What Is PURPLE Crying?
If there is one thing that all babies do, it’s cry. However, some babies seem to cry harder and longer than others. If your baby cries incessantly and it feels impossible to soothe them, they may be in a stage of PURPLE crying.
It's common for babies to have patterns of PURPLE crying during the newborn phase and early infancy, but the intense, inconsolable nature of this crying can be confusing and distressing for many parents. Pediatrician Ronald G. Barr, MD, and the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome created the Period of PURPLE Crying program to help parents understand that this phase is normal and temporary.
Learn the signs of PURPLE crying and how to cope during this challenging stage.
PURPLE crying describes a distinct type of crying that's common in newborns. During this period, your baby may cry excessively and be inconsolable.
The letters in PURPLE stand for:
Studies have shown that 20% of babies cry for long periods without an apparent reason during the first four months of life. On average they’ll cry for two to three hours a day. But some babies cry five hours or more in a day.
This stage can begin around two weeks of age and generally continue until your baby is about three to four months old. It may seem like forever, but it's just a stage and yes, it will pass.
What's characteristic about PURPLE crying is that a baby seems inconsolable in this phase. In other words, you might rock your baby, sing to them, offer more formula or breastmilk. However, your baby may continue to cry despite your best efforts—and that's not your fault. Keeping this in mind, you can try the following comforting techniques:
If you sense your baby is crying due to pain or serious discomfort, don't hesitate to reach out to their pediatrician. It is important to trust your instinct if you suspect an underlying problem or health condition is causing the persistent cries.
Understanding that a baby’s crying spells are a normal part of development can help you cope with these stressful times. Remember, just because your baby is crying, that doesn’t mean something is wrong. All babies experience fussy times and phases.
Finally, if you’re feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, explore ways to care for yourself, which will ultimately be best for your baby.
Self-care is a critical component of parenting that often gets neglected. Taking care of your health means you will be in a better position to care for your baby. Some self-care techniques include:
If you find that the soothing techniques are not easing your baby’s cries and you’re feeling frustrated or angry, set your baby down in a safe place and walk away. Take some time to calm down before returning to your baby.
The amount of time you need to calm down before returning to your baby will depend on you. It may only take a few minutes, but it can also require you to step away for longer. Reach out to your partner, family member, or other trusted caregiver for help.