Editorial: For crying out loud: Infant signaling and parental responsiveness

Abstract

Crying represents a powerful signal for human newborns. How parents should respond has been a matter of debate, with some urging prompt responding and others expressing concern about spoiling. Despite the fervor of the debate, few longitudinal observational studies have addressed the question. A new study in this issue by Bilgin and Wolke provides important data about ignoring crying in early infancy and its predictive correlates. The results of their investigation are discussed in the context of attachment and behavioral theories.