What is the typical age when children first develop a fear of strangers?

Children typically start to develop a fear of strangers around the age of 6 to 7 months. This behavioral milestone is part of the normal developmental process known as "stranger anxiety," which reflects the growing cognitive ability of infants to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people. At this age, infants are becoming more attached to their primary caregivers and are less secure in the presence of those they do not recognize. This fear serves as a protective mechanism, helping to keep infants close to their parents or caregivers who provide safety and security.

In contrast, while some awareness of unfamiliarity may begin earlier, it is not until the 6 to 7 months range that this fear becomes pronounced and noticeable in most infants. Subsequently, by 8 to 9 months, this anxiety often intensifies and can last until the child becomes more socially adept, typically resolving as they approach toddlerhood. Therefore, the correct answer underscores the importance of this developmental stage in the context of attachment and social interaction.