Unsociable babies - advice please!

Hi everyone
Just wondering what factors assist babies to be sociable and happy in unfamiliar surroundings?
Since my boys were 4 months old I have taken them to regular outings with a group of my friends who all have single babies around the same age or a couple of months older.
In the last couple of months, whenever we go out somewhere socially they scream and cry real tears whilst all of the other kids play, then the minute they arrive home they'll giggling and have a wonderful time.
I'd nearly prefer not to take them as it is traumatic but that wont help the situation.
Theyre close to walking but not quite there - one of the other mothers suggested they'll have more confidence when they can walk.
We do not live in the same city as family and Im wondering if I am not introducing them to enough people, or is a stage? i am seriously hoping it is the latter.
We are going home to my city for 6 weeks at christmas though I am kind of dreading them meeting my friends and large family as I think they'll cry the whole time.. any suggestions please???

Many thanks for listening.

 

My girls went through the exact same thing. For us it just took some time and little maturity. As they grew up they became better and better. Literally, if anyone looked at them or talked to them while we were out and about, they screamed as if they were being killed. My BIL couldn't even get close to them up until this past summer (he's a big man and I guess his size just intimidated them). I just kept taking them places and eventually it stopped. I don't know if it is a phase or just personality, but I think you just keep taking them wherever and it will get better--hopefully

 

My kids have all been that very same way. I will tell you how I dealt with it. I would start by just sitting with the child kind of away from the other kids, but talking about and watching the others play..."look at that little girl playing with that fun toy. Wow, that boy is sure having fun with the..."

Then, I would move over and just play with them near the other kids. And the next time, I would start near the other kids, then get my kids playing and gradually move away, tiny bit by tiny bit. When they would realize I was still there and not leaving, I think they relaxed and started having fun. That is what worked for me.

But, yes, it is part stage, and honestly, I believe part personality. Not a bad thing, because that means they have bonded to you really well (good job momma, just makes for tough public moments!).

 

My girls are now 2 and we are still going through the same thing...though they are getting little better now. Since they were little they have always been like that and to be honest I also think it's a personality thing. I dread going out with them & even entertaining at home is just so difficult. I don't even have conversation with anyone without them screaming down the place! But hang in there it should pass, i know it means no social life for us ^_^

 

Many thanks for your helpful and kind replies!

 

mine did this until we put them in daycare 3 days a week - they were either home with me or my mom only until they were 2...once we got them into daycare and more socialized they became alot more outgoing!

 

My guys are 3 1/2 and are still the shyest kids around...which is odd cause their dad and I are FAR from shy!
I think them being in preschool has helped, cause they now will go up to other kids on the playground etc. However, it usually takes them about 5-10 min. at someone's house or a party to relax. I have gotten comments from others about it, which annoy me...like it's my fault they cling to me and don't want some stranger's big face in theirs!