How to Unspoil a Baby
Every parent has heard the warning: “You’re going to spoil that baby!” When talking about spoiled babies or children, people describe little ones that are manipulative. These fiendish little people have the power to make adults do what they want simply by crying. But babies don’t know how to manipulate and can’t tell the difference between wants and needs.
Many moms worry that this will spoil the baby. The good news is that newborns can't be spoiled.
Older babies on the verge of toddlerhood can start to exhibit spoiled behavior. However, parents can start early to stop the problem before it starts.
Make a schedule and stick to it. Schedule times for feeding and naps right from the start. A newborn may not always follow your schedule, but he will learn to expect things to happen at certain times. The framework of a schedule gives the baby something to trust. Zero to Three points out that routines give babies a sense of relationship and repetition 3.
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Stay calm. If you lose your temper when you feel frustrated, your baby will learn early that yelling is the appropriate way to handle that emotion. Keeping your cool, models the behavior you want the baby to emulate as she matures.
Respond to your baby quickly. Dr. Sears encourages parents to meet the needs of crying babies quickly. When babies cry, they need help. Parents who respond quickly build a foundation of trust that tells the baby she can count on them. This isn’t the same as hovering over a toddler or preschooler. Babies need constant care; they aren’t ready to explore independence yet.
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If your baby is crying, look for any signs of trouble. Check clothing for tags or anything that might be chafing or make the baby uncomfortable. Feel the baby’s head and neck and if he feels warm take his temperature. Check the schedule to see if your baby is hungry or getting ready for a nap. Sometimes, your baby just wants to be held. As your child learns to count on you for comfort, he will learn to feel comfortable in more situations. If your baby likes to be held, try talking to him before you pick him up. This is how he learns you are nearby even if you aren’t physically holding him.
Reassure your baby as she grows more independent. In the first year, your little one goes from a completely dependent human being to a crawling or walking dynamo. As she begins to crawl, you will see her head off, stop, and turn around to check on you. Smile, but don’t hover. Let her know that crawling away from Mom is perfectly all right. You will always be there if she needs you.
Warnings
Never let your newborn "cry it out." Newborns cry for a reason. If your baby continues to cry and won't respond to soothing, contact your pediatrician.
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References
- Ask Dr. Sears: Spoiling
- WebMD: Is Your Child Spoiled?
- Zero to Three: Love, Learning, and Routines
- KidsHealth: Communication and Your Newborn
- Abrams EM, Becker AB. Food introduction and allergy prevention in infants. CMAJ. 2015;187(17):1297–1301. doi:10.1503/cmaj.150364
- Morais MB. Signs and symptoms associated with digestive tract development. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2016;92(3 Suppl 1):S46-56. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2016.02.008
- Little C, Blattner CM, Young J 3rd. Update: Can breastfeeding and maternal diet prevent atopic dermatitis?. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017;7(3):63–65. doi:10.5826/dpc.0703a14
- Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW. The effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: the role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, hydrolyzed formulas, and timing of introduction of allergenic complementary foods risk factors for accidental and suicidal death in cancer patients. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4) doi:10.1542/peds.2019-0281
- Mathias JG, Zhang H, Soto-Ramirez N, Karmaus W. The association of infant feeding patterns with food allergy symptoms and food allergy in early childhood. Int Breastfeed J. 2019;14:43. doi:10.1186/s13006-019-0241-x
- Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: the role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolyzed formulas. Pediatrics. 2008;121(1):183-91. doi:10.1542/peds.2007-3022
- Husby S. Food allergy as seen by a paediatric gastroenterologist. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2008;47 Suppl 2:S49-52. doi:10.1097/01.mpg.0000338813.97803.16
- Lewis-Jones S, Mugglestone MA; Guideline Development Group. Management of atopic eczema in children aged up to 12 years: summary of NICE guidance. BMJ. 2007;335:1263-1264. doi:10.1136/bmj.39405.503773.AD
- Vandenplas Y, Rudolph CD, Di lorenzo C, et al. Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux clinical practice guidelines: joint recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009;49(4):498-547. doi:10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181b7f563
Warnings
- Never let your newborn "cry it out." Newborns cry for a reason. If your baby continues to cry and won't respond to soothing, contact your pediatrician.
Writer Bio
Based in Nashville, Shellie Braeuner has been writing articles since 1986 on topics including child rearing, entertainment, politics and home improvement. Her work has appeared in "The Tennessean" and "Borderlines" as well as a book from Simon & Schuster. Braeuner holds a Master of Education in developmental counseling from Vanderbilt University.