Purple Crying and Why Your Crying Baby Might Not Have Colic
WHAT IS PURPLE CRYING? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT TO COLIC?
AND EVIDENCE-BASED TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE A HIGH-CRYING BABY
It can be worrying and overwhelming having a little baby that cries for hours and won't settle. Please know you are not alone. So, what is colic? Why are so many healthy newborns resistant to settling? (no matter what you do!) And what are the evidence-based remedies you can use to get through this challenging period of parenting?
Colic symptoms are when a baby, usually 4- 6 weeks old, cries for hours a day without any obvious reasons. However, your baby may be experiencing PURPLE crying instead. Don't worry, it doesn't mean your baby will turn purple when they cry. Where colic implies there is something wrong with your baby, we now know PURPLE crying is a normal stage of development. It is common for even healthy babies to cry for hours as they adjust to their environment and learn to communicate. The period of PURPLE crying typically starts at 2 weeks, peaks at 8 weeks and ends by 12 weeks.
Purple Crying: What is it?
The term Purple crying comes from the acronym 'PURPLE' and describes the common features of this period.
P - Peak of Crying: Babies often cry more during the late afternoon and evening hours, and this crying tends to peak around 2 months of age.
U - Unexpected: This crying is often sudden and seems to come out of nowhere.
R - Resists Soothing: Your baby may not stop crying no matter what you try.
P - Pain-like Face: They may look like they are in pain even when they are not. Your baby's face may appear tense, with a furrowed brow, clenched fists, a flushed complexion, they may even draw up their legs, resembling a child in pain.
L - Long-Lasting: These crying episodes can last for hours at a time, making it incredibly challenging for parents. If your baby is a high cryer, it isn’t unusual for 5-6 hours of crying to be considered normal
E - Evening: Crying often intensifies during the evening hours.
a graph of crying time during the period of purple crying
Remember: During the peak of purple crying a high crying baby can cry for 5-6 hours.
Why Newborns Experience Purple Crying
While the reason newborns go through the period of PURPLE crying is not fully known, there are some things we do know that can help us understand why they cry so much
Maturing Nervous System: Newborns have developing nervous systems that are adjusting to their new environment, making them more sensitive to noises, sounds and touch.
Communication: Crying is a primary means of communication for your little one. Babies cry to express discomfort, hunger, tiredness, or overstimulation.
Growth Spurts: In the early months there are many periods of quick growth. This can cause increased fussiness and crying as their little bodies adapt.
Digestive System Immaturity: Their developing digestive systems cause potential discomfort from issues like gas and bloating.
Evidence-Based Tips to Help Your Crying Baby
Coping with an unsettled baby for hours on end can be tough, but here are some remedies to comfort your baby and help you navigate this challenging phase.
Soothing Techniques
Utilise gentle soothing techniques such as swaddling, baby wearing, giving baby a relaxing bath, rocking and patting or using a pacifier to comfort your baby during crying episodes.
Feeding and Winding Techniques
If you are breastfeeding and have not already seen a lactation consultant this can be a good first step to make sure your baby has a proper latch and isn't swallowing too much air.
If your little one is bottle feeding, make sure you are pace feeding. You can experiment with different winding methods, such as "wonky winding," to alleviate discomfort. Simethicone (Infacol) has no significant effect when studied, some parents report it helps with wind, but others say it makes no difference.
Massage
Gentle massage can help provide relief for unsettled babies. Some parents report reduced crying time after seeing a baby osteopath, but at home massage for 15 minutes each day can be just as beneficial. There is no specific massage technique that is proven to help, but here are some to try. Use a baby specific oil or lotion, keep your massage gentle but firm.
Full body massage - Start from your baby's feet using a combination of rotations and up and down movements.
Clockwise tummy massage - using one or two hands massage the baby's tummy in a clockwise direction.
Downwards tummy massage - use downwards motions from your baby's rib cage to their belly button.
Talk to your Family Doctor:
It's important to rule out health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux (GORD), silent reflux, or cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Your family doctor can provide guidance and recommend suitable treatments if needed.
Exclusively breastfeeding? Ask your family doctor about Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic (this is not as effective on formula fed babies).
Social Support
Reach out for social support to support your mental health during this challenging time. Share your experiences and concerns with friends, family, or support groups to alleviate the stress associated with colic.
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