Everything You Need to Know About PURPLE Crying in Babies

During their first few months of life, many babies go through a phase where they suddenly cry intensely for long periods of time for no apparent reason.

“PURPLE crying” is a phrase that experts coined to describe this fussy period. Here’s everything you need to know about this frustrating phase of your newborn baby’s life and how to stay (relatively) sane throughout it.

PURPLE is a term that describes the phase when babies cry intensely for long periods at a time and are difficult to soothe. It isn’t a disease or a diagnosis; it’s a normal developmental phase that many (around 85 out of 100) infants go through. 1

While PURPLE crying isn’t harmful to babies, it can be unbearable if you’re already exhausted and not getting enough sleep. The good news is that it’s temporary, and your baby will grow out of it herself. 2

What does PURPLE stand for?

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome developed the acronym “PURPLE” to help parents and caregivers understand and cope with this challenging time. It stands for: 3

• Peak of crying: This means that your baby’s crying may increase over a few weeks, peaking at about 2 months old before gradually slowing down in the following months. 2
• Unexpected: Your baby’s crying can start and stop for no reason.
• Resists soothing: Your usual soothing techniques may not work, no matter how hard you try.
• Pain-like face: Your baby may look like she’s in pain when she cries, even when she isn’t.
• Long-lasting: Her crying can last up to 5 hours a day or even more.
• Evening: Babies going through this phase tend to cry more in the late afternoon and evening.

While you may feel helpless or even guilty when you watch your baby cry inconsolably, remember that PURPLE crying is normal and doesn’t reflect on your parenting skills in any way.

What does PURPLE crying have to do with shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a very serious form of child abuse where someone, often a parent or caregiver, violently shakes an infant or young child. It mostly happens to children under 2, though children as old as 5 years old can get it. 4

Your baby’s brain is very delicate and will bounce against her skull if someone shakes her hard. This can lead to neck, spine, eye, and brain injuries (including bruising, swelling, pressuring, and bleeding), permanent brain damage, or even death. 4

No good parent (or sane adult) intends to hurt their baby, but when someone’s overworked and sleep-deprived, hearing a baby cry incessantly for hours can sometimes make you do irrational and regrettable things.

It probably goes without saying, but as tricky as it can be to keep your cool with a crying baby, don’t let your emotions get the better of you.

No, PURPLE crying isn’t quite the same as colic (or, for that matter, the baby witching hour), although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, particularly by non-pediatricians.

All of these terms describe excessive crying in babies. However, colic is an actual medical diagnosis. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses various causes of crying, such as acid reflux, food allergies, excessive gassiness, and other gastrointestinal woes.

PURPLE crying, on the other hand, refers to a normal developmental stage, not a medical problem. 5 In fact, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome uses the word “period” in their “Period of PURPLE Crying” program to reassure parents that there’s a start and end to this phase. Once you realize this is temporary, it’ll hopefully be less daunting.

PURPLE crying typically starts when your baby is around 2 weeks old. As mentioned, it’ll usually get worse in the following weeks and peak when she’s 2–4 months old. 2

By the time your baby is about 5 months old, she should stop crying intensely. 3 While this can feel like an eternity when you’re in the thick of it, remember that the stage will eventually pass.

What causes PURPLE crying?

Experts still aren’t sure what exactly causes PURPLE crying. 1 Your baby might cry for hours even though she isn’t wet, hungry, or sick. It could be a combination of developmental and environmental factors.

Some theories suggest PURPLE crying is related to babies’ neurological development as they adjust to the world outside the womb. Others propose it’s just a way for babies to release pent-up energy and emotions.

Always start by checking whether your baby is hungry, needs a diaper change, or is in pain.

Your own presence—your sound, sight, and touch—can also be very comforting. Try singing to her, gently patting her back, or making eye contact with her.

Moving your baby (e.g., picking her up from a lying position) may also help. Gently rock her back and forth or pick her up and sway your body gently.

Other methods to try

Once you’ve checked that her basic needs are being met, try these techniques: 5

• Swaddling: Wrap your baby in a swaddle to give her a sense of security and help her sleep better. 6
• White noise: The sound of white noise, such as a fan, a vacuum, a white noise machine, or even a recording of a heartbeat, can be calming for some babies.
• Pacifier: If your baby is full, give her a pacifier to satisfy her sucking reflex and provide comfort.
• Skin-to-skin contact: There are plenty of benefits from skin-to-skin contact, and holding your baby against your bare chest can calm both of you down.
• Bathing: A warm bath is a soothing and comforting experience for most babies.

When all else fails, try a simple change of scenery. Sometimes, simply taking your baby to a different room or going outside for a walk in her baby stroller can be enough to distract her and break the crying cycle.

Prioritize self-care when your baby has PURPLE crying

Remember that sometimes, despite your best efforts, nothing may work. Your baby will continue to cry, whatever you do. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even angry as a result.

If it’s all getting to be too much for you, put your baby down in a safe place, such as her crib or bassinet, and step away to recharge for a few minutes. If you have family or friends around, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. You’ll need all the help you can get during this period.

If you’re struggling to cope with your baby’s crying, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to your doctor, a therapist, or a postpartum support group to get tailored support.

Again, PURPLE crying is typically a normal developmental phase. However, if your baby’s crying is paired with one of the following conditions, you should call your doctor immediately:

• A fever (100.4°F or higher, taken with a rectal thermometer)
• Bad appetite or signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken fontanelles)
• Sleepiness or lethargy
• Lots of vomit
• Blood in her stool
• A rash

Consider recording any changes to her behavior or wellbeing in your journal or a baby tracker app for a clearer timeline of her possible symptoms.

You should also let your doctor know if your baby still has PURPLE crying once she’s over 5 months old.

PURPLE crying can take a toll on even the most steadfast parents. Again, as you soothe your baby, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. The better you’re feeling, the better care you can give your baby.