Crying is one of the first ways your baby communicates. It’s how they tell you they’re hungry, tired, uncomfortable, bored or simply needing closeness. Sometimes nothing seems to stop the crying. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your baby’s crying, it’s okay to put your baby down somewhere safe and step away for a couple of minutes, returning when you feel calmer. When you respond with care, your baby learns that their feelings matter and that they’re not alone. You won’t always know exactly what your baby needs, but your calm presence will start to help your baby manage their big feelings.