Bringing a new baby into your life is a celebratory moment, but it can be demanding, particularly when your infant wails uncontrollably. Knowing the process of newborn purple crying will equip parents to sail through this period with ease and composure.
Purple crying is a developmental stage in infants, characterised by increased crying and unpredictability. It usually starts at two weeks of age and may last up to three or four months. What is critical to remember here is that this is a normal development process in infants and has nothing to do with any medical condition.
The word "PURPLE" is an acronym that outlines the attributes of this phase of crying:
● Peak of crying: Crying becomes more intense, reaching a peak at two months, then slowly drops.
● Unexpected: Crying may begin and end with no apparent reason.
● Resists soothing: The infant will not respond to soothing manoeuvres.
● Pain-like face: The infant might look as though in pain, although they are not necessarily so.
● Long-lasting: Crying sessions will last for many hours.
● Evening: Crying often occurs in the late afternoon or evening.
It is important to note that the name does not imply anything about the colour of the baby's skin but rather serves as a mnemonic device to help parents recall the characteristic features of this stage.
Parents are likely to notice during the purple crying stage:
● Extremely long and intense crying episodes.
● Crying takes place most often in the late afternoon or evening.
● A look of pain on the baby's face, even when there is no pain.
Crying that is inconsolable despite efforts to feed, change, or calm the baby.
Knowing the signs helps parents realise that their baby's behaviour is normal for this stage of development.
The reason why infant purple crying occurs is not yet fully understood, but the following factors play a role:
● Brain Development: As the nervous system of the baby develops, they might get more sensitive and cry more often.
● Normal Developmental Phase: It is a normal phase of infancy and not caused by illness or discomfort.
● Not a Result of Parenting: It is important to know that this phase is not caused by improper parenting or feeding habits.
It can be difficult to distinguish between purple crying and colic, but whereas colic is usually described in terms of specific criteria, purple crying stresses the normality of increased crying in the early infant months.
Taking care of the newborn’s purple crying phase can be exhausting and emotionally challenging, but using the proper coping strategies can make you and your baby navigate it more easily. Here's how to cope with this demanding time:
Babies react differently to different soothing methods. Some very effective and commonly suggested methods are:
● Rocking and soothing motion: Sit down with your baby in your arms and gently sway him back and forth. The gentle motion can give the feeling of being inside the womb and be soothing.
● Swaddling: Keeping your baby tightly wrapped in a soft blanket may make them feel safe and relaxed. The swaddle should not be too tight, and always have the baby sleep on their back.
● White noise or lullabies: Soft background noises such as a fan, vacuum cleaner, or a machine producing white noise can be calming for certain babies. The sounds may simulate the constant noise of the womb.
● Skin-to-skin contact: Holding your baby snug against your bare chest can stabilise their breathing, heart rate and body temperature, providing a very effective calming influence.
● Warm baths or gentle massage: A warm bath followed by a gentle baby massage with a mild lotion can calm a tense or colicky infant.
Though it's instinctive to do whatever it takes to silence your baby's crying, safety always comes first:
● Never shake your baby: Shaking can cause severe brain injuries or even death. If you feel angry or are losing control, step away for a few moments.
● Use the right equipment: When using swings or carriers, ensure they are infant-specific and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
● Check for basic needs: At times, crying can be alleviated by a diaper change, a feeding, or by allowing the baby to pass gas that is caught.
● Maintain a calming environment: Keep lighting low, minimise loud sounds, and attempt to curtail stimulation during the purple crying time, particularly in the evening.
Continuous crying is very stressful. It's important for your mental health to take brief, safe breaks:
● Put your baby in a crib: If everything else is not working and you're feeling frazzled, put your baby down in a secure crib and step away for a minute or two. It's alright to leave your baby to cry for a minute while you collect yourself.
● Practice deep breathing: Take a few deep breaths or complete a quick mindfulness exercise to calm your nerves.
● Switch with a partner or family member: Alternate so you can rest, even if just for a quick nap or a quiet walk outside.
You don't need to do it alone. Getting help is a lifesaver:
● Speak to your paediatrician: Eliminate any underlying health conditions and hear reassurance that what your baby is experiencing is normal.
● Connect with other parents: Sometimes, just hearing that others are experiencing the same thing can make a huge difference.
● Use helplines or counselling services: If you feel depressed, anxious, or emotionally drained, access professional mental health care. Postpartum mental health is as vital as physical health.
Though purple crying is a normal phase of development, see a paediatrician if:
● The infant has a fever, vomiting, or other worrisome symptoms.
● Crying habits change abruptly or appear different from normal purple crying behaviour.
● Regular checkups can be reassuring and help check the health and well-being of the baby.
At Cloudnine, we recognise the difficulty associated with the period of purple crying. Our experienced paediatricians and childcare specialists provide thorough support to help parents get through this phase. From individualised consultation to informative resources, Cloudnine strives to deliver empathetic care and support every step of the journey.
The extended, inconsolable crying episodes may sometimes result in feelings of helplessness, fatigue, and even self-doubt. That's why our response extends beyond medical treatment; we aim to inform, support, and understand parents. Our paediatricians and child care experts are trained not only to identify any underlying medical issues but also to walk you through what is developmentally normal in this phase.
We provide individualised counselling sessions, 24/7 paediatric support, parenting workshops, and instant guidance on safe soothing methods, feeding routines, and sleep habits. Whether it’s your first or third visit, our experts offer a reassuring, calm environment where your worries are heard and addressed. Cloudnine is not only a hospital, it's a support system that accompanies you through each stage of your parenting process.
The purple crying phase is a normal and temporary condition of infancy. Knowing its features can assist parents to cope with this period confidently and compassionately. You're not alone, and help is available.
If you are seeking advice or support during this stage, consider contacting Cloudnine for personalised care tailored to your family's needs.
