Stranger anxiety typically develops in which age range?

Stranger anxiety commonly emerges around 6 to 9 months of age. During this developmental stage, infants begin to recognize familiar faces and develop attachments to primary caregivers. As they become more aware of their surroundings, they can differentiate between known individuals and unfamiliar ones, leading to increased fear or anxiety when encountering a stranger.

The onset of stranger anxiety is a normal part of emotional and social development, reflecting a growing awareness of the environment and the concept of object permanence. It indicates that the child is forming secure attachments and is capable of understanding relationships, hence feeling discomfort in the presence of unfamiliar adults or peers.

While some infants may show signs of stranger anxiety slightly earlier or later, the 6 to 9 month range is generally recognized as the most typical period for this behavior to occur. The other age ranges mentioned, although significant in various aspects of child development, do not align with the typical onset of stranger anxiety.