Every mother eagerly anticipates the first sound of life when her baby is born, a moment marked by the baby's cry as they enter the world. This cry signals that the baby is adjusting to their new life outside the womb. While crying is completely normal and often signifies healthy growth, there are instances when crying can become overwhelming. Some grandmothers even find comfort in hearing their newborns cry, but it's important to note that prolonged crying should not be ignored and requires efforts to soothe the baby.
It's essential for mothers to recognize the type of crying their newborn is experiencing. Doctors have coined a term for one specific kind of crying, called "purple crying." This term refers to a natural phase in every newborn’s development. Dr. Saham Abdel Wahab, a pediatric and neonatal consultant, explains the concept of purple crying, its causes, typical timing, and when it should raise concern. Here's what you need to know:
What is Purple Crying?
Purple crying, a term introduced by pediatrician Ronald Barr, is a period of crying that happens as a part of a baby’s normal growth process. If a baby doesn't experience this type of crying, parents should be concerned. Purple crying usually begins right after birth and typically continues until the baby reaches three months old, though it can start as early as two weeks. The term "purple" was chosen because babies' faces may turn purple or red during these episodes.
Purple crying is characterized by six key traits, each represented by a letter in the acronym "PURPLE":
- P stands for the peak of crying – the crying reaches its highest point during this stage.
- U stands for unexpected – the crying comes without warning and can be difficult to predict.
- R is for resisting soothing – the baby may reject any attempts to calm them down.
- P (the second P) refers to pain – the crying can indicate discomfort, though it may not always be linked to an injury.
- L is for long-lasting – the crying episodes can last for hours.
- E refers to the evening – purple crying tends to occur more in the evening, based on studies of babies' crying patterns.
Tips for Dealing with Purple Crying
1. Stay Calm and Patient It's important to remain calm when your baby experiences purple crying, as this phase is a sign of healthy growth. Although it can be exhausting, understanding that it’s temporary can help you manage the stress. If needed, ask for help from others, like the father, to take turns holding the baby.
2. Gently Hold and Talk to Your Baby When your baby cries, hold them gently and talk to them softly. Speaking in a soothing voice or even whispering can sometimes help calm the baby down. Remember to stay calm—babies can sense frustration or stress, which may make them cry more intensely.
3. Check for Other Sources of Discomfort Inspect your baby’s surroundings to ensure there are no factors making them uncomfortable. Look for any potential irritants, such as tight clothing, bugs, or a soiled diaper. Ensure your baby is neither too hot nor too cold, and adjust their clothing accordingly.
Recognizing Colic Crying
Sometimes, a baby's crying may be a result of colic, which is different from purple crying. Colic typically presents itself with distinct signs, such as:
- Clenched fists
- Pulling their legs up toward their stomach
- Crying that escalates daily, particularly in the evening, and lasts for extended periods
- The crying is intense and hard to soothe, despite attempts to comfort the baby
You may also notice that your baby reacts negatively to being placed in certain positions or objects, such as a crib, and may even cry more when someone other than you attempts to comfort them. Colic crying usually begins around the second or third week of life and fades as the baby grows, often ending around the fourth month.
When to Seek Help
While purple crying is a normal developmental phase, it is essential to keep an eye on your baby’s well-being. If you feel that the crying is beyond the typical purple crying or if it’s accompanied by signs of illness, such as fever or vomiting, it's crucial to consult a pediatrician.
By understanding the nature of purple crying and colic, you can handle these challenging phases with more confidence and ensure that your baby is developing as they should.
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