Babies cry. What to do? Over the years, pediatricians have advocated various responses, including letting them just cry it out. Will picking up your baby when he cries spoil him? Research shows that responding to your baby when he cries actually decreases crying. Crying is a form of communication; responding to it reassures your baby that you hear him and that you are there to meet his needs. As you spend more time holding and comforting your baby, the bond between you will continue to grow. Be attuned to his expressions and aware of your own, as your mood may play a part in affecting his behavior. Practice patience in finding things to calm your baby—if it’s not food or sleep or his favorite toy, perhaps he just wants the comfort of knowing you’re there.