22/05/2025
Letting a baby “cry it out” might seem like a way to make them more independent, but science shows this can be harmful—especially during the first six months of life. Babies cry because it’s their only way to communicate. Whether they’re hungry, uncomfortable, or need comfort, ignoring those cries sends a message that their needs don’t matter. Over time, babies may stop crying not because they’ve learned independence, but because they’ve learned no one will come. This emotional detachment can deeply affect their trust and emotional development.
During infancy, the brain is rapidly developing, and nurturing from caregivers plays a major role. Stress from being left to cry for long periods raises cortisol levels, which can interfere with growth hormones and even damage nerve tissues in the brain. This can lead to long-term problems such as anxiety, aggression, and difficulty with emotional expression and social skills later in life. Certain genes related to emotional regulation need nurturing to be activated during this early critical window; without it, those genes stay off, increasing risk of lifelong anxiety and behavioral problems.
Parents play a key role in shaping their baby’s emotional and mental foundation. Responding with love, comfort, and attention doesn’t “spoil” a child—it builds trust, resilience, and emotional stability. Every ignored cry might not just hurt in the moment, but shape a lifetime.
