Period of PURPLE Crying: meaning and how to cope

What does PURPLE crying mean?

NCSBS uses six labels for early crying. This acronym cannot assess illness or pain. NCSBS

P Peak of crying

Crying rises, then eases.

U Unexpected

It can arrive without an obvious reason.

R Resists soothing

Comfort does not always stop it.

P Pain-like face

An expression alone cannot establish the cause.

L Long lasting

A bout can feel prolonged.

E Evening crying

Late-day crying is part of the pattern.

Labels from the NCSBS Implementation Protocol; explanations summarized independently. NCSBS

The Period of PURPLE Crying® is an NCSBS education program. This independent Leelalu article explains the term. Leelalu is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCSBS. Read the original program.

When does PURPLE crying start and end?

NCSBS's protocol describes a start around two weeks, a second-month peak, and crying usually easing by four or five months, often earlier. These are approximate patterns. NCSBS

NCSBS advises a doctor's examination if the crying worries you. NCSBS

Is PURPLE crying the same as colic or the witching hour?

Ask your baby's pediatrician about colic or other possible causes. NCSBS advises an examination when crying concerns you. NCSBS

If you came here for help organizing the evening, our witching hour guide focuses on that part of the day. This page focuses on understanding the term and preparing a pause or a handoff when you need one.

What can you try when your baby keeps crying?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests checking hunger, an uncomfortable temperature or a wet diaper, and trying gentle holding, rocking or walking, or a soft voice. These are options, not a checklist you must finish before asking for help. AAP HealthyChildren

NCSBS says soothing can work differently between babies and between days. Concern about crying calls for a doctor's examination. NCSBS

For the next adult, write what you actually tried. “Holding helped briefly” communicates more than “nothing works.” “I don't know when the crying began” is more useful than a guessed time. Keep a note short enough that someone can read it while taking over.

Taking a brief pause

The AAP says a friend or family member can look after the baby when you feel tense or anxious. If nobody can help, it describes placing the baby on their back in a crib or another safe place and leaving the room for a few minutes. AAP HealthyChildren

For sleep, the AAP specifies a safety-standard crib, bassinet or play yard with a firm, flat surface: baby on their back, a fitted sheet only, and no pillows, loose blankets or toys. AAP HealthyChildren

This is a brief caregiver break. Check back on your baby and seek support; it is not a wait before getting medical help. AAP HealthyChildren

The AAP says never to shake, throw or hit a baby. Violent shaking or impact can injure a baby's brain, causing abusive head trauma. AAP HealthyChildren

A handoff that starts with what you know

Choose three lines for the next adult: what you noticed, what you tried, and what you need. Here is a fictional example of a message, not an explanation of the crying:

“Crying began while I was changing the diaper; I didn't check the time. I tried holding and talking softly. I need you to take over now. I haven't worked out what's causing it.”

The other person can ask one practical question: “Are you asking me to take over, make a call with you, or help arrange a visit?” Write any agreed next step separately. A check mark beside “sent” does not mean the other adult has read it; get a reply.

If you are planning shared nights, our newborn night shifts guide covers choosing who is on duty. You can also put today's observations and contact numbers into the existing caregiver card below. Paper is fine. There is no requirement to start a tracker or invite another person before this is useful.

When to get medical help

NCSBS advises an examination if crying worries you; the label cannot settle a medical concern. NCSBS

Fever: For a baby aged 3 months or younger, the AAP says a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires an immediate call to the pediatrician, even if no other illness signs appear. AAP HealthyChildren

Emergency: The AAP names difficulty breathing, blue, purple or gray skin or lips, and being unresponsive or unconscious among reasons for immediate emergency medical services. In the US, call 911. These are examples, not a complete list. AAP HealthyChildren

Education from named sources, not medical advice for your baby. Your baby's care team can assess their circumstances.