Why does the baby cry when seeing a particular person?

Sep 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
In general, a baby crying upon seeing someone may be related to innate dislike of that person, stranger anxiety, hunger, being startled, or physical discomfort. Some people may appear strange or intimidating to a baby, making them feel uneasy or frightened, thus causing the baby to dislike and avoid them. When such a person suddenly appears, it can be quite startling for the baby, possibly leading to crying and fussiness.

Generally, a baby crying upon seeing someone may be related to innate dislike of a particular person, stranger anxiety, hunger, being frightened, physical discomfort, or other reasons. The specifics are as follows:

1. Innate dislike of a particular person

Some people may appear strange or intimidating to a baby, making them seem difficult to approach or frightening. The baby may naturally dislike such individuals and avoid them. When such a person suddenly appears, it can significantly startle the baby, potentially causing crying.

2. Stranger anxiety

When babies begin experiencing stranger anxiety, they may easily cry when encountering unfamiliar people due to lack of familiarity. It is recommended to gradually expose the baby to strangers while maintaining close physical contact, offering love and reassurance to help ease their anxiety.

3. Hunger

If a baby happens to be hungry, crying may be their way of expressing this need. It is advisable to promptly feed, hydrate, and let the baby rest, ensuring all basic needs are met.

4. Being frightened

If someone frequently makes exaggerated facial expressions that scare the baby, the baby may develop fear toward that person and cry whenever they appear. It is recommended to gently stroke and comfort the baby, helping them calm down.

5. Physical discomfort

If a baby is experiencing physical discomfort, crying may also occur. Observe whether the baby shows signs of fever, cold, or other symptoms, and seek medical attention if necessary.

Parents should moderately expose their baby to strangers. If the baby shows signs of distress, consult a doctor promptly.