At what age do most children begin to show fear of strangers?

Most children typically begin to show fear of strangers around 6 to 8 months of age. This period is associated with a developmental stage known as "stranger anxiety," where infants start to recognize familiar faces and differentiate between known caregivers and unfamiliar individuals. This anxiety can be linked to the developmental advancements in social cognition and attachment. During this stage, infants become more aware of their surroundings and develop a stronger attachment to their primary caregivers, leading to apprehension when encountering unfamiliar people.

This behavior is a normal part of emotional development and signifies that the child is forming secure attachments. While some children may start to show signs of this anxiety slightly earlier or later, the 6 to 8-month window is generally recognized as the onset of fear of strangers in most children.