At what age do children generally exhibit stranger anxiety?

Stranger anxiety typically develops around 6 to 8 months of age in infants. This developmental stage occurs as babies begin to form attachments to their primary caregivers and start to recognize familiar faces. When they encounter unfamiliar individuals, they may exhibit signs of distress such as crying or clinging to their caregiver. This reaction is a normal part of emotional development and signifies emerging social awareness and attachment behaviors.

In earlier months, around 3 to 4 months, infants may show some preference for their caregivers, but they are generally still open to interacting with others. By the time children reach 9 to 12 months, stranger anxiety may peak, but it originates in the earlier developmental window of 6 to 8 months. Understanding the typical timeline for stranger anxiety can help caregivers and educators support children through this phase of development effectively.