A frightened baby may be reassured by a calm, close hug. An exhausted or overly stimulated baby may scream or sob seemingly uncontrollably, and the harder you try to calm him, the more upset he may become. There are babies who use crying as a means to release their tension. These babies may become more and more frustrated until they are placed in bed. If the volume and pitch keeps increasing or the crying becomes frantic, chances are he prefers the security of your arms.
Babies can become bored or lonely.
A change of position or scenery may be all that is being requested. The need to be held is an important need. As adults, we experience the same need. Think how very much more babies need the physical reassurance that they are loved and not alone. Picking up your baby and meeting his needs will never spoil him.