Colic vs. PURPLE Crying: What’s the Difference?
When your baby cries for hours and nothing seems to help, it can leave you feeling worried and helpless.
Many parents go through this tough time, wondering if they’re doing something wrong.
For years, doctors referred to this crying as “colic,” but now many use the term “PURPLE crying” instead.
PURPLE crying is just a normal part of how babies develop. All babies go through this phase to some degree, and it does end.
Your baby isn’t sick, and you aren’t doing anything wrong. In this post, we’ll explain what PURPLE crying means, why doctors use this term, and simple ways to help your baby and yourself through this temporary challenge.
Purple Crying vs Colic: What’s the Real Difference?
Both colic and PURPLE crying talk about the same thing: when healthy babies cry a lot for what seems like no reason.
The primary difference lies in our perspective. When doctors say a baby has “colic,” it can sound like something is wrong or that the baby is sick. This can cause parents even more worry.
Purple crying, on the other hand, helps us recognize this crying as a normal part of how babies grow.
It’s not about finding a cure or fix because there isn’t anything wrong with your baby. Instead, it’s about understanding what’s happening so you can get through it.
The shift from calling it “colic” to “PURPLE crying” helps take away some of the blame that parents often feel.
When we understand that crying is a natural part of how babies develop, it can be easier to cope with the challenging moments.
What is PURPLE Crying and What does PURPLE Stand for?
PURPLE is not about the color of your baby’s face when crying. It’s an acronym that helps you understand this kind of crying:
P – Peak of Crying: Your baby’s crying increases and reaches a peak around 2 months, then gets better.
U – Unexpected: The crying can start and stop for no clear reason. Your baby might be fine one minute and upset the next.
R – Resists Soothing: Your baby might keep crying no matter what you try. This doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
P – Pain-Like Face: Your baby may appear to be in pain, even when they’re not. Their face gets red, and they might pull their legs up.
L – Long-Lasting: The crying can go on for hours. Some babies cry for 3-5 hours a day or more.
E – Evening: The crying often happens more in the late afternoon and evening, just when you’re getting tired, too.
Knowing these patterns can help you feel more prepared. When you see these signs, you can remind yourself that this is normal and will pass.
PURPLE Crying vs Normal Baby Crying: How to Tell Them Apart
Babies communicate through crying, but not all crying is the same. There’s a difference between everyday fussing that has a clear cause and the intense PURPLE crying phase that can be confusing for parents.
| Type | Normal Crying | PURPLE Crying |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Based on a clear need (hunger, diaper, comfort) | No clear cause, even after needs are met |
| Response | Stops when the need is fulfilled | May continue despite soothing efforts |
| Timing | Can happen anytime | Often starts around 2 weeks, peaks at 6–8 weeks, and improves by 4 months |
| Duration | Short, tied to specific needs | Can last hours, often in the evening |
| Signs | Baby shows cues before crying | Baby may look in pain (red face, clenched fists), but isn’t in pain |
Understanding this difference can help you respond with more confidence during your baby’s difficult moments.
How to Support Your Baby (and Yourself) through PURPLE Crying
Supporting your baby through PURPLE crying means trying different soothing methods and taking care of your own needs as well.
No single trick works for every baby, so having several options helps. Here are some ways to manage this challenging time:
- Gentle movement: Try rocking, swaying, or walking with your baby in a carrier. The motion can be calming and remind them of being in the womb.
- Soothing sounds: Play white noise, soft music, or make a gentle “shushing” sound near your baby’s ear. Many babies find these steady sounds comforting.
- Skin contact: Hold your baby against your bare chest for skin-to-skin time. This closeness can help regulate their breathing and temperature.
- Take breaks: When you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to put your baby in a safe place, such as their crib, and step away for a few minutes to breathe and reset.
- Share the load: Take turns with a partner, family member, or friend. Even short breaks can help you return with more patience and energy.
- Seek support: Consult your doctor if you experience persistent stress or sadness for several days. Your well-being matters and is an important part of caring for your baby.
Remember that what works might change from day to day. Try gentle rocking, walking with your baby in a carrier, or skin-to-skin contact.
Why Physicians Use this Term and Who Coined it
When doctors stopped saying “colic” and started using “PURPLE crying,” it wasn’t just about fancy new terms—it was about saving babies and helping parents.
Dr. Ronald Barr discovered something important: when parents heard “colic,” they thought their baby was sick and needed fixing. But here’s the thing—intense crying isn’t a disease, it’s just how babies’ brains develop!
The word “colic” made parents panic and feel like failures when they couldn’t stop the tears.
PURPLE crying changes everything by teaching parents that this phase is totally normal and temporary. When parents understand that their baby isn’t broken, they tend to stay calmer and safer.
Hospitals now teach families about PURPLE crying before they go home, preparing them for the tough early weeks.
Conclusion
Understanding that your baby’s long crying periods are a normal part of development can lift a huge weight from your shoulders. Your baby isn’t sick, and you aren’t failing as a parent.
Remember that millions of parents have been through this before you and have made it to the other side.
The crying does end, even though it might not feel like it during those long evenings. You’re doing great, even when it feels like you’re not.
Do you have questions about ‘Purple Crying’ or concerns about your baby’s crying patterns?
Share them in the comments below, and our community of parents and experts will help support you through this challenging but temporary time.
For comprehensive resources, videos, and support materials about PURPLE crying, visit The Don’t Shake organisation, where you can access the complete Period of PURPLE Crying program developed by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.
