Crying is normal for babies. The Period of PURPLE crying® is a way to help families understand a time when babies follow a common crying pattern.
PURPLE stands for:
- Peak of crying: Your baby may cry more each week, the most in month 2, then less in months 3-5
- Unexpected: Crying can come and go and you don’t know why
- Resists soothing: Your baby may not stop crying no matter what you try
- Pain-like face: A crying baby may look like they are in pain, even when they are not
- Long lasting: Crying can last as much as 5 hours a day or more
- Evening: Your baby may cry more in the late afternoon and evening
If you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, remember:
- Never shake a baby
- Put your baby in a safe place
- Walk away, take a break, and calm yourself down
- Remind yourself that these hard times will come to an end
- Have your baby checked by a health professional if you are worried
- Take a look at the Period of PURPLE Crying program materials…it can help!
For more information
Learn more about infant crying and ways your family can cope.
- Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome BC - BC Children's Hospital
- The Period of PURPLE Crying app - National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS)