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You Can't Spoil a Baby by Responding to His Cries Quickly

Last Updated: September 26, 2008

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Parenting Tips for Your 4 Month Old Baby

Researchers have found that when a parent responds to a baby’s cries more quickly at age 4 months, the baby cries less and calms easier by the time he is 8 months old.

This surprises many people. They think responding quickly to a cry will spoil the baby. But babies aren’t like that. You cannot spoil a baby because a baby is dependent on others to meet his needs.

A quick response teaches your baby to trust you. Your baby learns to give a small cry instead of a big one, because he knows you will come to help. When your baby is getting the help he needs, he needs to cry less.

Ignoring your baby’s needs may teach him that the world is not to be trusted. Trust is the foundation for relating positively to the world around us. Trust is necessary for him to grow into a well-adjusted, caring, and responsible person.


Learn more about Your 4 Month Old Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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