At what age do children generally begin to exhibit fear of strangers?

At what age do children generally begin to exhibit fear of strangers?

• A. 2mo
• B. 4mo
• C. 6mo
• D. 2yo

Answer: (C)

Stranger fear comes with growing attachment and memory. When babies begin to recognize familiar faces and remember people, they become cautious around those they don’t know. This pattern typically starts around six months, as attachment bonds deepen and separation anxiety can appear. It may peak around 9–12 months and then gradually lessen as language and social skills develop. So six months is the usual onset. Two months and four months are usually too early for this reaction, while by two years the behavior has typically already emerged earlier in infancy.

Stranger fear comes with growing attachment and memory. When babies begin to recognize familiar faces and remember people, they become cautious around those they don’t know. This pattern typically starts around six months, as attachment bonds deepen and separation anxiety can appear. It may peak around 9–12 months and then gradually lessen as language and social skills develop. So six months is the usual onset. Two months and four months are usually too early for this reaction, while by two years the behavior has typically already emerged earlier in infancy.