Baby This Week: 38 Weeks Old

Your baby may be the most sociable young creature around — until somebody unfamiliar comes near. Many babies this age have begun to show signs of fear or shyness around strangers. Some even start withdrawing from familiar relatives and friends, and want to be close to no one but you. This phase can be so brief you barely notice it, or it may last for months, depending on your child's temperament.

Now, and for the next few months, separation anxiety is at its peak. Although it's normal now for a baby to show an extreme attachment to you and fear of everyone else, it can be difficult for doting grandparents and caregivers. You can help ease transitions for your baby by warning people to approach slowly and let your baby make the first move.

If your baby uses a thumb or pacifier to soothe himself as she tries to cope with his anxiety, that's okay. Sucking is one of your baby's only methods of calming herself.

Because of separation anxiety, this can be a tough time to be away from your baby for any length of time. But it may also be hard to travel with your baby right now. She's become used to her surroundings and familiar faces, and she likes predictability. So being on the road can disrupt her sense of security and routine, especially when visiting an unfamiliar place or meeting lots of strangers.

At this age, she doesn't grasp the concept of travel but she'll realize she's in a new, strange place. Be ready for some cranky, clingy behavior and prepare plenty of distractions — picture books, noise-making toys, nesting blocks, hand puppets, and definitely her security object, if she has one. Schedule plenty of downtime away from all the strangers to let her decompress.

- BabyCenter.com

Daddy and Mila watching the San Francisco Giants win the 

National League West Championship Game! Woo-hoo! Go Giants!!!