The Period of PURPLE Crying describes a specific, temporary phase of increased, unexplained crying that occurs in healthy infants. This phenomenon is a normal part of a baby’s early development, not an illness, pain-related condition, or a form of classical colic. Recognizing this phase as a predictable developmental stage helps caregivers manage expectations and frustration when their baby cries for long periods without an apparent cause. Dr. Ronald Barr coined the term to help parents understand that this difficult phase is finite and will eventually end.
Understanding the Period of PURPLE Crying
The acronym PURPLE is used to describe the characteristics of this intense, often frustrating, crying period in infancy. The “P” stands for Peak of crying, which signifies that a baby’s crying increases each week, reaching its maximum intensity around the second month of life. The “U” represents Unexpected, as the crying can start and stop suddenly without any clear reason or trigger.
The “R” in the acronym means the baby Resists soothing, indicating that even dedicated attempts to comfort the infant—such as feeding, rocking, or bouncing—may not work. The second “P” is for Pain-like face, because the baby may look as if they are in severe discomfort, even though there is no evidence of actual pain or medical issue.
The “L” represents Long-lasting crying, as these bouts can go on for several hours a day, sometimes lasting five hours or more. Finally, the “E” stands for Evening, which notes that the crying often occurs more frequently in the late afternoon and evening.
The Period of PURPLE Crying differs from the traditional definition of colic, which is often a diagnosis of exclusion based on a strict duration rule: crying for three or more hours a day, three or more days a week, for three or more weeks. While both terms describe the same phenomenon of excessive, inconsolable crying, the PURPLE model focuses on the typical characteristics of the crying itself. Using the term PURPLE helps to avoid the misconception that the baby is ill or abnormal, which is often suggested by the term “colic.”
The Expected Timeline and Intensity of Crying
The “Period” in the name is a deliberate choice, intended to reassure caregivers that this phase has a clear beginning and end. Typically, the onset of this increased crying begins when the infant is around two weeks old. The crying then steadily increases in frequency and duration over the next few weeks.
The peak intensity of the crying is generally observed around six to eight weeks of age. After this peak, the crying gradually begins to lessen each week. The period usually resolves itself naturally by the time the baby reaches three to five months old.
Some babies may cry for only one or two hours a day, while others can cry for up to six hours during this phase. Knowing that this intense, seemingly endless crying is a temporary, predictable phase can provide a source of hope and encouragement for exhausted caregivers.
Essential Coping Strategies for Caregivers
Because the inconsolable crying during this period can lead to extreme frustration, the Period of PURPLE Crying program focuses on strategies to ensure infant safety and support caregiver mental health. Caregivers should first attend to the baby’s basic needs, such as ensuring they are fed, have a clean diaper, and are dressed comfortably. After checking these factors, soothing techniques like gentle rocking, walking while holding the baby, or using white noise can be attempted.
It is important for parents to understand that because the crying Resists soothing, these efforts may not always stop the crying. When the frustration becomes overwhelming, the most important coping strategy is to prioritize the baby’s safety by putting the infant down in a safe place, such as a crib, and walking away. Taking a break for a few minutes allows the caregiver to calm down before returning to check on the baby.
Caregivers must remember to never shake a baby, as infants under one year old are particularly vulnerable to Abusive Head Trauma due to their weak neck muscles. Seeking external help, whether from a partner, trusted family member, or a support hotline, is a necessary action to prevent isolation and manage the stress of this difficult developmental stage.