Why do we show so much sympathy and affection to babies?

Question

When we see a baby crying from either sickness or pain, we show symphaty or sadness to them and we tend to comfort them.

And when the baby is showing it's first impressions (i.e. first smile, first footsteps, etc.) we tend to say "aw!".

Answer 1

Babies are brand-new in the world. They are vulnerable and need love and protection. They inspire hope for the future. Who knows what any particular one may grow up to become and achieve?

I would hope that even the toughest, most stone-hearted person would smile if he/she saw a precious baby! Watching the "firsts" warms a parent's heart and only inspires thoughts of more milestones in the infant's life.

Answer 2

I actually read a study in American Baby where it's proven that one of the main reasons that we love babies so much is their eyes... they're disproportionate to their faces... their eyes are much bigger and it draws us to them. I don't have the article with me or else I would quote it to you exactly because I'm not doing the article justice at all. Also in some ancient societies, they believed that God made babies really cute so that the adults would be more inclined to take care of them since they are unable to take care of themselves.

That's just the word as according to American Baby :)

Answer 3

because we as animals...as humans have to value our young when babies cry it strikes a cord in humans, making you want to pick up the baby and soothe it..it was reactions like this that helped our species get ahead. Another reason may be that babies are small and defensless, then we work and help and take care of them till they can be indepent..when they take their first steps or give their first smile..it is the fruit of our labors and its easy to go "awe" at that

Answer 4

Babies and small animals are literally constructed to appeal to us so we take care of them. Large eyes, small mouths, soft features all appeal to our sense of protection. If they were ugly suckers, we wouldn't be so programmed to care for them.
By the time they get to the first smile and footsteps parts we have already become emotionally invested in them and we are celebrating the interaction (smile) and growing-up markers,("firsts").

Answer 5

I think it's because infants are so sweet and helpless. Anyone who has a heart would want to comfort a sick or hurting infant and make him/her feel better. When babies hit major milestones like smiling, laughing, and walking it gives many people a "warm fuzzy".

Answer 6

I think that babies were made to appear cute to us so that we will pay attention to them and help them to develop. They are dependant on us and it is in our nature to give care to someone like that. Also, being the mother of 3 children, I think the pitch of crying must be some perfect pitch that strikes a nerve somewhere in my brain.

Answer 7

WHY DO WE SHOW MUCH ATTENTION TO A BABY, IS BECAUSE THEY ARE INNOCENT AND THE RELY ON US TO TAKE AS GOOD CARE OF THEM, TO GIVE THEM THE LOVE THEY DESERVE AND HOPEFULLY THEY WILL GROW UP TO BE A GREAT CHILD. AND ITS SO CUTE TO SEE THEM DO THEIR FIRST STEP OR TRYING SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME. AND IT LETS THEM KNOW THAT THEY ARE DOING A GOOD JOB.

Answer 8

Babies rely on us for their every need. They need the comfort and love to help them grow.

We acknowledge their "firsts" with joy because they learned something new and they are growing up.

Answer 9

we feel bad for them because they are so innocent and need us to comfort them when they are in pain or lonely.. they cant do anything for themselves and want somebody to look after them.. and the reason we say aww is simply because they are sooo cute

Answer 10

Because they are cute and they don't talk back.