It’s 2 a.m. You’ve walked miles in the hallway, sung every lullaby twice, offered a feed, changed a perfectly dry diaper… and your baby is still crying. That high-pitched, relentless wail that just seems to go on and on. Your arms ache, your eyelids are heavy, and a wave of helplessness washes over you. If this sounds like your world right now, please know you’re not walking this path alone. Many new parents experience this, and it often has a name: the Period of Purple Crying.
I’ve sat with so many parents in my clinic, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion, describing this very scene. It’s tough, really tough. But understanding what’s happening can make a world of difference.
So, What Exactly is This PURPLE Crying?
This isn’t about your baby turning a shade of violet, thankfully! “PURPLE” is actually an acronym we use to describe this specific, and very normal, developmental stage in an infant’s life. It was a term coined by Dr. Ronald G. Barr, a wonderful developmental pediatrician, who worked with the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) to help parents understand this phase and, importantly, to help prevent frustration-driven harm like shaken baby syndrome.
Let’s break down what PURPLE stands for:
- P – Peak of Crying: You might notice your baby cries more and more each week. This often peaks around the second month and then gradually lessens as they reach three to five months old.
- U – Unexpected: The crying can start and stop without any clear reason. One minute they’re calm, the next… not so much.
- R – Resists Soothing: This is the part that can feel so disheartening. No matter what you try – rocking, shushing, swaddling – your baby might just keep on crying. It’s not you; it’s the phase.
- P – Pain-like Face: Your little one might look like they’re in terrible pain, even when they’re perfectly healthy and not actually hurting.
- L – Long Lasting: These crying spells can go on for a while, sometimes up to 5 hours a day, or even more in some cases. It feels like an eternity, I know.
- E – Evening: It often seems to ramp up in the late afternoon and evening. Just when you’re feeling tired yourself, right? We sometimes call this the “witching hour.”
This period typically kicks in when your baby is about 2 weeks old and usually fades by the time they’re 3 to 5 months old.
Purple Crying vs. Colic: What’s the Difference?
You’ve probably heard the term colic. Or maybe friends have mentioned the “witching hour.” Honestly, these terms all describe pretty much the same thing. Many of us in pediatrics prefer “The Period of PURPLE Crying®” because that word “Period” is so important. It’s a reminder that this intense crying has a beginning and, crucially, an end. Your baby will grow out of this.
Some of us try to steer away from “colic” because it can sound like an illness or that something is wrong with your baby. If your baby is otherwise healthy, growing well, but has these regular, inconsolable crying fits, it’s very likely they’re in their Purple Crying period.
How Can We Get Through This PURPLE Crying Phase?
The absolute most important thing to remember is that sometimes, soothing just won’t work. And that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Still, here are a few things you can try when your baby is upset:
- Check the basics: Are they hungry? Tired? Need a diaper change? Sometimes it’s simple.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Holding your baby close against your chest can be calming for both of you.
- A gentle walk: The motion can sometimes work wonders. A stroll outside can be good for your sanity too.
- Sing or hum: Your voice is familiar and soothing.
- A warm bath: Some babies find this very relaxing.
What If Nothing Stops the Crying?
This is the hard part. When you’ve tried everything, and your baby is still crying, it’s incredibly frustrating. I get it. The most vital thing you can do then is to take care of yourself.
If you feel your frustration rising, or you’re feeling overwhelmed and hopeless:
- Place your baby safely in their crib or another secure spot.
- Step away for a few minutes. Go to another room, take some deep breaths, splash water on your face. It’s okay. You need a moment.
Your well-being matters immensely. If you can, reach out to your partner, a friend, or a family member. Ask for help, for a break, for someone to just listen. You’re doin’ great, even when it feels like you’re not.
Crucially, never, ever shake your baby. No matter how upset or tired you are. Shaking a baby can cause devastating shaken baby syndrome, leading to bleeding in their brain, bruising, swelling, permanent brain damage, disabilities, or even death. Most often, this happens when a caregiver becomes overwhelmed by persistent crying. Understanding that Purple Crying is a temporary phase is a key part of preventing this.
When Should You Call Your Pediatrician?
Regular wellness visits are important for tracking your baby’s health and growth, and we’ll let you know how often those should be.
While this intense, inconsolable crying is typical for the Purple Crying period (between 2 weeks and 5 months), you should definitely call us if your baby also has any of these signs:
- A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Cries more when you move, touch, or hold them.
- Vomiting (not just spit-up).
- Refusing to eat or drink for more than about eight hours.
- Any new areas of swelling.
- They just look or act differently in a way that worries you.
- Poor weight gain.
- Changes in their poop (like blood or mucus).
If your baby is generally healthy and growing as expected, the crying is likely just this phase. But please, always trust your instincts. If you’re worried about your baby’s crying or anything else, give your pediatrician’s office a call. That’s what we’re here for.
Take-Home Message: Navigating Purple Crying
Alright, let’s quickly recap the main things to keep in your mind about Purple Crying:
- It’s a normal developmental phase for babies, usually starting around 2 weeks and ending by 3-5 months.
- The “PURPLE” acronym helps describe it: Peak, Unexpected, Resists Soothing, Pain-like Face, Long Lasting, Evening.
- It’s similar to what people call colic, but “Period of PURPLE Crying” emphasizes it’s temporary.
- Soothing techniques may not always work, and that’s okay.
- If you get frustrated, put your baby in a safe place and take a break. Never shake your baby.
- Call your doctor if the crying is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever or vomiting.
This phase will pass. It truly will. You’re doing a great job navigating one of the most challenging parts of early parenthood.
You’re not alone in this. We’re here to support you and your little one every step of the way.
