The Period of PURPLE Crying
Iowa selected The Period of PURPLE Crying program as its primary method to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) among infants and very young children in our state. Hospitals teach new parents about SBS and tips to cope with infant crying. Parents receive a DVD and booklet, so they can reference the information at a later date. Other family support professionals are trained to ask new parents about infant crying and the parents’ methods for managing stress, to reinforce the messages parents received in the hospital.
About The Period of PURPLE Crying
The Period of PURPLE Crying program was developed by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome to teach parents to understand and cope with infant crying, which is the number one trigger for Shaken Baby Syndrome incidents.
The acronym PURPLE is used to describe crying behaviors.
- PPeak of Crying. Your baby may cry more each week, peaking at 2 months, then decreasing at 3-5 months.
- UUnexpected. Crying can come and go, and you don’t know why.
- RResists Soothing. Your baby may not stop crying no matter what you try.
- PPain Like Face. A crying baby may look like they are in pain even when they are not.
- LLong Lasting. Crying can last as long as 5 hours a day or more.
- EEvening. Your baby may cry more in the late afternoon and evening.
The National Center on SBS recently developed a Period of PURPLE Crying website just for parents. The site includes video clips, tips for soothing, and a section just for dads.
Make a Donation
Make a donation and help put an end to child abuse in the state of Iowa.