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Are You Spoiling Your Baby?
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When does “spoiling” become a risk?
With a newborn, it’s important to respond right away, Nieman says, but once a baby becomes more self-aware, you’re better to back off a bit. There are different theories as to when this happens. Nieman suggests it could be as early as three or four months, Brandon leans toward nine months or a year.
The key is to look for signs that your baby is becoming more self-aware. One way to tell is when it’s clear they’re getting the hang of cause and effect, says Brandon. For instance, if your baby throws a toy on the floor and you pick it up, then they throw it again – they get it. Around that time, gradually stop reacting as quickly to their demands so they have a chance to figure things out on their own, she says.
This is especially important when it comes to food. “Sometimes when a baby fusses, the easiest thing is to settle them with food, but I encourage parents not to do that,” Nieman says. “Because if you do it often enough, it will become a habit and they will expect – and demand – it every time.”
