Which statement about infant soothing and bonding is correct?

• A. An infant is learning to manipulate others when the infant is picked up unnecessarily.
• B. A 2-month-old who does not sleep through the night should be evaluated further.
• C. Picking up the infant in the middle of the night fosters dependency on the mother.
• D. A sense of trust is developed in an infant when others respond to the infant's cry.

Answer: (D)

Responsive soothing builds trust and secure attachment. When caregivers respond promptly to an infant’s cries, the baby learns that someone will meet their needs and that the world is a reliable place. This sense of safety is the foundation for secure bonding, which supports later emotional regulation and social development. Crying is how infants communicate needs, not manipulation, and responding with comforting touch and warmth reinforces the caregiver–infant bond. It’s normal for a 2‑month‑old not to sleep through the night, so lack of uninterrupted sleep isn’t by itself a sign of a problem. The idea that picking up the infant at night creates dependency overlooks the reality that consistent, sensitive soothing fosters security and trust, laying the groundwork for healthy autonomy as the child grows.