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 two months, then less at three to five 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 babies 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, call Safe Voices: 24-hour free and confidential helpline 800-559-2927; www.safevoices,org; REACH: Sexual Assault Support Center at 800-871-7741 www.reachmaine.org or contact your local police department, 9-1-1 for emergency only.