43 Do a quick Internet research on other innate reflexes all newborns have. Toddler is the term given to children who have only recently learned to walk. Fear of strangers begins as early as six months and persists until the age of two or three. FEARS AND ANXIETIES Babies learn about the world very quickly, observing the surrounding environment every day. Together with their first pleasurable experiences, they also live with and develop some fears and anxieties, which are a normal part of infancy (and even later on, of childhood). Fear is a natural reaction to danger or threat, anxiety is a reaction to a possible threat or danger. Both are usually shortlived and show that babies are learning to solve problems on their own; however, it is important that parents and caregivers help them learn to understand and overcome them to become well-balanced adults. What fears and anxieties? Newborns have some natural instinctive fears: Noises, especially loud and unexpected sounds such us thunder and loud voices; Falling: babies have the so-called startle (or moro) reflex in response to a sudden loss of support; they throw back their head, extend out their arms, cry, and then pull the arms and legs back in. Other possible fears usually appear later, when they are toddlers or children. Their most common (and natural) anxieties, instead, are: caregiver: chi si prende cura di qualcun altro to cling: attaccarsi threat: minaccia 94 BABIES AND CHILDREN Separation anxiety, which concerns all the caregivers they have developed an attachment to; Stranger anxiety, which is aimed at unfamiliar people, situations, and even new places. How to react? Fears and anxieties appear at various developmental stages and understanding them can help parents respond effectively and contrast their effect. Babies manifest their anxieties in many ways, especially through their behaviour: they may cry, cling to caregivers, show signs of distress, and even have some physical reactions, such as increased heart rate, tension, or widely open eyes. It is important to provide reassurance and comfort by holding and cuddling them, speaking softly, hugging and soothing them, and using familiar items. Slowly introducing babies to new people, environments, and situations can also help babies gradually overcome their stress.