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Babies cry a lot during the newborn stage, and the PURPLE crying phase is a programme designed by professionals to teach parents about what is normal, what is not, and how to manage in the meantime.
What Is The Purple Crying Period?
Understanding what the PURPLE programme covers will help the whole family cope during this difficult time. Dr Vikas Yadav, says that PURPLE is an abbreviation created to help parents better anticipate and understand this period of life in which healthy newborns cry all the time.The PURPLE crying acronym stands for:
- Peak of crying: This is when infants cry a lot, and most of the crying may come in the baby's second month, with less crying in months three to five.
- Unexpected: There is no rhyme or reason for when an infant begins and stops crying.
- Resists soothing: Rocking, singing, bouncing, and swaying—you may not be able to do anything to help relax the baby and lessen the crying.
- Pain-like face: Babies may cry as if they are in pain, even if they are not.
- Long-lasting: The crying might seem incessant—in reality, a newborn may cry for five hours or more every day.
- Evening: In the late afternoon and evening, the infant may cry the most.
PURPLE Crying Versus Colic
Colic is described as newborn crying that lasts more than three hours per day, at least three days per week, for more than three weeks. The origins are unknown, however, it might be due in part to the baby's response to life outside the womb (with all of the loud sounds, lights, and unfamiliarity that comes with it). To that end, defining the PURPLE crying period helps parents understand that, regardless of whether or not their baby has been diagnosed with colic, these phases of intense, increased crying are normal and an expected phase of development that'll pass with time.What Causes PURPLE Crying?
There is no clear medical explanation for the PURPLE crying phase. It's the time when healthy babies cry more often for no obvious reason. Some experts feel it's a baby's method of adapting to their new surroundings, although physicians don't know why crying intensifies during this period, they have discovered that humans aren't the only ones who go through it. Other breasted animals whine, mewl, and bleat more in their early months of life. The signal is that your baby's increased crying, although irritating, is typical for this period of life. In fact, in rare circumstances, the baby's increasing crying may indicate something more severe.When Does PURPLE Crying Begin and End?
The most common question asked by parents is how long purple crying generally lasts. The purple crying stage often begins about 2 weeks after birth and lasts until 3 to 4 months. Some newborns cry for just an hour or two every day, while others cry for up to five hours. While this may seem to be a long time, remember that this period will eventually come to an end.PURPLE Crying and Shaken Baby Syndrome
PURPLE weeping was created by the National Centre on Shaken Infant Syndrome, a non-profit dedicated to avoiding shaken infant syndrome by assisting families and carers.Shaken infant syndrome occurs when a baby is shaken by an adult, causing brain trauma. It's a difficult thought, and no parent or carer wants to consider harming their child.
However, the stress of constant crying can occasionally push kind and well-meaning parents over the edge.
Understanding that prolonged, often uncontrollable sobbing is common for babies can help parents cope with this trying time.
It reminds you that weeping is a temporary phase, that there is nothing wrong with your baby crying, and that you are not to blame for not being able to soothe him/her.
How to Stop PURPLE Crying in Babies?
It may be really difficult to deal with when your newborn is constantly crying, and it is difficult to know how to help. If your baby is crying, check for explanations, like gas, that requires you to change, feed, or put them to bed. If none of these are the cause, you may try the following methods to calm PURPLE crying in newborns.Swaddle baby
Swaddling is an excellent technique to relax a baby by reminding them of how comfortable they were in the womb.Try a pacifier
The experts emphasise that all newborns are born with the need to suck, and it has long been shown that sucking may also help relax and comfort them.Gently rock or swing baby
Doctors recommend holding the baby in your arms and walking, sitting, or standing while gently rocking or swaying them, as these comforting movements may remind infants of the womb.Sing to the baby or utilise noise
Experts often recommend white noise machines to soothe crying newborns; it may remind them of noises they experienced in the womb—but you could also try singing to the baby.If none of these ways work, don't worry. According to the PURPLE programme, around 10% of the time, there is nothing that can be done to temporarily relieve a baby's crying.
If you're babysitting the infant by yourself, don't feel bad about stepping away. Place your child in a secure place, such as a cot or bassinet, and go to the next room until you have calmed down. It is better to give yourself a break and some breathing room while the baby is in a safe environment rather than attempting to push through your growing anger.
What Happens If I Can't Get My Infant To Stop Crying?
When your baby continues to cry despite your best efforts, the best thing you can do is take a short break. Place your baby in a safe environment and take some time to breathe.It's normal to feel disappointed and despairing when your baby is crying. However, it is critical to maintain your mental health and seek professional help if you feel yourself spiralling. It's fine (and natural) to require a break. If feasible, ask a trusted friend or family member for assistance and support.
Never shake your infant, no matter how frustrated you are. This can result in bleeding, bruising, and swelling in your baby's brain. Shaken baby syndrome can cause brain damage, lasting disability, and even death. The majority of occurrences of shaken infant syndrome arise when parents or carers grow frustrated by their baby's constant wailing.
Crying helps carers cope with this developmental time and reminds them that it is just temporary. Purple crying education aims to reduce the risk of infant abuse, including shaken baby syndrome.
When To See a Doctor?
To keep your baby's health in check, schedule regular paediatric wellness appointments. Your paediatrician will tell you how frequently you should schedule them.Persistent, inconsolable weeping is usual between the ages of two and five months. However, you should contact your paediatrician if your baby exhibits any of the following additional symptoms:
- A fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher
- Cries louder when you move, touch, or hold them
- Vomiting
- Refuses to eat or drink for longer than eight hours
- Swollen areas
- Looks or behaves differently in any way
- Poor weight gain
- Changes in their stool
Parenting is a difficult job. When your baby won't stop crying, you may feel as if you have done something wrong. But the Period of Purple Crying is normal, and it will ultimately stop. If you have questions or concerns regarding your baby's behaviour, contact your paediatrician. They can provide you with resources to help you cope with this stage of your child's development.
FAQs on What Should You Know About the Period of PURPLE Crying?
- What exactly is the purple crying phase all about?
The Period of PURPLE crying is a short period when a child cries more than usual, often between the ages of two weeks and three or four months. - What do parents need to know about purple crying?
Babies in the purple crying stage often cry more in the late afternoon and evening. Once this form of crying starts, your baby may cry more often each week.
