Wait! what? What is the Period of PURPLE Crying?

The Period of PURPLE crying refers to the stage when an infant might cry for long periods of time, most would say colic. The program was designed by Marilyn Barr, founder/executive director, National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome to help parents understand this period.

So what does PURPLE mean?

Peak of Crying – Your baby may cry more each week. The most at 2 months, then less at 3-5 months

Unexpected – Crying can come and go and you don’t know why

Resists Soothing – Your baby may not stop crying no matter what you try

Pain-like Face – A crying baby may look like they are in pain, even when they are not

Long Lasting – Crying can last as much as five hours a day, or more

Evening – Your baby may cry more in the late afternoon and evening

To read more about the Period of PURPLE Crying visit: www.purplecrying.info

The DVD and program is shared at birthing units in hospitals across the state. For families that engage in Public Health Nursing or the Maine Families Program they also receive one on one education in their home to discuss this period of crying in more detail.

Please remember if you are frustrated by your baby's crying to put your baby down in a safe place and calm down, call a friend and take some deep breaths.

If you would like more information on what to do when your baby cries contact Melissa at Community Concepts, 739-6544.

For more information about the Oxford County Domestic Violence Task Force, please contact Diane at 364-9908 or dgallagher@safevoices.org

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call:

Safe Voices: 24 hr. free and confidential helpline 800-559-2927 www.safevoices,org

REACH: Sexual Assault Support Center: 800-871-7741 www.reachmaine.org Or contact your local police department: 9-1-1 for emergency only

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