Why is my baby crying? Why Every Pregnant and New Parent Should Know About the PURPLE Crying Period

Tiffany Lowther
Sep 5
4 min read

Understanding the PURPLE Crying Period: What Pregnant and Parents Need to Know

Bringing home a new baby can be filled with wonder, joy, and a deep desire to meet every one of your baby's needs. It can also be filled with, "why are they entrusting me with this baby? I don't know what I'm doing!" the classic and/both of joy and possibly fear, nervousness, exhaustion and what might later come-- intense, inconsolable crying—sometimes for hours at a time.

If you’ve found yourself pacing the floor with a crying infant, unsure what to do next, confusion over what your baby needs after you've tried 5 pacifiers, fed, changed, swayed, sung lullabies until you're blue in the face--you are not alone. This experience has a name: the PURPLE Crying Period, and it’s a normal, though difficult, part of early infancy.

What Is the PURPLE Crying Period?

The term PURPLE is not about the color, but an acronym created by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome to describe the characteristics of this stage. It typically starts at around 2 weeks of age, peaks around 6–8 weeks, and improves by 3–4 months.

PURPLE stands for:

Peak of Crying – Crying increases around 6–8 weeks, then gradually lessens.
Unexpected – Episodes may start and stop without an obvious reason.
Resists Soothing – Babies may continue crying even when comforted.
Pain-like Face – Babies may look like they’re in pain, even when they’re not.
Long Lasting – Crying can last for hours.
Evening – Crying often intensifies in the late afternoon or evening.

Crying as a Developmental Milestone

Though distressing, this kind of crying is a normal and expected part of infant development—just like rolling over or crawling. It’s a developmental milestone that’s not talked about enough.

Here’s what crying does for the nervous system:

It signals the baby's needs while their brain is still maturing and learning to regulate stimuli.
It exercises the vagus nerve, which helps develop self-soothing and nervous system regulation over time.
It may help release tension or overstimulation as babies adjust to life outside the womb.

Babies’ brains grow rapidly in the first few months, and crying is one of the few tools they have to cope with discomfort, transitions, or even growing pains.

PURPLE Crying vs. Colic vs. Illness: What’s the Difference?

1. PURPLE Crying Period

Begins around 2 weeks, peaks around 6–8 weeks, ends by 3–4 months.
Baby is otherwise healthy and gaining weight.
Episodes may be intense but occur at predictable times, often in the evening.
There is no medical cause; it’s developmental and temporary.

2. Colic

Typically diagnosed when a baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or more.
May be related to digestive discomfort or gas, although the exact cause is unknown.
Crying may occur at any time of day, not just evenings.
May include symptoms like clenched fists, arching back, or pulling legs to tummy.

3. Illness-Related Crying

Crying may sound different—weaker, higher-pitched, or urgent.
Often accompanied by fever, rash, vomiting, poor feeding, or lethargy.
May come on suddenly and won’t improve with usual soothing methods.
Always contact a pediatrician if you suspect something more serious.

Why This Information Matters: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome

During the PURPLE crying period, it's common for parents and caregivers to feel overwhelmed or helpless. In moments of extreme stress or exhaustion, some may act out of frustration. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)—also known as Abusive Head Trauma—is a severe brain injury that can occur when a baby is shaken violently. It's entirely preventable. Women are found to shake babies equal to the rate of men. Prevention and early information is key to helping overwhelmed parents and caregivers understand what's happening and have options when they feel they are overwhelmed.

Quick facts:

SBS affects about 1,300 U.S. babies each year, with many more going unreported.
The highest risk is between 2 and 4 months of age, during peak PURPLE crying.
Even a few seconds of shaking can cause permanent brain damage, blindness, or death.

What to Do if You’re Overwhelmed

Put the baby down safely If your baby is fed, changed, and safe, it’s okay to place them in their crib and take a quick break to breathe and take care of you. Step outside for a moment, breathe deeply, and reset.
Ask or Accept the help Call a partner, friend, a trusted neighbor, local church or family member. You're not meant to do this alone. We aren't meant to raise babies in solitude and most people genuinely want to be helpful.
Talk to your pediatrician They can help rule out illness or colic and offer resources and reassurance. You are not in this alone and they can help decipher what's going on.
Take care of your mental health You matter! Sleep, nourishment, care and connection are essential. If you're struggling emotionally, reach out to your obgyn, pediatrician and a certified perinatal counselor. They can be vital in helping assess what you are going through and the support you might need. You don't have to be in this alone.
Postpartum Doulas, Sleep Consultant and Night Nurse These can be a helpful resource and may be covered by your insurance. Look into your options and gather support services.

Warmline and Hotline Support

Parent, Partner and Caregiver Resources
Period of PURPLE Crying: https://dontshake.org/purple-crying
Fussy Baby Warmline Support: Call 1-888-431-2229 or email through Erikson Institute’s Fussy Baby Network
Florida Pregnancy Care Network: https://myfpcn.com/

💙 Maternal & Perinatal Mental Health
Postpartum Support International (PSI): https://postpartum.net/
The National Perinatal Association: https://www.nationalperinatal.org/
PSI HelpLine: Call 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
Text “HELP” to 800-944-4773 (English) Text en Español: 971-203-7773

🚨 Emergency & Crisis Support
National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (24/7, nationwide, any type of crisis)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Call 911 for immediate help and assistance

Final Thought: Crying is hard, exhausting and keep in mind--temporary. Love, safety, and consistency matter far more than having all the answers. Take a break if you feel overwhelmed, try to garner healthy support with the baby and seek help immediately if you or the infant might be in danger.