The Period of PURPLE Crying is an educational program designed to help parents and caregivers understand a normal, temporary phase of increased infant fussiness and crying. This phase is a common part of early development and does not indicate that the baby is ill, in constant pain, or that the caregiver is doing something wrong. Developed by Dr. Ronald G. Barr and the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the program provides knowledge and coping strategies. Understanding that this period has a beginning and an end is intended to reduce the frustration that can sometimes lead to infant abuse. The core message is that excessive, inconsolable crying is a developmental stage the infant will eventually outgrow.
Defining the PURPLE Crying Phase
The word PURPLE is an acronym representing six characteristics of this specific phase of infant crying, which helps normalize the behavior for caregivers. The first letter, P, stands for Peak of crying, indicating that crying increases each week, reaching its highest intensity and duration around two months of age. The U stands for Unexpected, meaning the crying can start and stop suddenly without any apparent reason or trigger.
The R represents Resists soothing, where the baby may continue to cry despite a caregiver’s best attempts to comfort them. The second P signifies a Pain-like face, as the infant may contort their face in an expression suggesting severe pain, even when healthy and not in distress. The L stands for Long-lasting bouts of crying, which can extend for thirty to forty minutes at a time, or sometimes for five hours or more in a single day.
Finally, the E represents Evening, noting that this period of increased, often inconsolable, crying tends to occur more frequently in the late afternoon and evening hours. These characteristics describe a normal pattern of crying development, not an illness or a diagnosis like colic. Program proponents often avoid the term colic to prevent the misconception of a medical issue. By providing a clear description of this developmental phase, the PURPLE program helps set realistic expectations for parents.
The Typical Timeline and Duration
The developmental window for the Period of PURPLE Crying is clearly defined, reminding caregivers that this intense phase is finite. The heightened crying typically begins when the infant is around two weeks old, marking the start of the “period.” From this point, the frequency and duration of crying increase week over week.
The peak of this crying curve is consistently seen around the second month of the infant’s life, usually between six and eight weeks. During this peak, the bouts of crying are at their most intense and longest-lasting. Following this maximum, the crying slowly begins to decrease in intensity and duration.
The period usually begins to taper off significantly around the third month, concluding entirely between three and five months of age for most infants. This trajectory is a predictable pattern of normal infant neurological development, offering reassurance to caregivers that the challenging behavior will naturally resolve over time. This predictable timeline supports the idea that it is a normal phase rather than a sign of a persistent problem.
Strategies for Calming the Infant
Even though the crying in this phase often “resists soothing,” caregivers are encouraged to try a variety of practical techniques. A commonly suggested approach is the “5 S’s” method, which aims to recreate the sensations experienced inside the womb. These techniques include:
The 5 S’s Method
- Swaddling, which involves snugly wrapping the baby in a blanket for containment and security.
- Side or Stomach position can often calm a crying baby, but infants must always be placed on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Shushing or using white noise, which mimics the loud sounds the baby heard constantly before birth.
- Swinging, or gentle rhythmic motion like rocking or swaying, provides a familiar sensation of movement.
- Sucking, which is a powerful self-soothing mechanism, whether offered through a clean finger, a pacifier, or the breast.
Beyond the “5 S’s,” checking the infant’s basic needs is always the first step, ensuring they are not hungry, do not need a diaper change, or are not too hot or cold. While these strategies may not stop the crying completely every time, they provide a structured approach for caregivers to offer comfort and attempt regulation.
The Critical Importance of Caregiver Safety
The primary public health purpose of the PURPLE Crying program is the prevention of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), formerly known as Shaken Baby Syndrome. The intense, often inconsolable crying is the most frequently cited trigger for AHT, as it can lead to extreme frustration in overwhelmed, sleep-deprived caregivers. The program emphasizes managing parental stress and frustration when soothing efforts are unsuccessful.
Caregivers must recognize the moment they feel frustrated, angry, or overwhelmed by the persistent crying. The absolute rule is to never shake or harm a baby, as the whiplash effect on the infant’s weak neck muscles can cause catastrophic brain injury, permanent disability, or death. When frustration becomes too much, the most important coping strategy is to safely place the baby in their crib on their back and walk away for a short period.
Stepping away allows the caregiver to calm down, even if only for 10 to 15 minutes, providing a safe outlet for mounting emotional pressure. During this time, the caregiver can call a trusted family member, friend, or support resource to vent frustration or ask for relief. This focus on protecting the caregiver’s mental state ensures the infant’s physical safety during the most challenging moments of this normal developmental phase.