The PURPLE.
The PURPLE. (period) is a really helpful term for that period of time when young babies seem to be very unsettled, crying a lot but are otherwise absolutely healthy. I think it's a better term than 'colicky' because it describes what to expect.
It's a mnemonic that stands for this:
P = Peak of Crying
Typically a baby doesn't cry much for the first couple of weeks of life but then finds their voice. The PURPLE period refers to a peak of crying that happens at around 6-8 weeks of age.
U = Unexplained
This means there is no medical reason for your baby to cry. So please take your baby to your healthcare provider for a thorough review to ensure that they aren't actually unwell or in pain with something like gastroesophageal reflux.
R = Resistant to Soothing
Babies are typically very very unsettled and no matter what you may try, they just keep on crying. (See below for red flags.)
P = Pain like Face
It really looks like your baby is in pain. Their eyes may be scrunched shut, they could be grimacing, they may even go red in the face.
L = Long Lasting
It's said that the majority of babies cry for up to 3 hours a day as a means of communication. Long lasting refers to crying longer than 3 hours.
E = Evening
This crying usually happens later in the day and early evening often referred to at the "witching hours".
PERIOD
Possibly the most important part of this mnemonic is the period (.) which essentially means that it will end. It's huge relief for families to know that this period of crying usually ends by 4- 5months of age.
Red Flags if your baby is crying
Despite this being a well know and well defined period, please always be aware that situations can change and symptoms can develop may indicate more worrying things. You should watch for these and always seek urgent review if they are present:
- a change in the sound/ character of the cry e.g. higher, softer, hoarse
- a change in your baby's color - any blue/ purple discoloration especially if involving their lips or mouth
- a change in your baby's level of conciousness
- sustained abnormal breathing - too fast, laboured or noisy
- a fever >38'c
- a new rash
- sustained crying
I hope you've found this helpful and if you're worried please see you healthcare provider.