Meeting other babies

[Josephine_Beth]

I am not sure if any one has experienced this but wondering if you have, do you have any advice or would you know anything about it?

A friend of mine kindly popped over today with her beautiful 10 month old boy, thought this would be a great opportunity for Joseph to bond/make a friend etc, as he hasn't spent much time round other babies apart from seeing them at the HV's.

Joseph was sitting on the floor, inbetween my feet and my friend's baby was sitting opposite, nothing unusual happened, her baby boy was gurgling away and then Joseph just burst out crying. I picked him up and he was ok, put him down again. After a few minutes, he burst out crying again, looking at me, I picked him up and held him.

But he was happy to interact and watch from my lap.

Was this because Joseph isn't use to other babies or because the other child was a bit old and more portable?

It just really confused me.

btw we had a lovely morning, a walk, chat and coffee, nice to get out too.

 

[Josephine_Beth]

Ah, ok, shouldn't worry then. Do you think it's best to stick with babies the same age as him then?

Or is this just a general thing they do?

 

[mamichuli]

Hun, although we would probably like to think different, babies don't really play together until they are quite a bit older; at this age they play in the same space, not together; in the sense that they share the area, but dont really interact. Your LO is probably a bit confused with this young intruder! Just making sure you are there, so asks for your attention - perfectly normal.

they really start socialising when they are around two, two and a half, or even later. It depends on whose study you are reading.
In any case, there is nothing wrong with YOU socialising, while they share space!

Lisa

 

[Josephine_Beth]

Thank you for that, I was worrying that I had done something wrong in the past 4 months, by not interacting him with other children.

Mind you, he does try to chase the cat, doesn't work when he is strapped into his chair. Suppose the cat is fair game, when Jo is walking

DOn't panic people, I don't let my bubs get close to the cat, anyway.

 

[Josephine_Beth]

Well, I took Joseph along to the village hal,l today, they do a 'teddy & music' group for all ages, from 4 months plus. Sing alongs, dances and such. So many other mums there but my boy was the youngest. There must have been a good 30 odd mixture of babies/toddlers and young children.

He was fine standing at the back whilst holding him, watching it all, he seemed to be so amazed and started giggling himself but if I got closer to the crowd, he's get upset. I stayed 15-20 mins before having to leave, as he was getting a little ratty.

Then I took him to our local church's 'mummy & baby' group, he enjoyed it but didn't seem comfortable around the toddlers. So much to take it, that he passed out in a sitting position with his had leant on my hand. We stayed maybe an hour then I took him for a walk.

He seemed much better around others, as long as they were not shouting right next to him or doing the whole 'i'm investigating you by poking you with my finger' thing.

 

[trixipaws]

idk hun, he's still quite young- maybe the other kids are too hectic for him or startle him and he's a bit scared?

melissa is fascinated by older kids- when she sees a toddler or very small child she wont take her eyes off them- and if they start jumping about and being silly she goes into hysterics! when im at mum&baby group tho she doesnt seem very interested in younger babies (than herself) idk why but she definately prefers older kids! i guess we can only just try to understand why our babies react to other babies like they do!

hopefully he'll start to enjoy them more when he gets a bit more used to it.

 

[trixipaws]

idk hun, he's still quite young- maybe the other kids are too hectic for him or startle him and he's a bit scared?

melissa is fascinated by older kids- when she sees a toddler or very small child she wont take her eyes off them- and if they start jumping about and being silly she goes into hysterics! when im at mum&baby group tho she doesnt seem very interested in younger babies (than herself) idk why but she definately prefers older kids! i guess we can only just try to understand why our babies react to other babies like they do!

hopefully he'll start to enjoy them more when he gets a bit more used to it.