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What Is Purple Crying in Babies? Signs Parents Should Know

ByDr. Furqan Aamer
Updated: 8 Jun 2026, 11:00 am
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sunitha Reddy G, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, SPARSH Hospital

Parents often panic when their newborn cries for hours without an obvious reason. In most cases, this is a normal developmental phase called purple crying, not a medical emergency. This article explains what it is, what triggers it, when it is safe to manage at home, and when to call a doctor.

Pregatips
If your baby is between 2 weeks and 5 months old and crying for hours at a stretch, with no feeding, rocking, or comforting making a difference, this phase is likely the reason. Purple crying is a temporary phase that most newborns go through, and it is not dangerous. During this time, babies cry more than at any other point in their development, sometimes for hours, without any clear reason.
In this article:

PURPLE is an acronym that describes the features of this crying pattern. It is not a disease nor a sign of bad parenting, and it does not mean your baby is sick or in pain. It follows a predictable pattern and resolves on its own.

What Does Purple Stand For?


Each letter describes a feature of this crying phase:




  • P- Peak of crying: Crying increases from around 2 weeks, peaks at 2 months, then gradually decreases by 3–5 months.
  • U- Unexpected: The crying starts and stops without a clear trigger.
  • R- Resists soothing: Standard comfort measures such as feeding, rocking, and pacifiers may not be effective.
  • P- Pain-like face: The baby may look like they are in pain, even when they are not.
  • L- Long-lasting: Episodes can last 30 minutes to 5 hours per day.
  • E- Evening clustering: Crying tends to cluster in the late afternoon or evening hours.

When Does Purple Crying Start and End?


Purple crying typically begins at around 2 weeks of age and peaks between 4 and 6 weeks. By 3 to 5 months, most babies move out of this phase on their own. This timeline is consistent regardless of whether a baby is breastfed or formula-fed, and applies to both full-term and premature babies (adjusted for corrected age).



Is Purple Crying the Same as Colic?


Not exactly. Colic is a term used when an otherwise healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. Purple crying is a broader framework that encompasses colic and explains the full developmental arc of infant crying from birth to around 5 months.


Both involve inconsolable crying with no identifiable medical cause, but the purple framework is increasingly preferred in paediatric settings because it helps parents understand that the phase will end, rather than labelling it as a problem to be fixed.

How to Soothe a Baby During Purple Crying


No single method works for every baby. These strategies are backed by paediatric guidance:


  • Gentle motion: Rocking, swaying, or going for a short car ride.
  • Skin-to-skin contact: Holding the baby against your chest has a calming effect for many infants.
  • Swaddling: A firm but gentle wrap can reduce the startle reflex that wakes babies.
  • Feeding check: Rule out hunger, gas, or an uncomfortable latch if breastfeeding.
  • Change of environment: Sometimes stepping outside, even onto a balcony, helps.

If you have tried everything and the crying continues, it is safe to put your baby down in a secure place (like a crib on their back), step away for a few minutes, and take a breath. This does not harm your baby.

When Purple Crying Becomes a Warning Sign


While purple crying itself is harmless, get immediate medical attention if your baby:

  • Has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
  • Crying is high-pitched or distinctly different from usual
  • Refuses to feed, is losing weight, or has fewer wet diapers than normal
  • Shows signs of breathing difficulty
  • Does not respond to touch, or is difficult to wake
  • Has swelling or rashes
Purple crying is one of the most exhausting phases of early parenthood, but knowing it has a definite end and that your baby is healthy can make it easier to get through.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on What Is Purple Crying in Babies? Signs Parents Should Know

  1. Is purple crying more common in boys or girls?
    No, purple crying is a universal developmental phase tied to neurological maturation, not to the gender of the baby. The duration and intensity may vary between individual babies, but there is no evidence that one gender experiences it more than the other.
  2. Does it matter whether my baby is breastfed or formula-fed during purple crying?
    No, purple crying occurs in both breastfed and formula-fed babies equally. Switching from breastmilk to formula or vice versa will not shorten or stop this phase. If your baby shows signs of feeding intolerance, such as blood in stool, persistent vomiting, or poor weight gain, consult a paediatrician.
  3. Can I put my baby down and walk away when they won't stop crying?
    Yes. If you have tried everything and nothing is working, place your baby on their back in a crib and step away for a few minutes. A baby left in a safe position is not in danger. Never shake your baby out of frustration; walking away is the safer choice. Return once you feel calm.
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