'Congratulations — it's OK to cry a lot': Neighbors' handwritten notes move new parents

A notice posted by a new parent asking neighbors for patience over a newborn's crying drew a wave of warm, handwritten responses that touched hearts online.

On Thursday, a photo was shared on the online community Bobae Dream under the title "Baby, it's OK to cry as loud as you want."

The photo showed a notice that a resident had taped inside an elevator.

The resident of unit 501, who wrote the notice, opened by asking neighbors for their understanding, saying a three-week-old baby had just joined the household as a new family member.

"Because the baby is still very young, there may be times when crying breaks out day and night, and the sound may occasionally reach your ears," the notice read. "We are first-time parents and still have a lot to learn, but we will do our best to care for the baby well and cause as little inconvenience as possible."

The resident went on to say, "If you do happen to hear the baby crying, we would be truly grateful if you could be a little understanding. We hope you have a peaceful day. Thank you."

What made the photo stand out, however, were the handwritten messages that neighbors had added all over the notice.

Residents left notes including: "Congratulations — it's OK to cry a lot"; "Congratulations on the birth of your precious little one. We hope the baby grows up healthy and strong"; "We hope the baby stays healthy and that mom takes good care of herself too"; "We hope you become a family that is always healthy and full of love"; and "Baby, grow up beautiful and healthy. May the world's blessings be showered upon you."

The person who posted the photo, identified only as A, wrote that the parents had apparently been worried about the newborn disturbing neighbors and had put up the notice seeking understanding. "When was the last time I heard a baby crying?" A wrote. "In this era of low birth rates, a baby really is something precious."

A then added, "First-time parents must be worn out raising a child around the clock, and on top of that they were worried enough to write this — it's a little heartbreaking. And then the neighbors went and cheered them on, which is heartbreaking in its own way too." A closed with a message to the baby: "Don't get sick — grow up healthy. You have been given permission to cry as loud as you want."

Online users who saw the photo responded warmly. "It's not like they're making the baby cry on purpose — everyone should be understanding," one commenter wrote. Others called the scene "heartwarming," said the words "it's OK to cry a lot" really resonated, and expressed that the neighbors' kindness had moved them.