Do you really think a baby can be "spoiled?" And why?

Question

Just curious!

Answer 1

No. You are not creating a spoiled child by picking them up everytime they cry, you are creating a secure, happy, healthy child who knows that he can rely on his parents when he needs them.

I pick my 6 month old up everytime he cries, and have ever since he came home from the NICU at 1 month. He's not spoiled in the least bit. I pick him up when he cries, I wear him in a sling when we're in public, so that he's always close to me, either on my front or he rides on my hip, ALWAYS.

He is now the sweetest, most loving, happy, laughing baby I've ever seen. He only cries when he's really really really tired, or sick. He doesn't cry when he's wet or dirty, and I know him well enough, because I spent so much time with him in my arms, that I can feed him before he gets so hungry that he has to cry.

While in the NICU he was basically ignored by the nurses, you know just feeding, diaper changes, etc... no cuddles or love except when we were there and he would cry when I got out of his sight.

Now that he's been loved, cuddled and has realized that I'm not going anywhere with out making sure he is happy and safe, I can put him in his walker with some toys in the living room and go in the kitchen and do the dishes and he is perfectly happy to sit there and play while I get done what I need to get done.

He also can play by himself with out me having to be there constantly.

He has never once "cried it out" either.

So no, I don't believe you can spoil a baby.

Answer 2

Yes and No. Although a tiny baby will realize that crying will get your attention you also have to understand it is their only way of telling you they need something. Whether it be burping or otherwise. You should let your kid know that he/she is to look for you for comfort or call on you when something is needed. Letting the baby cry sometimes isnt so bad either but not for a long time. When the baby gets a bit older then of course this should be limited as they start learning to point and talk. My daughter had colic and was crying all the time and being that she was my first I held her all the time but now she is pretty independant but will still come to me when something is wrong. My son didnt have colic and he was always ok with just laying down and not being carried. Now he is very clingy. All children are different but I would have to say a tiny baby cannot be spoiled. But as they grow older and can voice what they want and need then the "spoiling" must come to a stop.

Answer 3

Honestly, absolutely not. A baby, particularly an infant, is not yet sophisticated enough to be emotionally manipulative. You really, really cannot spoil a baby and you should never hold back showering your baby with love and attention out of fear that he or she will become spoiled. That said, there are some things you can do to help encourage some independence at the age-appropriate time, like helping baby learn how to fall asleep on her own, giving plenty of playtime on the floor, letting her crawl and explore safely as she gets older, etc. But you should never ever worry about spoiling a child by giving them too much love and attention. I used to practically smother my daugher with hugs and kisses when she was a tiny tot, to the point where she'd laugh hysterically and be so happy. She still asks for "a lot of kisses" as a 2-year old and she's a very happy, secure, independent and well behaved little girl.

Answer 4

It depends on the age of the baby...

A very young baby lives by instincts, and picking up your baby when he or she cries build a level of trust in your relationship... baby learns that when he needs you, you will be there. Either my husband or I are always near our 5 month old baby, and when she cries we pick her up. Hence, she actually cries very little... only when something is really wrong will she cry. Sometimes parents think that if they go to their baby each time he cries, they are teaching him to cry even more to get attention.

Once the child is old enough to understand what is going on around them, then they are old enough to be spoiled. A child is spoiled only if they express a desire and someone (usually Mom or Dad, but it can be a Grandparent or other caregiver) gives them what they want each and every time.

Babies cannot fake unhappiness. Crying is not a calculated act. Babies cry because they feel overwhelmed and need your loving assistance. When their tears are not responded to, babies can grow up to feel unlovable.

Answer 5

You cannot spoil a newborn. Pick up the baby when they cry. This creates bonding and lets the baby know he/she is safe. After 6 months of age. Let them fuss a little.

Answer 6

Well, I thought you were supposed to get a very small infant everytime they cry, but my 2 month old daughter is showing signs of being spoiled. She fretted and fussed once and when I picked her up, she was smiling, even though she was still making the same whinning noises (her adorable dimple gave her away). I talked to her and told her that she had to cut the acting out (playfully) and she started cooing and giggling.

I don't want to spoil her, but being a first time mom, I get worried when she cries. There's good advice here but I'd tell a mother to do what's best for them and their sanity.

Answer 7

Yes I do. They can be spoiled to being held all the time. If you lay a baby down and they immediately start crying then they are spoiled. Of course I think that is what babies are for, to hold and love and spoil.

Answer 8

Failing to provide reasonable boundaries for children when they are young creates major discipline problems later. Babies need to be told 'no' when the situation involves danger to the child. Older children can be told 'no' with a brief explanation of why. Adolescents can accept more detailed explanations - it helps them to feel respected. They may not like the answer at the time, but as they grow into adulthood they have a better understanding of what builds good character. Children need to be told 'no' on occasion - and it doesn't hurt their self-esteem at all. Children who always get their own way and are constantly catered to and indulged grow up to be dysfunctional adults.

Answer 9

NO NO NO NO NO if the baby is under a year then NO picking the baby up when he cries just puts trust in the baby with the parent that you will be there for him.

Answer 10

YES !!
Yes
and Yes!!

Babies r very very smart and they very quickly learn which cords to pull to get what they want.
But its ok to spoil ur baby a little afterall they will be babies just once in their life and they grow so fast !!!
Once they grow up I am sure u will miss spoiling and pampering them as a baby.
All the best and enjoy ur baby !!!!!!