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Purple Crying – Normal Infant Crying Phase Explained
Purple Crying describes a normal phase of intense infant crying in the first months of life. It is not a sign of illness or poor parenting.
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Purple Crying describes a normal phase of intense infant crying in the first months of life. It is not a sign of illness or poor parenting.
What Is Purple Crying?
Purple Crying is a term used to describe a normal developmental phase in newborns and young infants during which babies cry intensely and for extended periods. The acronym PURPLE stands for specific characteristics of this phase: Peak of crying, Unexpected, Resists soothing, Pain-like face, Long lasting, and Evening. The concept was developed by Canadian pediatrician Dr. Ronald Barr to help parents understand and cope with their baby's intense crying without feeling alarmed or inadequate.
When Does Purple Crying Occur?
The Purple Crying phase typically begins around two weeks of age, peaks at approximately two months, and gradually subsides by the fifth or sixth month of life. During this period, infants may cry for several hours each day without any apparent cause. This can be exhausting and distressing for caregivers, but it is a recognized and temporary phase of normal infant development.
Characteristics of the PURPLE Phase
- P – Peak of crying: Crying increases during the second month and then gradually decreases.
- U – Unexpected: Crying starts and stops without an obvious reason.
- R – Resists soothing: The baby may not respond to typical comforting techniques.
- P – Pain-like face: The infant may appear to be in pain even when no medical cause is present.
- L – Long lasting: Crying episodes can last up to five hours per day.
- E – Evening: Crying tends to increase in the late afternoon and evening hours.
Causes and Background
Purple Crying is not a medical condition but a natural part of infant development. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the maturation of the infant's nervous system. In the early months, the brain and sensory processing systems are still developing, making babies more susceptible to overstimulation. While factors such as hunger, gas, or general discomfort may intensify crying, they are not the sole cause of this developmental phase.
Distinction From Colic
Purple Crying is often compared to or confused with infant colic. Both involve prolonged crying without a clear cause, but colic is frequently associated with abdominal discomfort or digestive issues. The Purple Crying framework emphasizes that intense crying during this phase is a normal developmental pattern and does not necessarily indicate pain or illness.
Impact on Parents and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome
Persistent infant crying can place enormous emotional and physical stress on parents and caregivers. Exhaustion, frustration, and feelings of helplessness are common responses. In rare but serious cases, this stress can lead to a caregiver shaking the baby in an attempt to stop the crying, resulting in Shaken Baby Syndrome (also called abusive head trauma), which can cause severe and permanent brain damage or death. The Purple Crying program was originally developed as a public health initiative to educate parents about this risk. Key recommendations include:
- Place the baby safely in the crib and step away briefly if you feel overwhelmed.
- Ask a partner, family member, or friend for support.
- Contact a healthcare provider, midwife, or counseling service for guidance.
- Remind yourself that the intense crying is temporary and will pass.
When to See a Doctor
While Purple Crying is normal, parents should seek medical attention if:
- the baby develops a fever or shows other signs of illness,
- crying suddenly becomes much more intense or changes in character,
- the baby refuses to feed or is losing weight,
- a caregiver feels at risk of harming the baby due to stress or exhaustion.
References
- Barr, R. G. (2012). Preventing abusive head trauma resulting from a failure of normal interaction between infants and their caregivers. PNAS, 109(Suppl 2), 17294–17301.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Early child development and parenting support. Available at: https://www.who.int
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Colic Relief Tips for Parents. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org
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