“Why does my baby cry every time he wakes up?”

...because that's how s/he can ask for his parent to come to him. 12-month-old babies are entirely helpless in the world and need the nurture and care of their parent. This is how s/he communicates. Immediate response to his signal will promote a strong emotional bond, normal psychological development and attachment, and encourage your child to only cry when s/he needs something. Responding will NOT "spoil" your child. A 12 mo old cannot be "spoiled."

Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP