Purple Crying

Purple Crying is an acronym that describes a normal, temporary phase of increased crying in healthy infants. It helps parents understand that intense, inconsolable crying is common and not usually a sign of illness or pain. This phase typically begins around two weeks of age, peaks at two months, and lessens by three to five months.

What is Purple Crying?

Purple Crying is an acronym used to describe the normal characteristics of infant crying during a specific developmental phase. It helps parents understand that intense, inconsolable crying is a common and temporary part of a baby's early months, not usually a sign of illness or poor parenting. This phase is a normal part of development.

The acronym P.U.R.P.L.E. stands for different features of this crying period. "P" means Peak of crying, where your baby may cry more each week, often peaking around two months of age before decreasing by three to five months. "U" stands for Unexpected, meaning the crying can start and stop suddenly for no clear reason. "R" means your baby Resists soothing, and nothing you try seems to help them calm down. "P" describes a Pain-like face, where your baby looks like they are in pain, even when they are not. "L" means the crying is Long lasting, sometimes for five hours or more a day. Finally, "E" stands for Evening, as this crying often happens more in the late afternoon and evening. It is important to remember that Purple Crying describes a normal developmental phase, not a disease or a sign that something is wrong with your baby. It affects about 1 in 5 infants (20%) in their first three months of life. While it can be very challenging for parents, it is a temporary stage that most babies outgrow.

Common causes

The exact cause of Purple Crying is often unknown, as it is considered a normal part of infant development rather than a medical problem. It is usually not caused by pain, illness, or anything a parent has done wrong. This intense crying is simply a phase many healthy babies go through.

For most babies experiencing Purple Crying, there is no identifiable medical reason for their increased fussiness. Experts believe it is a normal part of how a baby's nervous system develops. It is not a sign that your baby is sick, hungry, or uncomfortable in a way that can be easily fixed. Sometimes, parents worry they are doing something wrong, but Purple Crying is not linked to parenting styles or a baby's feeding method. It's a phase that healthy babies experience, regardless of how they are cared for. The crying simply happens, often without a clear trigger. While specific medical conditions can cause excessive crying, Purple Crying refers to the typical, unexplained crying in otherwise healthy infants. If your baby shows other signs of illness, such as fever or poor feeding, their crying might have a different cause that needs medical attention.

When it's serious

While Purple Crying is typically normal, certain signs indicate that your baby's crying might be due to a serious medical issue requiring urgent attention. If your baby has a fever, is feeding poorly, vomiting, or shows changes in breathing, seek immediate medical care. Always trust your instincts if you feel something is wrong.

It is crucial to distinguish normal Purple Crying from crying caused by illness or injury. You should contact your pediatrician or seek emergency medical care if your baby's crying is accompanied by any of the following red-flag signs: a fever (especially in infants under three months), poor feeding or refusal to eat, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or unusual changes in their breathing patterns. Other serious signs include lethargy (your baby seems unusually sleepy or difficult to wake), a high-pitched or weak cry that sounds different from their usual crying, or any signs of injury. If your baby has an unusual rash, seems to be in severe pain, or you notice any swelling or bruising, these also warrant immediate medical evaluation. Parental frustration from inconsolable crying can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. If you ever feel overwhelmed or that you might harm your baby, place them safely in their crib, leave the room for a few minutes to calm down, and call for help from a partner, friend, or family member. Never shake a baby, as this can cause severe brain injury (shaken baby syndrome).

Related conditions

While Purple Crying describes a normal phase of infant crying, it is often confused with or related to the term "colic." Colic is a medical diagnosis for excessive crying that meets specific criteria, whereas Purple Crying is an educational tool to describe the characteristics of normal, intense crying in healthy babies.

The terms "Purple Crying" and "colic" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Purple Crying is an acronym that helps parents understand the normal characteristics of crying in healthy infants. Colic, on the other hand, is a medical diagnosis defined by the "rule of threes": crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, for at least three weeks. Many babies experiencing Purple Crying might also meet the criteria for colic. In some cases, excessive crying can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, though this is less common for babies exhibiting Purple Crying. For example, a cow's milk allergy (an immune reaction to proteins in cow's milk) can cause significant fussiness and crying in infants. If a baby has a cow's milk allergy, they might also have other symptoms like skin rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other less common medical causes for excessive crying can include acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), a hernia, or an infection. However, for most babies experiencing Purple Crying, no specific medical cause is found. If you suspect your baby's crying is due to a medical condition, it is important to consult with your pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Purple Crying typically last?

Purple Crying is a temporary phase. It usually starts around two weeks of age, peaks when your baby is about two months old, and then gradually decreases. Most babies outgrow this intense crying by the time they are three to five months old.

Is Purple Crying a sign that my baby is in pain?

While your baby's face might look like they are in pain during Purple Crying, it is usually not a sign of actual physical pain or illness. The "P" in PURPLE stands for "Pain-like face," meaning they appear to be in pain even when they are healthy and developing normally.

What can I do to soothe a baby experiencing Purple Crying?

Try checking basic needs like hunger or a wet diaper first. Then, you can try soothing techniques such as swaddling, gentle rocking, offering a pacifier, or using white noise. Sometimes, a car ride or a warm bath can also help. If nothing works, it's okay to take a break.

Is Purple Crying the same as colic?

No, they are related but not exactly the same. Purple Crying is an acronym describing the normal characteristics of crying in healthy infants. Colic is a medical diagnosis for excessive crying that lasts more than three hours a day, three days a week, for at least three weeks. Many babies with Purple Crying may also meet the definition of colic.

Can Purple Crying be prevented?

Purple Crying is considered a normal developmental phase for many infants, so it cannot be entirely prevented. It is not caused by anything a parent does or doesn't do. Understanding that it's a temporary phase can help parents cope with the intensity of the crying.

When should I worry about my baby's crying and call a doctor?

You should call your doctor if your baby has a fever, is feeding poorly, vomiting, has changes in breathing, seems unusually sleepy (lethargic), or has a high-pitched or weak cry. Also, seek medical advice if you notice any signs of injury or if you are concerned about your ability to cope with the crying.

Sources

• MedlinePlus — Purple Crying
• Mayo Clinic — Purple Crying
• Cochrane Library — Purple Crying