By Charlotte Young
What is purple crying? How is it Different to colic? And evidence-based techniques to manage a high-crying baby
It can be worrying and overwhelming having a little baby that cries for hours and won’t settle. Please know you are not alone. So, what is colic? Why are so many healthy newborns resistant to settling? (no matter what you do!). And what are the evidence-based remedies you can use to get through this challenging period of parenting?
Colic symptoms are when a baby, usually 4-6 weeks old, cries for hours a day without any obvious reasons. However, your baby may be experiencing PURPLE crying instead. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean your baby will turn purple when they cry. Where colic implies there is something wrong with your baby, we now know PURPLE crying is a normal stage of development. It is common for even healthy babies to cry for hours as they adjust to their environment and learn to communicate. The period of PURPLE crying typically starts at 2 weeks, peaks at 8 weeks and ends by 12 weeks.
Purple Crying: What is it?
The term ‘purple crying’ comes from the acronym ‘PURPLE’ and describes the common features of this period.
- P – Peak of crying: Babies often cry more during the late afternoon and evening hours, and this crying tends to peak around 2 months of age.
- U – Unexpected: This crying is often sudden and seems to come out of nowhere.
- R – Resists soothing: Your baby may not stop crying no matter what you try.
- P – Pain-like face: They may look like they are in pain even when they are not. Your baby’s face may appear tense, with a furrowed brow, clenched fists, a flushed complexion. They may even draw up their legs, resembling a child in pain.
- L – Long-lasting: These crying episodes can last for hours at a time, making it incredibly challenging for parents. If your baby is a high cryer, it isn’t unusual for 5-6 hours of crying to be considered normal
- E – Evening: Crying often intensifies during the evening hours.
Why Newborns Experience Purple Crying
While the reason newborns go through the period of PURPLE crying is not fully known, there are some things we do know that can help us understand why they cry so much:
- Maturing Nervous System: Newborns have developing nervous systems that are adjusting to their new environment, making them more sensitive to noises, sounds and touch.
- Communication: Crying is a primary means of communication for your little one. Babies cry to express discomfort, hunger, tiredness or overstimulation.
- Growth Spurts: In the early months, there are many periods of quick growth. This can cause increased fussiness and crying as their little bodies adapt.
- Digestive System Immaturity: Their developing digestive systems cause potential discomfort from issues like gas and bloating.
