Toddler is afraid of baseball caps?

Question

My little girl I think ever since she was 5 months has been terrified of baseball caps. I think what might have caused it was when she was 5 months old my husband (who wore his tool baseball cap all the time) took it off and chased her about with it, I don't think he realized it would give her this great a fear. Well the other day I was changing my now 23mos old and she saw one of my old hats and was so scared her body shook and she squealed so loud tears and all. I had to move it to make her feel better, now I know that she probably when she gets older will get over this fear, but I was wondering if anyone has been through this before and if so what can I do (aside from keeping hats away from her) to help her get over the fear? Thank you for taking the time to answer this.

Answer 1

When I was a toddler I was terrified of the honey monster thing from the sugar puffs adverts.  The adverts used to make me scream and cry and my mum would have to change the channel.  In the end she just used to make sure she distracted me when the ad came on so she could change it, and not buy the cereal.

Based on that, my suggestion would be that you and your husband, and other family/guests don't have the caps around your daughter.  Think about how much you remember from being so young, do you remember your first word or first steps?  When she isn't surrounded by the thing that causes her fear, at this stage of development she will gradually forget that fear.

Sugar puffs are now one of my favourite cereal...

Answer 2

More than likely, she will get over this. I don't think she will be traumatized for life. Try not to react to her when she gets upset by a hat. I know it's hard, but if you don't give her attention for it, the fear will probably go away. Plus, I doubt that it's a true fear of baseball caps. I don't think she remembers being scared by one when she was 5 months old.

Answer 3

I was afraid of bubble wraps when I was a little kid. Don't get mad at her and be like, "You're so stupid! It's just a baseball cap!" because then you messed her up (I know this because I'm still terrified of bubble wrap as of today.)