Raise a Friendly Baby

Get to Know Your Baby's Quirks

Take your child's temperament into account when you introduce her to new people. Some babies are comfortable being handed off to strangers, while others are cautious even around their grandparents. If your child is the timid type, don't thrust her into someone else's arms. "If you push your child, she could end up becoming more reluctant to socialize the next time," says Miller Shivers, PhD, clinical psychologist at Children's Memorial Hospital, in Chicago. One smart solution: Invite people to visit at your baby's "happy" times of day, when her energy level is high and she's more likely to be in a friendly mood.