Why does my baby cry when held by dad after he shaved?

It is quite common for infants to experience temporary distress or anxiety when a parent significantly changes their appearance, such as shaving a beard. This reaction is often tied to normal developmental phases involving stranger or separation anxiety, where a baby becomes sensitive to familiar faces looking different. The most effective strategy is usually patience; babies often need a little time to adjust to the new look, and this behavior typically resolves on its own as the baby gets used to the change.