That inconsolable wailing at 3 AM has you questioning everything—is it colic? Purple crying? Or just parenthood? You’re not alone in this midnight mystery.
Purple crying refers to a normal developmental phase where babies cry unexpectedly and resist soothing,
Colic is a medical condition defined by the “rule of threes”—three hours of crying, three days a week, for three weeks or more. Understanding this distinction isn’t just academic—it affects how you respond and when you should seek help.
For new parents already steering through sleep deprivation and postpartum emotions, intense crying episodes can trigger frustration, anxiety, and self-doubt.
“Am I doing something wrong?” becomes the haunting question.
The information provided below will help you distinguish between these conditions and offer practical strategies for surviving this challenging but temporary phase of parenthood.
What is Purple Crying?
Purple Crying is a normal developmental phase experienced by many infants. It typically begins around 2 weeks of age and potentially lasts until about 3-4 months.
PURPLE crying refers to a normal developmental phase in infants characterized by:
- P – Peak of crying (reaches maximum around 2 months of age)
- U – Unexpected (crying episodes begin and end without a clear reason)
- R – Resists soothing (baby may continue crying despite parents’ best efforts)
- P – Pain-like facial expression (appears distressed even when not in pain)
- L – Long-lasting (crying sessions can continue for up to 5 hours daily)
- E – Evening clustering (crying tends to intensify in late afternoon and evening hours)
Unlike colic, which is considered a medical condition, Purple Crying is viewed as a normal developmental stage that all babies go through to varying degrees.
Understanding this phase helps parents recognize that the excessive crying isn’t caused by something they’re doing wrong or by a medical problem.
What is Colic?
Colic is defined by the “rule of threes” – crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for at least three weeks in an otherwise healthy baby.
Colicky babies typically exhibit intense, inconsolable crying, often pulling their legs to their chest, clenching fists, and appearing to be in genuine distress.
Their faces may become flushed, and they might pass gas or have difficulty passing stool. Colic usually begins around 2-3 weeks of age, peaks at 6-8 weeks, and typically resolves by 3-4 months.
While the exact cause remains unknown, several theories exist, including digestive system immaturity, food allergies or intolerances, early form of childhood migraine, overstimulated senses, or an imbalance of gut bacteria.
Unlike Purple Crying, colic is considered a medical condition, though it doesn’t cause long-term harm to the baby.
Key Differences Between Purple Crying Vs Colic
While both Purple Crying and colic involve frequent crying in infants, they differ in their causes, patterns, and how they’re managed.
The table below highlights the main distinctions to help parents better understand and respond to each condition:
| ASPECT | PURPLE CRYING | COLIC |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Normal developmental phase | Medical condition |
| Diagnosis | No strict criteria | “Rule of threes” (3 hrs/day, 3 days/week, 3+ weeks) |
| Cause | Normal brain development | Possible underlying issues (e.g., gas, food sensitivities) |
| Timing | Starts ~2 weeks, peaks at 2 months, ends by 4 months | Similar timing, often more intense |
| Crying Pattern | Unpredictable, mostly in the evenings | Intense, regular, inconsolable episodes |
| Symptoms | Just crying | Crying with leg-pulling, fist-clenching, abdominal tension |
| Treatment | Education and soothing strategies | May involve medical evaluation and treatment |
Soothing Strategies That Actually Help
Crying can be overwhelming—for both babies and parents. These proven soothing techniques can offer relief, whether your baby is experiencing Purple Crying or colic.
1. Gentle Motion and Holding Techniques
Purple Crying: Rock, walk, or bounce your baby while trying different holding positions (upright, cradled, or face-down across your arm) to provide soothing movement that can calm them, even if crying continues at first.
Colic: Use positions that provide abdominal pressure, like the “colic carry” (baby face-down across your forearm) or holding the baby upright against your shoulder. Rocking chairs, vibrating seats, or baby swings may also help calm intense episodes.
2. Use of White Noise and Sound
Purple Crying: White noise machines, soft lullabies, or rhythmic shushing sounds that mimic the womb may help ease overstimulation. The key is consistency—background sound often soothes even if it doesn’t stop the crying instantly.
Colic: Colicky babies may respond to steady, low-frequency sounds like a fan or vacuum. Experiment with white noise apps or heartbeat simulators to find what works best. Avoid loud or abrupt sounds that may trigger more distress.
3. Swaddling and Skin-to-Skin Contact
Purple Crying: Swaddling creates a womb-like sense of security and can help calm a fussy baby. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the baby’s heartbeat and breathing and can reduce stress for both the baby and the caregiver.
Colic: Swaddling may help some colicky babies feel more secure, especially during crying fits. Skin-to-skin contact while holding the baby upright may relieve gas and provide emotional comfort through warmth and closeness.
4. Pacifiers and Non-Nutritive Sucking
Purple Crying: Offering a pacifier or clean finger can satisfy a baby’s natural sucking reflex, which is highly calming. It won’t always stop the crying, but it can shorten the length of crying episodes.
Colic: Non-nutritive sucking may offer brief relief. Try pacifiers designed for colicky infants or encourage sucking during upright holding, which combines comfort with a helpful position for digestion.
5. Changing the Environment
Purple Crying: A new setting—stepping outside for fresh air or moving to a quieter room—can sometimes interrupt a crying cycle. Dim lights, reduce stimulation, and maintain a peaceful environment during peak crying hours.
Colic: To reduce sensory overload, create a calm space with low lighting and minimal noise. Use blackout curtains during naps, and maintain a consistent daily routine to build a predictable environment that may reduce symptoms.
Supporting Parents Through Difficult Crying Periods
Prioritize basic self-care during intense crying periods by taking short breaks, eating well, and resting when possible.
Don’t hesitate to build a reliable support network—reach out to family, friends, or neighbors who can provide brief childcare relief. Managing your emotional response is crucial; practice deep breathing, positive self-talk, and remember that your feelings of frustration are normal.
Connect with other parents experiencing similar challenges through local groups or online communities. Professional resources, such as pediatricians, family counselors, and hotlines like the National Parent Helpline, are available when needed.
Remember, seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness, and ensures better care for both you and your baby.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Contact your pediatrician if crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced feeding or if your baby seems unusually lethargic.
Also, seek help if your baby’s crying patterns suddenly change or intensify dramatically. Your doctor will examine your baby thoroughly to rule out conditions like ear infections, urinary tract infections, or gastroesophageal reflux.
Depending on the findings, your pediatrician might recommend dietary changes, probiotics, or medications. They may also request a food diary if allergies are suspected. Tests could include blood work, stool samples, or ultrasounds in certain cases.
Trust your parental instinct—you know your baby best, and it’s always appropriate to seek medical advice when concerned.
Last Thoughts
If your baby is experiencing Purple Crying or colic, remember that both conditions are temporary chapters in your parenting days.
Most babies outgrow these intense crying phases by 3-4 months, though those months may feel endless during sleepless nights.
Looking at the bigger picture helps maintain perspective—these challenging weeks represent just a tiny fraction of your child’s life and your parenting experience. Children who experience Purple Crying or colic typically develop normally with no lasting effects.
Throughout this demanding period, prioritize your well-being alongside your baby’s comfort. Your mental and physical health directly impacts your ability to care for your child effectively.
Accept help, practice self-compassion, and remember that being a “good enough” parent during this phase is actually being an excellent one.
You will get through this, and both you and your baby will emerge stronger on the other side.
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