Is spoiling possible in a 6 month old baby? How do you spoil-proof a baby?

I know it's impossible to spoil a newborn or a young baby. But do you think an older baby, like 6 months or older can be spoiled? At what age do babies learn cause and effect and what they do causes a reaction in mommy and daddy? I'm just asking because I don't want a spoiled brat 2 or 3 year old and want to nip it in the bud early when a child is more adaptable-my son is 6 months and beginning the starts of the "I'm bored, pay attention to me" cry instead of crying for needs. I'm not trying to be mean to my baby, I only have the best interests in mind. I don't believe that spoiling is merely with material things, but a child who only wants his own way. I just want to be proactive and gently guide my son while he's young and thus easier to guide him before I allow him to get into bad habits and discipline problems. Not talking about just letting him cry, telling him "no" all day long, or other various forms of punishment. Don't worry, I'm not saying that my son is spoiled. I'm just trying to avoid the ever popular screaming 3 year old in the grocery store that has a fit every time he doesn't get his way. I do hope it's possible. My son is the sweetest, cutest, lovely boy there is. He doesn't like sleeping, but what baby does? :)

You can't spoil with love and affection. Both of which are legitimate needs for adults and especially children. Paying plenty of positive attention to your kid will prevent much of the acting out that you're afraid of. A lot of that sort of whining, clinging, and anger comes from an ignored need for attention, they can't get it doing well so kids will act out. Because let's face it, no matter what you're doing if they break something/scream/hit/etc, you will acknowledge, yes? These are interesting: http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/~abellel/beeprogram/links/resourceupdates/infants/guidedis/guidedis.htm http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/H/HE-0687/HE-0687.pdf