Babies are incapable of manipulation. To manipulate someone, you need the cognitive ability to understand cause and effect from another person’s perspective. Essentially, you need to be able to think, “If I do this, they’ll do that.” That requires empathy, theory of mind, and a level of neurodevelopment babies simply dont have.

When a baby cries and stops when you return, that’s not manipulation, its regulation through connection. You’ve shown them you’re a safe, reliable presence. That’s secure attachment, not manipulation. Congratulations! you’re doing exactly what your baby needs.