Which statement about adults' responses to infant cries is incorrect?

The statement regarding the advice of only responding to intense cries is indeed the incorrect one. Infants communicate their needs primarily through crying, and while some cries may be more intense than others, all forms of crying signify a need for attention, comfort, or care. Response to all cries fosters a secure attachment and helps the infant feel valued and understood.

When caregivers respond promptly to a range of cries, it reinforces the caregiver-infant bond and builds trust. Infants learn that their needs will be met, contributing to their emotional development. On the contrary, waiting only for the most intense cries to respond can lead to emotional stress for the infant, as they might feel their needs are not valid unless they reach a certain threshold of distress, potentially hindering their trust in caregivers.

The other statements reflect a more accurate understanding of infant care. For instance, the idea that responding too quickly might spoil a child misrepresents the concept of forming a healthy attachment; infants require consistent responsiveness. Ignoring cries is known to contribute to trust issues later in development. Acknowledging that every infant’s need for attention is different emphasizes the importance of tuning into an individual child's cues and responses, affirming a more personalized approach to caregiving.