Welcoming a newborn into your life is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with its set of challenges—one of the most common being how to soothe a crying baby. Crying is a natural form of communication for infants, signaling needs such as hunger, discomfort, or the desire for attention. However, there are times when a baby continues to cry despite all efforts to comfort them. This can be particularly distressing for new parents. At Baby Brilliance, we aim to empower parents with knowledge and strategies to navigate these moments with confidence.
The Period of PURPLE Crying: What Every Parent Should Know
The “Period of PURPLE Crying” is a term used to describe a developmental phase in infants, typically starting around two weeks of age and lasting until about three to four months. During this time, babies may experience increased episodes of crying, which can be intense and seem resistant to soothing. Understanding this phase can help parents cope more effectively.
The acronym PURPLE stands for:
- Peak of crying: Crying increases, peaking around two months, then decreases.
- Unexpected: Crying can come and go without a clear reason.
- Resists soothing: The baby may not stop crying despite efforts.
- Pain-like face: The baby may appear to be in pain, even if they are not.
- Long-lasting: Crying can last several hours a day.
- Evening: Crying often occurs in the late afternoon or evening.
Recognizing that this is a normal developmental stage can alleviate some of the stress and concern parents may feel.
Effective Strategies to Soothe a Crying Newborn
While it’s essential to understand that some crying is normal, there are several techniques parents can employ to comfort their baby:
- Swaddling: Wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket can provide a sense of security and may reduce crying.
- Side or Stomach Position: Holding your baby on their side or stomach (while awake and supervised) can be soothing.
- Shushing Sounds: Making a gentle “shh” sound near your baby’s ear can mimic the sounds they heard in the womb.
- Swinging or Gentle Motion: Rocking your baby or using a baby swing can have a calming effect.
- Sucking: Offering a pacifier or allowing your baby to suck on their fingers can help soothe them.
It’s important to note that these techniques may not work every time, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the best approach is to ensure your baby is safe and take a moment for yourself to regroup.
Baby Brilliance: Supporting Parents Through Newborn Challenges
At Baby Brilliance, we understand that the early months of parenthood can be both rewarding and challenging. Our mission is to provide parents with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate this journey confidently.
Our services include:
- Prenatal and Postnatal Education: Offering classes and resources to prepare for and adapt to life with a newborn.
- Lactation Support: Providing guidance and assistance to ensure successful breastfeeding experiences.
- Newborn Care Guidance: Helping parents understand and respond to their baby’s needs effectively.
By equipping parents with evidence-based strategies and compassionate support, we aim to make the transition into parenthood as smooth as possible.
Final Thoughts
Crying is a natural part of a baby’s development and a primary means of communication. Understanding the reasons behind your baby’s cries and knowing effective soothing techniques can make this phase more manageable. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Baby Brilliance is here to support you every step of the way.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. “The Period of PURPLE Crying.” Cleveland Clinic
- HealthyChildren.org. “How to Calm a Fussy Baby: Tips for Parents & Caregivers.” HealthyChildren.org
- NHS. “Soothing a Crying Baby.” nhs.uk
- Mayo Clinic. “Crying Baby: What to Do When Your Newborn Cries.” Mayo Clinic
- National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. “PURPLE Crying.” dontshake.org
