LO seems to have a fear of crowds way above and beyond any of the other kids in our playgroup. She's fine in small groups but if it gets to be a bigger group, especially when you add in people she doesn't know, it's like she's from the exorcist all of a sudden.

We went to a birthday party at our good friends' house yesterday. It's a place she's been at a million times and she loves the mom and her LO so much. As soon as we got in the door, she flipped. She screamed like she's never screamed before and it continued for 15-20 minutes. I finally found a spot she was okay with for her to calm down.

I felt embarrassed and bad for everyone (LO, the birthday girl, everyone). I don't know why it stresses her out so badly. We went to a fairly crowded play date on Friday too and she cried for the first 5-10 minutes (she had met everyone there that time).

It's intense sad/angry/scared crying/screaming to the point that she almost throws up. I've never seen another kid do this so I'm not even sure what to do. Things I've read say to just try different entrance strategies and ease her into things.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is this something I should ask the doctor about if it continues to be this intense for a couple of months? Is there anything I can do to help her? She's just so upset but once she calms down, she loves playing with her friends.