Is this normal behavior?

Question

Baby is 19 months old, only child. He won’t leave mom’s lap to play when anyone else is over or if they go anywhere. At home he plays no problem and babbles, says basic words- common words for his age. But around any other kids he will not leave moms lap even after being there for a while and won’t let anyone else hold him.

Answer

He is shy and i think you should give him some time to play with others more. You don't want them completely attached or when school starts it will be hell.

Answer

i remember reading an arifcle that said if by the age of 4 the child hasnt become social with other kids then it becomes harder to ever be social. The chances of them being shy as kids/teens increases. If youre unable to have playdates and dont want to leave them in daycare until theyre more social then i suggest joining a gym with childcare. Leaving them for an hr everyday where they can play with other kids while you workout and are able to view them sneakily is a great way to go about socializing them. I do that with mine since i don't have any friends with kids. I wont lie, mine does cry for the first 15 or so min when i leave them but then when i go look at her from far away,shes playing with the other kids. Its rly nice being able to workout and have her socialize

Answer

It’s common for babies who are only children, and haven’t been exposed to many other children or adults to have strong attachment. I’d start by doing things out and about like going to pros, mommy and baby play dates, swimming, etc. Where he can see that other kids play together and have fun. Once he can see that that behavior is normal he may relax a little. I’d say the next step after that is allowing him to maybe have a play date in your home so he is comfortable, around his toys, etc. But he can also meet someone new. After that then I’d start taking him places like day care, preschool, etc so he can continually expand his social experience.

Answer

Absolutely common. Children go through several fear periods where they are super reluctant to leave mom. He/she will grow out of it eventually.

Answer

Common for that age. The child sounds like they suffer separation anxiety, most children will grow out of it eventually. Wouldn't worry yet, still young.

Answer

I think it’s his personality and totally fine. Separation anxiety can be strong in some kids and he’s just not ready. 
I agree with providing opportunities for being around other kids however if he wants to sit in your lap during those times I’d absolutely let him. I think it can be a phase or it could be who he is, you never know. It’s not a bad thing and he’s too young for it to be a concern to me. 
What I think helped my daughter was we go once a week to My Gym - a gym for kids. So she has a familiar environment and familiar Kids. We started around 11 months and it literally took her months before she’d do more than observe. Now she’s comfortable there and runs in like she owns it. 
She’s also super attached to me and ventures off when she’s comfortable and sticks with me when she’s not.

Is this normal behavior?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey