What it means to "spoil" a baby: parents' perception

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Updated: Oct 4, 2026

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
07:56

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure

Published on: September 19, 2019

A L Wilson, D B Witzke, A Volin

    Clinical Pediatrics
    |December 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Most parents believe babies can be spoiled, but definitions and perceived effects vary widely. Younger, less educated parents hold more rigid, negative views on spoiling.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Parenting Studies

    Background:

    • Parenting discussions in pediatric settings often involve the concept of 'spoiling' babies.
    • A lack of clear, shared understanding of what constitutes 'spoiling' a baby exists among parents.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate parental perceptions and definitions of spoiling babies.
    • To explore variations in beliefs regarding the characteristics and effects of spoiled babies.
    • To examine demographic influences, such as age and education, on these perceptions.

    Main Methods:

    • Survey research involving 531 parents.
    • Questionnaire design to gather data on parental views of spoiling babies.
    • Analysis of responses concerning definitions, characteristics, and effects of spoiling.

    Main Results:

    • A majority of parents believe babies can be spoiled.
    • Significant diversity in parental understanding of how babies are spoiled, the traits of a spoiled baby, and the consequences.
    • Younger and less educated parents demonstrated more rigid and negative viewpoints on the effects of spoiling.

    Conclusions:

    • Parental definitions and beliefs about spoiling babies are highly variable.
    • Demographic factors, particularly parental age and education level, correlate with differing views on spoiling.
    • Further research is needed to understand and address the diverse parental concerns surrounding baby care and development.

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