I personally do but experienced friends say that you shouldnt jump to her side at the first sound of a cry. one friend says though they need your bonding and love it will also hurt to overdo it cause she will learn to always do that to get your attention.
Re: picking up baby everytime she cries?
this.
I'm also of the camp of letting her complain a bit to see if something is really bugging her. Our LO tends to cry and in the middle of a cry just fall asleep suddenly. It is pretty funny (if you're not sleep deprived). We're starting to be able to distinguish her cries. She fusses herself to sleep a lot, and we've learned to let her go a little with that. It just seems to be her way, especially when she's overtired. If it's a full out screaming cry, I'll go get her ASAP.
Sometimes babies are just going to have to cry, and you can't kill yourself over it if you can't get to him or her as quickly as you'd like. For instance, when there's a diaper blow out, LO HATES having her clothing changed and will generally scream bloody murder. I know she's fine, just a little ticked off. Unfortunately she's going to have to cry for 2 minutes while being changed and then put somewhere safe while mommy tries to get the poop stains out!
I don't want her to cry it out, but sometimes you just can't get there instantly (such as when you're in/just got out of the shower and are trying to get dry and dressed!).
Your friend is high.
At this age, they cry because they need something from you. Picking them up every time isn't going to train them to be needy.
Besides, there will be times that, no matter what, you can't get to them immediately. And they'll survive.
Babies can't manipulate you yet, and you can't spoil them.
I learned in a baby class that untended crying translates into pain for a newborn as it releases cortisol.
Article: Science Says: Excessive Crying Could be Harmful to Babies
Untended - meaning you are there and able to comfort your baby but just aren't, like they can see you and you aren't helping them. If you avoid eye contact etc.. Apparently if you are communicating to them (i.e. "I'm coming, I'm coming! Just as soon as I ...") it does not count as untended.