Does your little one cry non-stop? Let's talk about "Purple Crying"!

The joy of bringing a newborn baby home is indescribable. But sometimes, especially in the evening, when your baby starts crying non-stop for no reason, you may feel very helpless and worried. He is not hungry, his nappy has been changed, he has been cuddled, he has been rocked... but nothing is working. At times like these, you may wonder, "Am I doing something wrong?" You are not alone, many parents around the world face this experience. Today we are talking about this special period that every parent should know about, which is called "Purple Crying".

What exactly is Purple Crying?

Simply put, Purple Crying is a normal stage in a baby's development. During this stage, your baby will cry for hours on end, inconsolably. There will be times when you can't comfort your baby no matter what you do. While this may sound scary, it's actually a normal, healthy part of baby development. Some babies cry a lot, some cry a little less, but all babies go through this stage.

When you hear this, you might think that "Purple" means that the baby cries until it turns purple. That's not the case. Here, "PURPLE" is an acronym made up of the first letters of several English words. This explains the baby's behavior during this period. The most important thing is to understand that this is not an illness, this is something that will go away on its own after a while .

When does this Purple Crying period start? How long is it?

This crying pattern usually starts when the baby is about two weeks old. Then it gradually increases, and then it almost disappears completely between three and five months. So this is not something that will be there forever. It will be a great strength for you to remember that.

What does the word "PURPLE" really describe?

Let's now see what these English letters "PURPLE" actually mean. This will make it much easier for you to understand your baby's behavior.

So is this different from what we call "Colic"?

Actually, all of these words mean the same thing. Some call it "colic." Others call it "evening crying."

But many pediatricians now like to use the term "Purple Crying." There are two reasons for that.

1. "Colic" sounds like an illness. But it's not an illness. It's completely normal for a healthy, well-gaining baby to cry like this.

2. The word "Period" in "The Period of PURPLE Crying" emphasizes that this is just a period of time with a beginning and an end . It means that this is not forever, it will end in a while. Parents feel a great sense of relief when they hear this.

What can I do to comfort the baby?

There are a few things you can try, but the most important thing to remember first is that sometimes your baby won't stop crying no matter what you do, and that's normal .

Okay, then try these things:

• Check the baby's basic needs: Is the baby hungry? Is the nappy wet? Is he sleepy? Check these things first.
• Cuddle skin-to-skin: Remove some of your clothes and hold your baby against your chest, wearing only a nappy. Your baby will feel very comfortable when he feels the warmth of your body and hears your heartbeat.
• Take your baby for a walk: Take your baby for a short walk around the house or in the yard. The fresh air and slow movement will help calm your baby.
• Sing a song to your baby: Your voice is very familiar to your baby. Singing a slow song or lullaby can help calm your baby.
• Bathe in lukewarm water: Bathing your baby in warm water is also sometimes a good way to calm them down.

What if the baby won't stop crying no matter how hard I try?

This is the hardest and most important part. If you've done everything you can and your baby continues to cry, it's normal to feel very angry, frustrated, and helpless. The best thing to do at a time like this is to get away from it for a while.

1. Place the baby in a safe place: Place the baby in a crib or on a mattress on the floor, in a safe place where the baby will not be in danger.

2. Get out of there for a while: Go to another room, take a deep breath, count to 10, and take a few minutes to calm your mind.

3. Ask for help: If possible, talk to your partner, a family member, or a friend you trust and ask for help. Ask them to take a break from babysitting for a while.

It is very important to think about your mental health at a time like this.

Shaking a baby this way can cause bleeding, bruising, and swelling inside the baby's brain. We call this condition Shaken Baby Syndrome . This can cause permanent brain damage, disability, or even death. Often, this happens when parents or caregivers are unable to control their frustration over their baby's incessant crying.

Therefore, being aware of Purple Crying, understanding that this is normal and will end in a short time, goes a long way in preventing such accidents.

When should I see a doctor?

First of all, it is essential to have your baby checked by a pediatrician at regular intervals (wellness visits) from the day he is born.

Although Purple Crying is common, if your baby has any of the symptoms below, you should definitely talk to a doctor.

If your baby is healthy and gaining weight well without any of these symptoms, there is usually nothing to worry about if he cries incessantly. However, if you have even the slightest doubt or fear, never hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Being a parent is not easy. When your baby cries all the time, you may feel like you've failed. But don't. Purple Crying is a normal part of life for all babies. And it will pass. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor. He or she can give you the advice and support you need to get through this difficult time.

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