Babies are very helpless; the only thing they can do to try to affect their situation is cry. They can't walk or talk or crawl for awhile - they have no way to change their situation. If you found yourself in a strange country where you didn't speak the language and your hands were tied behind your back and your ankles were tied together and you were trapped inside a small box, and you wanted a glass of water because you were so thirsty   - so you just opened your mouth and made sounds (no one could understand your language), how would you feel if someone came right away and tried to guess what you wanted? Let's say they offered you a few different things until you could indicate that water was the right one. How would you feel if no one came at all? If you cried and cried and they didn't come, wouldn't you begin to feel no one cared? Wouldn't you begin to feel helpless, and eventually, very depressed? Babies feel the same way we do. Of course a mother cannot come every single time her baby cries. However, a mother can try to come nearly every single time. She needs to respond consistently enough that the baby can gather that someone cares and that his needs will generally be met. So don't worry if once in a while you have to make him wait a few minutes. But try your best to respond to him promptly whenever you can because right now he depends totally on you. When he's a little older and has learned that you are there for him, he will find it easier to wait for your attention and help.  All the best,  Sarah Chana