The Purple Crying Phase: What It Is and How to Cope

It’s late in the afternoon, and your baby is crying again. You’ve already fed them, changed their diaper, and tried all the usual soothing tricks—yet nothing seems to calm them. They’re inconsolable. You try swaddling, rocking, and even the pacifier, but your baby’s cries continue, and you feel more helpless with each passing minute.

As the minutes stretch into hours, you may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated. What am I doing wrong? Why isn’t this working? This constant feeling of helplessness can be incredibly isolating, and you may start to doubt your abilities as a parent. But here’s the good news: You’re not alone, and this phase is temporary.

This is known as "Purple Crying." It typically starts around 2 weeks of age and can last until about 3-4 months. During this time, your baby may cry for extended periods without any clear reason. As overwhelming as it may feel, it’s important to know that purple crying can be a normal part of infant development.

What is Purple Crying?

Purple crying is a term coined to describe a specific period of increased crying in infants. It’s an acronym that stands for:

• P for Peak of crying: The crying is likely to peak at 2-3 months of age.

• U for Unexpected: The crying can happen suddenly without warning.

• R for Resists soothing: No matter what you try, your baby may be difficult to soothe.

• P for Pain-like face: Babies may appear like they’re in pain, even if they aren’t.

• L for Long lasting: Crying may last for up to 5 hours a day.

• E for Evening: Crying is often worse in the late afternoon or evening.

This phase can be incredibly distressing for parents, especially if it feels like you’ve tried everything to calm your baby, and nothing seems to work. But it’s important to remember that this phase is temporary and usually resolves on its own as your baby matures.

The Period of PURPLE Crying program is an evidence-based SBS (Shaken Baby Syndrome) and AHT (Abusive Head Trauma) prevention program. Launched in 2007, it helps parents understand the reasons behind excessive crying and prevent harmful reactions like shaking. Based on over 50 years of research by Dr. Ronald G. Barr and others, the program educates parents on the normal stages of infant crying to reduce stress and the risk of abuse.

My Personal Story with Purple Crying

When I had my eldest daughter, Lily, in 2020, we faced our own challenges with colic. I remember being sent home from the hospital and being handed a DVD (yes, a DVD, even in 2020!) that explained purple crying. To be honest, I was a bit skeptical, but I’m so glad I watched it. Without that information, I may have felt like something was wrong with my baby, or worse—something was wrong with me as a parent.

Lily cried for hours on end, often in the evenings, and as a new mum, I felt completely helpless. The knowledge about purple crying helped me to understand that it wasn’t because I wasn’t doing enough or because Lily wasn’t comfortable. It was just a phase, and eventually, it would pass. And it did pass (and it will for you too). 

How to Cope During the Purple Crying Phase

Coping with purple crying can be difficult, but there are strategies that can help:

• Remember, It’s Temporary: This phase will pass, and it’s not a reflection of your parenting skills or your baby’s well-being. The crying will gradually decrease as your baby grows.

• Take Care of Yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in trying to soothe your baby constantly, but it’s important to take breaks. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, put your baby safely in their crib and take a moment to collect yourself. Call a friend or family member for support if needed.

• Try Soothing Techniques: Some babies respond well to different calming techniques, such as swaddling, rocking, using white noise, or offering a pacifier. While these methods might not stop the crying completely, they can sometimes provide some comfort to your baby.

• Create a Calming Routine: As babies get older, a bedtime routine can help signal to them that it’s time to wind down. The routine can include a warm bath, reading a book, or playing soft music.

If You’re Concerned About Reflux or Colic

In some cases, the crying could be related to other issues like reflux or colic, which may require different coping strategies. Colic can lead to long bouts of crying that often peak in the evening, just like purple crying, and the causes are still not entirely understood. If you’re noticing symptoms such as excessive fussiness, drawing of the legs, or discomfort during or after feedings, your baby may have colic. For more tips on dealing with colic, check out my Colic Remedies blog post.

Additionally, some babies may experience acid reflux, which can cause pain and discomfort, leading to increased crying. Common symptoms of reflux include spitting up often, crying after feedings, and difficulty sleeping. If you suspect your baby might be experiencing reflux, you can learn more about this condition and how to manage it in my Reflux and Sleep blog post.

How I Can Help You

If you’re in the thick of the purple crying phase and feeling overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. My Newborn Sleep Course is designed to help you navigate the ups and downs of those early months. With proven strategies and support, you’ll learn how to create a sleep routine that works for your baby and get the rest you both need.

Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to guide you through this challenging but temporary phase.

Let’s tackle sleep together!

Citations:

1. The Period of PURPLE Crying. (n.d.). Don’t Shake.org. Retrieved from https://dontshake.org/purple-crying

2. Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board. (n.d.). What is PURPLE Crying? Retrieved from https://preventionboard.wi.gov/Documents/WhatisPURPLE.pdf

3. National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. (n.d.). PURPLE Crying Program. Retrieved from https://www.purplecrying.info